Ezekiel 48:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 48:35
35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 48 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, covenant. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 48:35
35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Analysis
The book's final verse: 'It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.' The climax isn't architectural details or tribal allotments but God's presence. The Hebrew name 'Yahweh Shammah' (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה, 'the LORD is there') declares the city's defining reality—God dwells there. This contrasts with Jerusalem's earlier name 'Ichabod' ('the glory has departed,' 1 Samuel 4:21). The promise 'from that day' (miyom, מִיּוֹם) indicates a decisive moment when God's presence becomes permanently manifest. This is the goal of all redemptive history—God dwelling with humanity. The name fulfills promises throughout Ezekiel of God's returning presence (37:27, 43:7) and anticipates Revelation 21:3: 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.'
Historical Context
Ezekiel's prophecy began with vision of God's glory by the Chebar canal in exile (1:1-3) and ends with promise of God's permanent presence in restored Jerusalem. The book traces glory's departure (chapters 8-11), judgment on Jerusalem (chapters 4-24), judgment on nations (chapters 25-32), and restoration promises (chapters 33-48). The final vision (chapters 40-48) describes a temple and city where God dwells forever. While some details found partial fulfillment in the post-exilic return and temple rebuilding, the complete fulfillment transcends any historical Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is the ultimate temple—'destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19-21). The church becomes God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), and the New Jerusalem represents eternal, unmediated divine presence (Revelation 21-22).
Reflection
- How does 'the LORD is there' as the ultimate goal of redemption shape your priorities and hopes?
- In what ways do you experience the reality that the Lord is present with you now through Christ and the Spirit?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 14:32, 24:23, Jeremiah 3:17, 33:16, Joel 3:21, Zechariah 2:10
- Parallel theme: Psalms 132:14, Isaiah 12:6, Revelation 21:3, 22:3