JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH
Ezekiel 48:29-35
Jehovah-Shammah is found in the last verse of the book of Ezekiel Ezek. 48:35. Israel was at its lowest point in history, both spiritually and nationally. Its strength and glory were gone; the temple had been destroyed. It appeared Israel was delivered from bondage in Egypt only to go into another bondage in Babylon.
Ezekiel prophesied that God would deal harshly with the people. Throughout this time we find the declaration that God has acted for the sake of His name. God is holy and therefore cannot permit unholy living among His people. The uniqueness and glory of Israel’s religion as contrasted with the religions of the surrounding nations has always been the presence of the Holy God dwelling in their midst. Read Exo. 33:13-16 concerning the presence of the Lord. This distinctive characteristic of the people of God is that He is personally present with them.
But now Ezekiel, who prophesied twenty five years earlier that Jerusalem would be destroyed and torn down now brings the Prophecy of hope and consolation which predicts the restoration of the land. And the pledge of all this is the name Jehovah-Shammah, the LORD is there. The name Jehovah-Shammah is a reminder in our darkest hour that God is with us. When you are feeling abandoned and hopeless, address Him as Jehovah-Shammah.
And now fast forward to the New Testament to see Jehovah-Shammah. The New Testament begins with the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus Christ. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated “God with us” Matt. 1:23. Incredible isn’t it? Near the end of the Old Testament we have a prophecy of God’s abiding presence. At the beginning of the New Testament we have wonderful promise that in Jesus we can know God’s abiding presence. This Immanuel is Jehovah-Shammah! He is ever present, and no matter what you may be going through, He is always there with you and you are not alone.
Prayer: O Lord, I covet your presence more the ever before, do not leave me nor forsake me.
