Ezekiel 48:35 - “It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘Yahweh is there.’
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What does "Ezekiel 48:35" mean?
Ezekiel 48:35 is the concluding verse of the entire book of Ezekiel, and it's packed with symbolic significance, relating to the restored and ideal Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around..."
Reeds: In the context of measurement, reeds likely refer to a unit of length. A reed was typically about six cubits (a cubit being roughly 18 inches). This verse specifies the total circumference of the city.
Eighteen thousand reeds: This number (18,000) is not to be taken as a literal measurement for the city's size. Rather, it symbolizes completeness, perfection, and abundance in the context of the restored land. This is the length of the entire perimeter of the city and represents the completeness of God’s presence around the city.
"...and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘Yahweh is there.’"
"Yahweh is there" (Hebrew: Yahweh Shammah): This is the key to understanding the verse and the book. The new name isn't just a label, but a statement of the city's very essence.
Immanuel: Yahweh Shammah is reminiscent of the name Immanuel, meaning "God with us", mentioned in Isaiah 7:14.
God's Presence: This signifies that the restored Jerusalem is defined not by its physical attributes or its political power, but by the abiding presence of God within it. It’s a city where God dwells in perfect harmony with His people. God’s presence is the ultimate security, blessing, and glory of the city.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation:
Restoration and Hope: Ezekiel's prophecies (especially chapters 40-48) are largely about the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. This verse represents the culmination of that hope, a vision of a new Jerusalem where God's presence is the defining characteristic.
Symbolic City: While some interpretations might lean towards a literal rebuilding, most scholars view this vision as primarily symbolic. The city represents the people of God, both in the Old Testament and, through fulfillment in the New Testament, the Church. It is not necessarily referring to a physical restoration of Jerusalem, but rather to a restored relationship with God.
God's Dwelling Place: The name Yahweh Shammah indicates that God’s presence is the defining characteristic of this restored community. The main focus is on God's manifested glory and the blessings that flow from being in His presence.
New Covenant Fulfillment: In a Christian context, this verse points to the fulfillment of God's promises in the New Covenant. The Church, as the body of Christ, is the new temple and the dwelling place of God's Spirit. The ultimate fulfillment will be in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21, where God dwells fully with His people.
In Conclusion:
Ezekiel 48:35 is a powerful statement of hope and restoration. It emphasizes that the most important aspect of any city, nation, or community is the presence of God. The restored Jerusalem is not just a physical place, but a spiritual reality where God dwells with His people, bringing blessing and security. The size and completeness of the city symbolizes how encompassing God’s presence is, and Yahweh Shammah encapsulates the very essence of that reality.
Ezekiel 48:35 - “It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘Yahweh is there.’
What does "Ezekiel 48:35" mean?
Ezekiel 48:35 is the concluding verse of the entire book of Ezekiel, and it's packed with symbolic significance, relating to the restored and ideal Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around..."
Reeds: In the context of measurement, reeds likely refer to a unit of length. A reed was typically about six cubits (a cubit being roughly 18 inches). This verse specifies the total circumference of the city.
Eighteen thousand reeds: This number (18,000) is not to be taken as a literal measurement for the city's size. Rather, it symbolizes completeness, perfection, and abundance in the context of the restored land. This is the length of the entire perimeter of the city and represents the completeness of God’s presence around the city.
"...and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘Yahweh is there.’"
"Yahweh is there" (Hebrew: Yahweh Shammah): This is the key to understanding the verse and the book. The new name isn't just a label, but a statement of the city's very essence.
Immanuel: Yahweh Shammah is reminiscent of the name Immanuel, meaning "God with us", mentioned in Isaiah 7:14.
God's Presence: This signifies that the restored Jerusalem is defined not by its physical attributes or its political power, but by the abiding presence of God within it. It’s a city where God dwells in perfect harmony with His people. God’s presence is the ultimate security, blessing, and glory of the city.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation:
Restoration and Hope: Ezekiel's prophecies (especially chapters 40-48) are largely about the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. This verse represents the culmination of that hope, a vision of a new Jerusalem where God's presence is the defining characteristic.
Symbolic City: While some interpretations might lean towards a literal rebuilding, most scholars view this vision as primarily symbolic. The city represents the people of God, both in the Old Testament and, through fulfillment in the New Testament, the Church. It is not necessarily referring to a physical restoration of Jerusalem, but rather to a restored relationship with God.
God's Dwelling Place: The name Yahweh Shammah indicates that God’s presence is the defining characteristic of this restored community. The main focus is on God's manifested glory and the blessings that flow from being in His presence.
New Covenant Fulfillment: In a Christian context, this verse points to the fulfillment of God's promises in the New Covenant. The Church, as the body of Christ, is the new temple and the dwelling place of God's Spirit. The ultimate fulfillment will be in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21, where God dwells fully with His people.
In Conclusion:
Ezekiel 48:35 is a powerful statement of hope and restoration. It emphasizes that the most important aspect of any city, nation, or community is the presence of God. The restored Jerusalem is not just a physical place, but a spiritual reality where God dwells with His people, bringing blessing and security. The size and completeness of the city symbolizes how encompassing God’s presence is, and Yahweh Shammah encapsulates the very essence of that reality.