Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: The term "Jehovahshammah" is a compound Hebrew word meaning "The LORD is there." It is derived from the Hebrew words "YHWH" (Jehovah or Yahweh), the personal name of God, and "shammah," meaning "there." This name of God signifies His presence and is a profound declaration of His promise to dwell among His people. Biblical Reference: The name "Jehovahshammah" appears in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel. It is found in the final verse of Ezekiel 48, which describes the vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. The prophet Ezekiel, in his vision of the new temple and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, concludes with the declaration: "And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD is there" (Ezekiel 48:35). Context in Ezekiel: Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a time of great despair and longing for the Israelites. The vision of the new temple and the city serves as a message of hope and restoration. The declaration of the city's name as "Jehovahshammah" underscores the promise of God's enduring presence with His people, despite their past unfaithfulness and the destruction they had witnessed. Theological Significance: The name "Jehovahshammah" encapsulates the essence of God's covenant relationship with Israel. It emphasizes His faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. This divine presence is not limited to a physical location but extends to the spiritual reality of God's nearness to those who seek Him. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of God's presence is a recurring theme. From the Garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve, to the tabernacle and temple where His glory dwelt, God's desire to be with His people is evident. The ultimate fulfillment of "Jehovahshammah" is seen in the New Testament with the incarnation of Jesus Christ, referred to as "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Application for Believers: For Christians, "Jehovahshammah" serves as a reminder of God's constant presence in their lives. It assures believers that God is with them in every circumstance, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. This name of God encourages a life of faith and trust, knowing that the Lord is ever-present and actively involved in the lives of His people. Eschatological Hope: The prophetic vision of "Jehovahshammah" also points to the eschatological hope of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21. In this ultimate fulfillment, God's presence will be fully realized among His people, as He will dwell with them in a renewed creation: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God'" (Revelation 21:3). Conclusion: The name "Jehovahshammah" is a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people. It is a declaration of His presence, both in the historical context of Israel's restoration and in the spiritual reality experienced by believers today. Through this name, God assures His people of His eternal presence and the hope of a future where He will dwell among them forever. Easton's Bible Dictionary Jehovah is there, the symbolical title given by Ezekiel to Jerusalem, which was seen by him in vision (Ezek. 48:35). It was a type of the gospel Church. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEHOVAH-SHAMMAHje-ho'-va sham'-a (yahweh shammah, "Yahweh is there"): The name to be given to the new Jerusalem, restored and glorified, as seen in the vision of Ezekiel (48:35 margin; compare Revelation 21:3). Yahweh returns to the temple which He had forsaken, and from that time forward the fact of supreme importance is that He is there, dwelling in the midst of His people. Thesaurus Jehovahshammah/j/jehovahshammah.htm - 7k Jehovah-shammah Jehovah-shalom (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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