Timothy Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. S. Army

I would say that, by giving this name to the city, God was expressing His promise to dwell among His people after their return from the exile to which He had subjected them. 

Such a presence of God would recall previous occasions of His interaction with humanity, such as when He was present in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8), or when He promised to dwell in the sanctuary that they would make for Him (Exodus 25:8) and (later) the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11).

It also foreshadows its ultimate future and complete fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with the redeemed eternally (Revelation 21:3).

September 16 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that the name of the city is ‘The Lord is There’ in Ezekiel 48:35? 

Those words recorded at Ezekiel 48:35 are the final words of Ezekiel’s prophecy: 

Round about eighteen thousand. And the name of the city from the day of Yahweh shall [continue to] be the name thereof. [Rotherham Bible]

This name provides assurance that this is a city where the presence of Yahweh is felt. By showing Ezekiel this centrally located city,Yahweh, in effect, told the exiles: ‘I will be with you again!’

What does the city in Ezekiel’s vision represent? 

"Jehovah-Shammah” is situated in “profane” land, indicating that it must represent something earthly. The city seems to represent the earthly administration that benefits those who will make up the righteous “new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13) Having gates on each side illustrates its openness. The overseers among God’s people are to be approachable.

While ancient cities had walls for protection with as few gates as possible, this city has 12 gates! (Ezek. 48:30-34) This large number of gates (three on each side of the square city) illustrates that the administrators of this city are approachable and available to all of God’s servants. Further, the city’s having 12 gates emphasizes that it is open to everyone, “all the house of Israel.” (Ezek. 45:6) 

The visionary city is depicted as foursquare (4,500 long cubits to a side [2,331 m; 7,650 ft]) and as having 12 gates, each bearing the name of one of the tribes of Israel. (Eze 48:15, 16, 31-34) The visionary city of Ezekiel’s prophecy is to belong to “all the house of Israel.” (Eze 45:6) The name [Yahweh] Jehovah-Shammah, or “Jehovah Himself Is There,” would signify a representational presence of God like that expressed in other texts, such as Psalm 46:5; 132:13, 14; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 3:21; and Zechariah 2:10, 11, where Jehovah, whom ‘the heaven of the heavens cannot contain,’ is spoken of as though residing in an earthly city or place.​—1Ki 8:27;

This city will not exist to give men power or influence; nor will it be there to enforce any human’s will. It is Jehovah’s city, ever reflecting his mind and his loving, reasonable ways. (James 3:17) This gives us heartwarming assurance that Jehovah will bless his structured “new earth” society of mankind on into an indefinitely lasting future.​—2 Peter 3:13.

And enthroned in his heavenly sanctuary, God will bless the symbolic city beheld by Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 48:35.) That earthly seat of administration will be named Jehovah-Shammah, or “Jehovah Himself Is There.” What a blessing that will be for future mankind.

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