Ezekiel 48:11
“All that are about the city shall be eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.”
This verse is part of the prophecy given by the prophet Ezekiel regarding the future restoration of the land of Israel and the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In Ezekiel 48, the prophet describes the apportionment of the land among the tribes and provides details about the dimensions and portions allotted to each tribe.
In verse 11, Ezekiel specifically addresses the area surrounding the city. It states that the measurement of the area around the city will be 18,000 measures. The nature of these “measures” is not precisely defined in the text, so there is some uncertainty about their exact meaning. Some interpretations suggest that these “measures” refer to cubits, a unit of measurement used in the ancient Near East.
The second part of the verse reveals the significance of the city and gives it a new name. It declares that from that day forward, the name of the city shall be “The LORD is there.” This name highlights the presence of the Lord in the city, emphasizing His divine presence and authority.
The name “The LORD is there” carries spiritual and symbolic meaning. It represents the restoration and favour of God upon His people. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, the prophet emphasises the divine presence departing from Jerusalem due to the people’s disobedience and idolatry. However, in this prophecy, Ezekiel envisions a future time when God’s presence will return to dwell among His people.
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His promise to be with His people. It speaks of a future time when God’s presence will be central and significant in the restored city. It signifies a state of blessedness, divine protection, and communion with God.
Overall, Ezekiel 48:11 portrays a vision of hope and restoration, assuring the people of Israel that God will once again dwell in their midst and bless them abundantly. It reminds us of the importance of God’s presence in our lives and the ultimate fulfilment of His promises.
