The Bible attributes many beautiful names to Yahweh and each one tells us a little more about His character or person. I’m sure you’ll recognise a few of them. For example, Yahweh-Rohi means ‘Yahweh is my Shepherd’, Yahweh-Shalom, ‘Yahweh is peace’, Yahweh-Rapha, ‘Yahweh my Healer’.
As a climax to his ministry, Ezekiel was given visions of a magnificent new temple and a glorious new city. As a result, his final word to Israel was, “…and the name of the city…will be: Yahweh Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35, Holman Christian Standard Bible). In Hebrew this would be ‘Yahweh Shammah’, an engaging, thought-provoking name. What can we learn about the character of Yahweh from this name, which, intriguingly, only appears in Ezekiel?
Earlier in his ministry Ezekiel had received a stern word from Yahweh for the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau. They’d treated His people badly and Yahweh was angry (Ezekiel 35:1-15). Among their transgressions was their jealousy over the land He had given to Israel and their burning desire to possess it. There came a day when Yahweh punished the Israelites for their continual rebellion against Him by allowing them to be conquered by the Babylonians. Thousands of them were carried away into captivity. With the land virtually abandoned, the Edomites must have counted on an easy conquest. Yahweh was furious about their assumption that, “These two nations and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them” for they had overlooked one important fact - He was there (v10)! The majority of Israel may have been in exile, but Yahweh was still there! He never abandons His people or His purposes! An incredible picture, and a wonderful lesson!
As we enter a new year, let’s be encouraged by the sure knowledge that Yahweh is there! He goes before us yet walks beside us. Nothing takes Him by surprise and He is steadily, faithfully in control. He knows the end from the beginning and will guard, guide and protect us. Whatever we may be called upon to face He already controls for Yahweh is there! It’s in His nature, part of who He is: Yahweh Shammah!
Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash
https://unsplash.com/photos/a-happy-new-years-card-on-top-of-a-pine-tree-pTfOKdj8whk
The Test Of LoveWe look at our lives through a spiritual lens now, as we see how our actions as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, friends and coaches, workers and employers relate to [Yahweh's] will.
Timothy Peck
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