Read Ezekiel 48:1-35
Ezekiel’s vision concludes with more details about the Holy City and the surrounding lands. This city was to be called “Yahweh Shammah” which is Hebrew for “the LORD is there.” God’s chosen people are again singled out as the twelve tribes made up of Jacob’s sons. After all that has taken place, the wars, the idol worship, the exile, God still envisions he will be with his people.
While there are many specifics set forth in this vision, this prophecy remains unfulfilled. I wonder why the land wasn’t restored as Ezekiel was shown when the returnees were freed from exile. Ezra and Nehemiah led the way and yet the details of this vision were not used in their reconstruction projects of the temple and wall of protection. Why?
Did Ezekiel’s prophecy not get written down until years after the people returned? This final vision began back in Chapter 40, during the twenty-fifth year of captivity. Ezekiel had been told at the beginning he would return to the people of Israel and tell them everything he had seen.
We can reflect back on the last eight chapters and realize Ezekiel saw a lot as the LORD took hold of him. It may have taken Ezekiel years to recall it all and share it with his fellow countrymen. The Israelites’ time in exile would end up being seventy years, forty-five years after Ezekiel received this vision.
The Book of Ezekiel as a whole has displayed God as holy and sovereign. While God had been despised and ignored by his people leading up to their punishment in exile, God still loved them. It was always his intention to be in relationship with his children. It would take many years for them to realize how much God loved them.
The book ends with a new temple, a new city, and a new land full of promise. For those stuck in exile, having God’s vision would give the people something to hold on to. For those far from God, the message would have time to percolate and help draw them back to trust again in God. The seventy years of captivity would cleanse and ready the people for their future of hope.
How did the book of Ezekiel speak to you? Did you gain a clearer picture of the holiness of God and his desires for your life?
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you for how you love me and provide for me. Forgive me when I get caught up in the details and want to fix everything my way. Help me to trust you and always seek you. I know in my heart all your promises are true. You want only the best for your children. I am honored to be held securely in your arms. Refresh me and renew my spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
