The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is involved in a study that has the potential to deepen our understanding of the very character and nature of God. As many of you know, names in the Bible are not merely labels; they reveal profound truths about who a person is. This is especially true when we consider the names of God. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through various names, each highlighting a unique aspect of His being, His power, His love, and His relationship with humanity. Over the coming sessions, we will explore some of these powerful names, such as Elohim, Jehovah, Adonai, and many others, uncovering the rich tapestry of God's self-revelation and how understanding these names can enrich our prayer lives and our walk of faith.
These are the notes to session ten.
The combination names of Jehovah reveal different facets of His character by pairing His covenant name, often translated as LORD, Yahweh or Jehovah, with words that describe specific attributes or actions. We've looked at the combination name Jehovah-Jireh a Hebrew phrase that literally means "The LORD Will Provide. We also talked about the name Jehovah Rapha, "The LORD Who Heals"' Jehovah Shalom "The LORD is Peace", Jehovah-Nissi "The LORD our Banner and Jehovah-Tsidkenu "The LORD our Banner" Jehovah-Sabaoth "The LORD of Hosts"
Today we consider Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is There)
Moses asks for God's name, God replies "I AM WHO I AM".
Exodus 3:14-15 NIV [14] God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
The very first name God reveals to us in Scripture—Elohim. This name is found in Genesis, the book of the beginning, and we discover it inthe very first verse: “In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.”
Elohim is the first name used for God in the Bible. It is used exclusively to refer to God from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:3, highlighting God as the powerful creator.
The combination names of Jehovah which we have been studying for the past few weeks reveal different facets of His character by pairing His covenant name (often translated as LORD or YHWH) with words that describe specific attributes or actions.
We've looked at the combination name Jehovah-Jireh, a Hebrew phrase that literally means "The LORD Will Provide.
Genesis 22:14 NIV So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
We also talked about the name Jehovah Rapha. Rapha: This Hebrew word means "to heal," "to restore," "to make whole," or "to mend." It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Rapha conveys the idea of restoring something to its intended state.
The name Jehovah-Rapha reveals God as one who not only heals and restores physical needs but spiritual and emotional ones too.
Exodus 15:26 NIV He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.
We studied the combination name Jehovah-Shalom.
Shalom: This Hebrew word conveys much more than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, harmony, and prosperity. It speaks of a state of perfect tranquility and flourishing in every aspect of life.
Judges 6:21-24 (NKJV)21 Then the Angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.22 Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face."23 Then the LORD said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die."24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Bold mine)
Therefore, "Jehovah Shalom" means "The LORD is Peace" or "The LORD is our Peace." It reveals that God is not only a provider of peace but is Himself the very essence of peace.
The name Jehovah Shalom appears only once in the Bible
We considered the combination name Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD Is My Banner”
Putting it Together: Jehovah Nissi signifies "The Lord is my banner." It declares that God is our standard, our rallying point, our source of strength, and the one who leads us to victory in our battles.
Exodus 17:8-16 NIV [8] The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. [9] Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” [10] So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. [11] As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. [12] When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. [13] So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. [14] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” [15] Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. [16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
Jehovah Tsidkenu "The Lord Our Righteousness." This name reveals a key aspect of God's character and His provision for humanity.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 NLT [5] “For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. [6] And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.
Let's delve into a Bible study on the name of God, Jehovah Sabaoth. This name, often translated as "The Lord of Hosts," reveals a powerful and comforting aspect of God's character. As we explore this, it aligns with our ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will. Understanding His names helps us to better understand Him and His guidance in our lives.
"Jehovah Sabaoth" (or "Yahweh Sabaoth") which appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books and Psalms. It speaks to God's supreme authority, His vast resources, and His ability to command heavenly armies and earthly powers. It's a name that brings both awe and assurance, reminding us that the God we serve is in ultimate control.
I. Understanding "Sabaoth" - Hosts or Armies
Definition: The Hebrew word "Sabaoth" (צְבָאוֹת - tsva'ot) means "armies," "hosts," or "multitudes." It can refer to:
Heavenly hosts: Angels, celestial beings, the angelic army of God.
Earthly hosts: The armies of Israel, or even the stars and creation itself as an ordered host.
Significance: When combined with "Jehovah" (the personal name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature), it emphasizes His sovereign command over all these forces. He is not merely a local deity, but the commander of all creation.
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 1:1-3, 11 NIV [1] There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. [2] He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. [3] Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord.
[11] Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
This shows that worship was directed to God in this capacity
In Psalm 24:10: Jehovah Sabaoth is equated with the King of glory, emphasizing His royal power and dominion.
Psalms 24:10 NKJV Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah
II. Jehovah Sabaoth as a Warrior and Protector
Context: Often, this name appears in times of conflict, distress, or when God's people faced overwhelming odds. It served as a reminder that their God was not passive but actively engaged in their defense.
Comfort: Knowing that the Lord of Hosts is on your side brings immense comfort and courage in the face of fear or opposition.
Scripture References:
I Samuel 17:45-47 NKJV [45] Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. [46] This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. [47] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
I. Jehovah Shammah Meaning and Significance
Jehovah Shammah (pronounced Yahweh Shammah) is a Hebrew name for God that means "The LORD is There." It appears as the name given to the holy city in Ezekiel's vision, marking the culmination of his prophecies.
Ezekiel 48:35: "The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and the name of the city from that day on will be: The LORD Is There."
This name is profoundly significant because it addresses the deep longing of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Jerusalem and the temple were in ruins, and they felt forsaken. "Jehovah Shammah" was a divine promise that God had not abandoned them and that His presence would return to dwell among His people.
II. Context in Ezekiel's Prophecy
The book of Ezekiel is filled with prophecies of judgment and restoration. God's glory had departed from the temple (Ezekiel 10-11) due to the Israelites' idolatry and rebellion.
The vision of the new city and temple in Ezekiel 40-48 signifies God's restoration of His presence among His people.
Ezekiel initial vision
Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel called to be a prophet
Ezekiel 2:7-10
Siege of Jerusalem
Ezekiel 4
Ezekiel 10:15-19: Describes the departure of the glory of the LORD from the temple.
Ezekiel 11:22-23: The glory of the LORD goes up from the city and stands over the mountain.
Ezekiel 43:1-9: Describes the return of the glory of the LORD to the new temple.
The climax of this restoration is the naming of the city "Jehovah Shammah," emphasizing that God's presence is now fully and permanently restored.
Ezekiel chapter 48 is the final chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, bringing to a close the prophet's detailed vision of a restored Israel. It focuses primarily on the detailed division of the land among the twelve tribes, the allocation of a special holy district, and the layout of the new city.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
Division of the Land for the Tribes: The chapter outlines how the land will be divided into specific portions for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This division is highly organized, running from east to west in parallel strips. Notably, the tribe of Dan, often placed last, is listed first in this ideal division, and Joseph receives two portions (for Ephraim and Manasseh). This distribution emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people and ensuring each tribe receives an inheritance.
The Holy District: A central and significant portion of the land is set apart as a "holy district." This district is divided into three main sections:
The Priests' Portion: This is a most holy area where the sanctuary (temple) will be located, specifically for the consecrated priests, the sons of Zadok, who remained faithful.
The Levites' Portion: Adjacent to the priests' portion, this area is designated for the Levites who assist in the temple service.
The City's Portion: This section is for the common use of the city, including dwellings and common land, and it is surrounded by pastureland.
The Prince's Portion: Land is also allocated to the prince on either side of the holy district, extending to the eastern and western borders.
The New City and Its Gates: The chapter concludes with a detailed description of the city. It has twelve gates, three on each of its four sides, and each gate is named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This signifies unity and access for all tribes.
The Name of the City: "The LORD Is There" (Yahweh Shammah): The most profound conclusion of the chapter, and indeed the entire book, is the new name given to the city: "The LORD Is There." This powerfully symbolizes God's perpetual presence and dwelling among His people in this restored and ideal future.
In essence, Ezekiel 48 paints a picture of perfect order, divine presence, and a restored covenant relationship, signifying God's ultimate fulfillment of His promises to Israel and His desire to dwell among His people. It's a vision of a harmonious and holy community centered around God.
III. The Omnipresence of God
While "Jehovah Shammah" specifically refers to God's manifested presence in a renewed Jerusalem, it also points to the broader truth of God's omnipresence – that He is everywhere at all times.
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Jeremiah 23:23-24: "'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the LORD, 'and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?' declares the LORD. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the LORD."
Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
IV. God's Presence in the New Testament
The promise of "Jehovah Shammah" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament:
Jesus Christ (Emmanuel - "God with us"):
Matthew 1:23: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."
Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The Holy Spirit dwelling in believers:
1 Corinthians 3:16: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
John 14:16-17: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
The New Jerusalem (Revelation): John's vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation draws heavily on Ezekiel's prophecy, portraying a future where God's dwelling is permanently with humanity.
Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'"
Revelation 22:3: "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."
V. Application for Believers
The truth of "Jehovah Shammah" offers profound comfort, hope, and challenge for us today:
Comfort in Difficult Times: Even when we feel alone or in despair, like the exiles in Babylon, God promises to be there.
Hebrews 13:5: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Guidance and Strength: His presence provides the wisdom and power we need for daily living.
Motivation for Holy Living: Since God's Spirit dwells within us, our bodies are His temple. This should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him.
Assurance of Future Hope: The ultimate fulfillment of "Jehovah Shammah" points to an eternal future where we will be in perfect communion with God.
Reflection Questions:
How does the meaning of "Jehovah Shammah" resonate with your personal experiences of God's presence in your life?
In what specific situations have you felt God's presence most strongly? How did that impact you?
Given that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, how can we better honor God with our bodies and our lives?
How does the promise of "Jehovah Shammah" give you hope for the future?
What practices can help you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence throughout your day?
How does the meaning of "Jehovah Shammah" resonate with your personal experiences of God's presence in your life?
Sample Answer: For me, "Jehovah Shammah" deeply resonates with those times when I felt completely lost or overwhelmed, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, a clear answer or a sense of peace came over me. It's in those moments that I truly sense God was there, actively involved in my situation, even when I couldn't see it before. It reminds me that His presence isn't just for big, miraculous events, but also for the quiet, subtle ways He guides and comforts us daily.
In what specific situations have you felt God's presence most strongly? How did that impact you?
Sample Answer: I've often felt God's presence most strongly during moments of intense prayer, especially when I'm pouring out my heart about a struggle. There's a distinct feeling of being heard and understood, and a subsequent calm that washes over me. It has a profound impact because it reaffirms my faith and gives me the strength to keep going, knowing I'm not facing things alone. I also feel His presence powerfully in nature, like when I'm hiking in the mountains; it just humbles me and makes me feel connected to something much bigger than myself.
Given that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, how can we better honor God with our bodies and our lives?
Sample Answer: Recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit encourages me to be more mindful of my choices. This means striving for physical health through good nutrition and exercise, not just for myself, but as a form of stewardship. It also extends to what I allow my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my hands to do, aiming for things that are pure and uplifting rather than things that would dishonor God's presence within me. Living honorably also means using my gifts and talents to serve others and spread His love, making my whole life a form of worship.
How does the promise of "Jehovah Shammah" give you hope for the future?
Sample Answer: The promise of "Jehovah Shammah" gives me immense hope because it assures me that no matter what challenges or uncertainties lie ahead, God will be there. It's a reminder that even when things feel chaotic or beyond my control, His presence is constant and sovereign. This hope isn't just for a far-off spiritual future, but also for navigating daily life, knowing that He's with me through every twist and turn, guiding me toward His ultimate plan.
What practices can help you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence throughout your day?
Sample Answer: Several practices help me cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence. Starting the day with dedicated time in prayer and reading scripture sets a foundation. Throughout the day, I try to practice "mini-prayers" – short, conscious moments of inviting God into whatever I'm doing, whether it's a difficult conversation or a simple task. I also find that taking short breaks to just be still and acknowledge His presence, even for a minute, can reset my perspective. Listening to worship music or even just being thankful for small blessings are also great ways to keep His presence at the forefront of my mind.
This study serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant deity, but the "God who is there," intimately involved in our lives, always present, and faithfully guiding us towards His perfect will.
From Ezekiel's vision of a restored Jerusalem, where God's glory returns to dwell among His people, we see a powerful promise. This wasn't just a hope for the ancient Israelites; it's a timeless declaration of God's enduring presence.
We explored how this truth extends beyond a physical location, encompassing God's omnipresence—that He is everywhere at all times. And we saw its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament: in Jesus Christ, our Immanuel, "God with us," who promised to be with us always; in the indwelling Holy Spirit, who makes our bodies His temple; and in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, where God's dwelling will be permanently with humanity.
The name "Jehovah Shammah" serves as a constant reminder that we are never alone. In our joys and our sorrows, our triumphs and our trials, God is there. His presence brings comfort, guidance, strength, and a clear call to live in a way that honors the One who dwells within us. This is a continuous process of aligning our priorities with God's will, requiring regular self-reflection and openness to His guidance, just as we discussed.
May the truth of Jehovah Shammah deepen your faith and empower you to live each day with the joyful assurance that The LORD is always there.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment