The name “God who is near” comes in a statement from God about dealing with sinful prophets in the nation. Perhaps people were concerned that the prophets were escaping punishment for too long, that God did not see them. So He asked a rhetorical question to make them think: “Am I only a God who is near and not able to see and act in things far away?” Both are true.
God who is near in the Hebrew text of Jeremiah 23:23.
God who is near in Hebrew:
’Elohei miqqarov
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 7138
Bible reference: Jer. 23:23
“Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord,
“And not a God far off?
Can a man hide himself in hiding places
So I do not see him?” declares the Lord.
“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
Alternative names in this verse are God nearby (NIV) and God at hand (KJV).
