What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Jireh? Add biblical referencesThe name Jehovah-Jireh means “The Lord Will Provide”. It is one of the names of God in the Bible that highlights His nature as a provider for His people. The name is first mentioned in Genesis 22:14 during the story of Abraham and Isaac.
Origin of Jehovah-Jireh
In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham obeys, showing his trust in God’s provision and plan. Just as Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, an angel of the Lord intervenes, and Abraham finds a ram caught in a thicket to offer as a substitute for Isaac. Moved by God’s provision, Abraham names the place “Jehovah-Jireh”, meaning “The Lord Will Provide.”
Key Verse:
Genesis 22:14 (KJV):
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.”
In the Hebrew language, “Jehovah” means “The Existing One” or “The Eternal God,” while “Jireh” comes from the root word “ra’ah”, meaning “to see” or “to provide.” It conveys the idea that God sees the needs of His people and provides for them.
Implications of Jehovah-Jireh
- God provides according to His will and timing: Just as God provided the ram for Abraham, He provides for His people in ways that align with His plans.
- God sees and knows our needs: Even before we ask, God sees what we require and provides according to His wisdom (Matthew 6:8).
- Ultimate provision in Jesus Christ: Jehovah-Jireh points to God’s ultimate provision of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as a ram was provided as a substitute for Isaac, Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16).
Supporting Scriptures
- Philippians 4:19 (NIV):
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” - Matthew 6:31-32 (NIV):
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
Romans 8:32 (NIV):
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Summary
When God is called Jehovah-Jireh, it is a declaration of trust in Him as the one who sees and provides for our every need. This name reassures believers that God’s provision is perfect and timely, ultimately fulfilled through Christ.