15 September 2024

JEHOVAH JIREH – THE LORD WHO PROVIDES

(The Names Of God: TNOG 7)

The Name “Jehovah Jireh” first appears in Genesis 22:14 in the testing of Abraham on Mount Moriah when he was commanded by Yahweh to offer up his only son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. This was the “miracle” son of his old age (at 100 years old!) on whom all his hopes of succeeding generations rested, when God said: “Look at the sky and count the stars - if indeed you can count them: so shall your offspring be” (Gen.15:5).

Just as Abraham was about to plunge his knife into Isaac to kill the “sacrifice” God stopped him. The LORD said to him, “Do not lay a hand on the boy. …Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son” (Gen.22:12). Just then, “a ram was caught in the thicket by its horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son” (v.13). It was a timely provision! “Abraham called the name of the place, “Jehovah Jireh—the LORD will provide”, as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD, it will be provided” (v.14).

The Name, “Jehovah Jireh” in literal Hebrew means, “The LORD will see to it”. When young Isaac asked “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” his father answered, “God will provide for Himself the lamb” (v.8). It was spoken in faith, “God will see to it to provide for Himself the lamb”. This is a very important truth and principle we must learn in our life, especially in relation to obeying the will and command of God in difficult situations.

Many Christians use this Name flippantly, without knowing the real significance of this sacred Name of God. It holds true and God will be Jehovah Jireh in our times of need only because of the following conditions:

1. When we hear the instruction of God and by faith obey Him. Abraham heard God’s command and obeyed, even though it would have broken his heart to take Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice him on the altar.

2. When we fear God above all else. This is seen in our absolute obedience even though all may seem lost. God said to Abraham, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son” (v.12). God did not tell him, “Now I know you love God more than you love your son”. Many Christians “love” God but they do not fear Him; that is why they still live in disobedience!

3. When we climb the mountain willingly as God commands us, like Abraham! It was a long and difficult climb, as his heart was heavy with the thought of having to sacrifice Isaac. In obedience and doing God’s will, sometimes the road may seem long and tedious, like climbing up a mountain. So be it. Notice the words,“On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (22:14). God will enable us to obey Him and provide the necessary resources to serve Him; for He is Jehovah Jireh. HALLELUJAH!

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