“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh” (Genesis 22:14a).

Of all the names of God found in Scripture, this is surely one of my favorites! “Jehovah-Jireh” means “the LORD will provide.” God revealed Himself by that name way back in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. It is found in Genesis 22, the account of Abraham and Isaac climbing a mountain in the land of Moriah, where Isaac was to be laid on an altar as a sacrifice to God. As they climbed to the top of the mountain, Isaac questioned where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham replied, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb…” (Genesis 22:8a). After they had reached the top and Isaac was bound and placed on the altar, God provided a ram caught in a thicket which Abraham offered up in the place of his son (see Genesis 22:1-14). After the sacrifice was complete, Abraham named that place “Jehovah-Jireh,” “the LORD will provide.”

YHWH in Hebrew speaks of Jehovah, the LORD. “Jireh” translates into “provide” which is made up of two Latin words – “pro” meaning “before” and “video” meaning “to see.” So it means that God sees in advance or before the need is known. God is preparing an answer before we even know what the need is! Hallelujah!

Of course, the greatest need we have is for a Savior, and many centuries after Abraham, a similar event took place when the Father offered up His only begotten Son as the ultimate Sacrifice for our sins (see John 3:16). But this time no ram was caught in a nearby thicket; no angel held back the knife. God provided the ultimate Sacrifice for us in the Person of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you received Him as your personal Savior?

If you have, then you understand that God has not only provided for our spiritual need, but that He provides our temporal needs, as well (see Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:19). The truth of the matter is, we are often taken by surprise in the circumstances and situations of life, but God never is. He sees before and knows in advance all that is going to happen, and He has the provision ready for us just when we need it most. God is truly “Jehovah-Jireh.”

“Though troubles assail and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail and foes all unite;
Yet one thing secures us whatever betide,
The Scripture assures us, the Lord will provide.

“His call we obey like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers we have a good Guide,
And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide.” – John Newton