adam rhodes pblk15q0gou unsplash

Jehovah-Jireh

Genesis 22:14 (ESV) — So Abraham called the name of that place, The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”

 

Names matter. They have meaning and purpose associated with them. We name stadiums, museums, parks, and streets. We love to name things. The best names are the ones charged with meaning, history, and purpose. 

 

Our passage today reveals to us one of the names of God. The names of God are important, have purpose and meaning, and reveal something to us about His nature. This text comes from the story of Abraham walking Isaac up the mountain to be sacrificed. We read as Abraham walks his promised son up the mountain, Isaac doesn’t know what is happening. He asks questions that undoubtedly cause Abraham to cringe and fill with dread. But Abraham takes each step with faith, trusting that the God commanding him to do this act will be faithful. 

 

As Abraham is about to bring the knife down on his son, an angel of the LORD stops him. Before Isaac becomes a sacrifice, the LORD intervenes, and Abraham is told he passed the test of faithfulness that God was putting him through. Just then, as Abraham and Isaac are there, a ram gets his horns caught in a thicket. The ram becomes a sacrifice before the LORD. Abraham and Isaac understand that ram to be sent by God as a sacrifice. 


They commemorate this provision by naming the place. They name it “Jehovah-Jireh” — the LORD will provide. The place is named after God. Jehovah-Jireh is one of the names of the LORD. He is the provider. He is the One who gives to His children everything they need, when they need it. Abraham knew and believed this. It is why he was willing to walk his son up the mountain. He knew the LORD was Jehovah-Jireh. The LORD would provide a sacrifice for the offering. But if He didn’t, and Isaac was to be the sacrifice, then God would raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). He knew the LORD would provide. 

 

Do you walk with that kind of faith and trust in the LORD? He is Jehovah-Jireh to you too.


Reflection & Journal: 

- Why are names important? Why do we take care to name so many things in our society?

- What do the names of God reveal about Him? 

- How does the name Jehovah-Jireh speak to you today? How has He provided for you? 


Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!