Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Jireh

Jehovah-Jireh—“the Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Jehovah-jireh is one of many names compounded with Jehovah. Most of these compound names of God arise out of some historic incident, and portray Jehovah in some aspect of His character as meeting human need. The Hebrew root of the word jireh means “to have regard for the one seen, to see to their every need with provision and care. Jehovah-jireh is the Lord who provides. The name Jehovah-jireh was first used by Abraham in memorial to his mountain top experience of testing. After Abraham and Sarah had received their promised son, Isaac, God sent Abraham to Moriah to offer the lad as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed without question, believing the promise of God that this very son would still become a great nation in spite of His request. Once Isaac and his father arrived at the alter site, Abraham built an altar. Prior to their arrival, Isaac has seen the wood and fire; he inquired about the missing lamb needed for the offering. His father gave this answer: “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). He then arranged the wood, bound his son, and placed him on top of the wood. As he picked up the knife to slay Isaac, the angel of the Lord interceded, telling Abraham not to harm the boy. Looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. God had provided! Abraham gladly made the substitution and sacrificed the ram instead of his son. That day father and son both saw the provision of God. Genesis 22:14 says “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.” We worship the same God that Abraham did, and He is just as willing to provide for our needs today. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

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