Yahweh-Yireh, Jehovah-Jireh, The LORD Will Provide

Studying the Names of God with Yolanda at Joy Comes in the Morning from the book LORD, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur. I am also studying from the book Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler.

Whenever the Name Yahweh (LORD) is compounded with another another name it gives us insight into the very essence of God's character. The Name Yahweh-Yireh means The LORD will Provide. Yireh is derived from the word rach which means "to see". Because God sees the past, present, and future, He is able to know beforehand what our needs are and therefore make provision for all that we need. I found it interesting to learn that the English word for provision is made up of two Latin words that mean "to see beforehand".

Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:10-14 (NIV)

The first use of this Name is in Genesis 22:14. Kay makes the connection between this account in Genesis 22:1-14 with the sacrifice that God made of His only beloved Son for our sins. God had told Abraham to go to Moriah to sacrifice his son. This is very near the place where Jesus was crucified. Abraham placed the wood for the fire on his son's back to carry to the alter. Jesus carried His cross to the place where His sacrifice took place. In both instances Yahweh-Yireh provided salvation. In the first instance He provided a substitute sacrifice, in the second instance He provided His own Son as the final sacrifice. Abraham's son was spared, Yahweh's Son was not.

...and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:16-18 (NIV)

From Genesis 22:16-18 we see that it was because of Abraham's obedience to Yahweh that he received Yahweh's provision. In order for Abraham's descendants to be as numerous as the sands on the seashore, there had to be one grain in place. That one grain was the very thing that Yahweh asked of Abraham. Even though it made no sense at all, Abraham trusted Yahweh enough to relinquish that one grain. The only visible hope of the promise being fulfilled. It was his trust revealed in his obedience that brought the provision.

What does the Name Yahew-Yireh speak to my heart?
Yahweh looks ahead and prepares His provision for my needs, but He is not obligated to provide. He expects my obedience, for obedience is the means by which my trust in Him (Faith) is revealed. My part is not to worry about whether or not God will keep His part. My part is to trust and obey.


Oh Yahweh-Yireh, please help me to walk in absolute trust and obedience to you. In Jesus Name ~ Amen

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:5

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. Exodus 19:5

What does the Name Yahew-Yireh speak to your heart?










"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou