The Meaning of Jireh
Jireh is a Hebrew word derived from a verb meaning ‘to see.’ It is first found in the Bible in Genesis 22:14, and is translated as ‘the Lord will provide.’ In the context of the Bible story, Abraham was instructed by God to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. To Abraham’s surprise, God provided a ram to replace Isaac in the offering.
According to Christian tradition, when God supplied the ram in place of Isaac, He showed His provision and care for His children. This is a core principle of what Jireh means in the Bible. The term ‘Jireh’ is often used to refer to the divine, often miraculous, provision of God.
God’s Provision Is Abundant
The word jireh often brings to mind supernatural provision in seemingly impossible situations. In all circumstances, however, God’s love for His people is ultimately expressed through committing Himself to provide for us. The author of Psalm 107 said, “…Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man.” God’s awesome power in providing for His people was made known in Exodus 3:17-18, where He promised to give the Israelites meat, bread, and clothing.
God’s provision is always abundant and it is constantly available. In Psalm 23:5, David said, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” A cup symbolizes abundance and by using this metaphor, David expressed that God’s provision was not only enough but it was beyond what was needed or expected.
Jesus Is God’s Jireh
The ultimate expression of Jireh is found in the person of Jesus. The book of Revelation talks about Jesus as the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins (Revelation 5:12) and who is the opinion of the world and all creation (Colossians 1:16-17). In Christ, God provides us with forgiveness of sins, ongoing access to His presence and salvation from death. Jesus himself said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
Jireh Is A Core Biblical Principle
Jireh is a core biblical principle and an example of God’s abundant grace and loving mercy. In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the Romans, “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). God not only provides for physical needs but, when we turn to Him in faith, He supplies all of our spiritual needs as well.
The story of Jireh is an encouragement and reminder that our God is able, faithful, and willing to take care of us. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Focusing On God’s Provision
God calls us to live a life that focuses on His provision. The Lord’s prayer begins with the acknowledgement of God’s provision, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:9-10).
In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites, “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” When we focus on God’s provision and His Word, our faith will grow and we will find Him to be a refuge in times of trouble.
Seeking God’s Provision
God’s provision is never in question. He is faithful and He is good, and He will always provide what is necessary for us. James 4:2-3 says, “You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” God desires to provide us with all that our hearts desire, and wants us to come to Him in faith and ask for His provision.
God’s provision is not only for our physical needs, but it is also for spiritual renewal. God desires to give His children a fresh perspective and more of His mercy and grace in daily life. In Jeremiah 29:13, the prophet said, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Our lives are blessed when we seek God with all of our hearts and trust in His provision.
Demonstrating God’s Provision
Living a life of Jireh is an expression of trust and faith in the character of God and in His ability to provide for all of our needs. When we obey the call to live a life of Jireh, it is a demonstration of our faith in God and His provision. There is no greater witness to the character of God than one who trusts Him completely and believes Him to be faithful.
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul said, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” As believers, our goal should not be to seek what God can do for us, but to seek the glory of God and live in such a way that demonstrates His provision and faithfulness.
Living in Freedom and Joy
Living a life of true freedom and joy begins by believing in the faithfulness of God to provide for all of our needs. In Psalm 34:8, David said, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
God has promised us provision, not only in terms of food and physical needs, but also in terms of love and joy. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” When we believe in God’s promise of provision, we can rest in the assurance that He will provide all that we need.
Expressing Gratitude
Living a life of gratitude is one way to express our appreciation for God’s provision. In Psalm 118:1 we are reminded, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” No matter our circumstances, we can be thankful for the good gifts of God and express our gratitude to Him.
The Bible is full of examples of faithful believers who trusted in God’s provision and gave Him thanks in all things. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it says that, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we live with an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude for all of God’s provision, we can experience a life of joy and freedom.
Living a Life Of Faith
Living a life of Jireh is a life of faith. In Hebrews 11:1, it says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” When we trust in God and His provision, we can experience hope and assurance in all of our circumstances.
In Deuteronomy 3:2, Moses said to the people of Israel, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is a reminder that God is with us in all of life’s journeys, and that He will provide for us and protect us in times of distress.
Finally, in Romans 10:17 it says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This verse teaches us that true faith comes from hearing and believing the Word of God. When we spend time in the Scriptures and seek God’s provision, we can experience the peace and provision that comes from trusting in God’s provision.
