1330 God, the provider

God supplies the needs of all creation, but gives special care to his own people.

God is called “The Lord who provides”

Ge 22:13-14 The name “Yahweh Yireh” (or “Jehovah Jireh”) is from the verb “to see”, and means “The Lord foresees” or “The Lord will see to it”. See also Ge 22:8

God provides for the needs of all creation

He provides for the earth Ps 65:9-13 See also Dt 11:12,14-15; Ps 68:9; Ps 104:10-18; Ps 135:7; Ps 147:8; Eze 34:26-29

He provides for the animals Ps 145:16 See also Job 38:41; Ps 104:27-28; Ps 147:9; Mt 6:26 pp Lk 12:24

He provides for all people Ac 14:17 See also 1Ch 29:12; Ps 68:5; Ps 107:9; Mt 5:45; Ac 17:28

He provides for the poor and needy Ps 140:12 See also 1Sa 2:8; Ps 35:10; Ps 145:13-14; Ps 146:7-9; Isa 25:4

Special instances of God’s practical provision

God’s special provision for his own people

He provides for their practical needs Php 4:19 See also Dt 2:7; Ps 68:10; Ps 111:5; Mt 6:25-33 pp Lk 12:22-31

He provides for their protection Ps 5:12 See also Ge 28:15; Dt 33:27; 1Sa 2:9; Ps 91:9-13; Ps 121:3-8; Isa 46:4; Php 4:7; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 24; Rev 3:10

He provides for their every need 2Pe 1:3 See also 1Co 3:21-23; Col 2:10

Examples of God’s provision for his people 2Sa 7:10 pp 1Ch 17:9 security in the promised land; Isa 61:3 consolation in grief; Jer 33:6-9 restoration from captivity; 1Co 10:13 a way of escape from temptation

Implications of God’s providential care

Freedom from worry Mt 6:31-33 pp Lk 12:29-31

Generosity Lk 6:38 See also 1Ch 29:14; 2Co 9:6-11; Php 4:18

Faithfulness Ro 2:4 See also Isa 5:1-7; Hos 10:1-2; Hos 11:1-4

See also