Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

Study Bible

And Abraham called that place
The act of naming a place in biblical times was significant, often marking a divine encounter or a pivotal event. Abraham's naming of the location reflects a deep spiritual experience and acknowledgment of God's intervention. In Hebrew, the word for "called" is "qara," which implies not just naming but proclaiming or declaring. This suggests that Abraham's action was both a personal acknowledgment and a public declaration of God's faithfulness.

The LORD Will Provide
The Hebrew phrase here is "Yahweh Yireh," which is often transliterated as "Jehovah Jireh." This name of God reveals His nature as a provider. The root "ra'ah" means "to see," indicating that God's provision is tied to His ability to see and foresee our needs. This name encapsulates the essence of God's providence, suggesting that He not only provides but does so with perfect timing and insight. Historically, this declaration by Abraham has been a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming that God sees their needs and will provide accordingly.

So to this day it is said
This phrase indicates that the event had a lasting impact, becoming a part of the collective memory and tradition of the people of Israel. The phrase "to this day" suggests that the account of God's provision on Mount Moriah was retold and remembered through generations, reinforcing the faith of the community. It highlights the importance of oral tradition in preserving the acts of God and the faith of the patriarchs.

On the mountain of the LORD
Mount Moriah, the location of this event, holds significant historical and theological importance. It is traditionally identified with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where Solomon later built the temple. The phrase "mountain of the LORD" signifies a place of divine encounter and revelation. Mountains in Scripture often symbolize places where heaven and earth meet, where God reveals Himself to His people. This setting underscores the sacredness of the event and the profound nature of God's provision.

it will be provided
The future tense "will be provided" suggests a promise that extends beyond the immediate context of Abraham's experience. It points to the ongoing nature of God's provision for His people. The Hebrew verb "yireh" is again used here, reinforcing the idea that God's provision is continuous and reliable. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in the provision of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for the sins of the world. For conservative Christians, this verse is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He will meet all needs according to His perfect will and timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, who demonstrated his faith and obedience to God by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.

2. Isaac
Abraham's son, who was the intended sacrifice, representing the promise of God to Abraham.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who intervenes to provide a ram as a substitute for Isaac.

4. Mount Moriah
The location where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, later associated with the site of the Temple in Jerusalem.

5. The Ram
Provided by God as a substitute sacrifice, symbolizing God's provision and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Provision
Abraham's naming of the place "The LORD Will Provide" is a testament to his faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision in their own lives.

Obedience to God's Commands
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates radical obedience. Christians are called to obey God, even when His commands are difficult to understand.

God's Substitutionary Sacrifice
The ram provided by God is a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This teaches believers about the depth of God's love and the provision of salvation through Christ.

The Significance of Place
Mount Moriah's connection to the Temple and later events in biblical history underscores the importance of sacred spaces and God's unfolding plan.

Legacy of Faith
Abraham's actions left a legacy of faith that is remembered and celebrated. Believers are encouraged to consider the legacy of faith they are building for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abraham's faith in God's provision challenge or inspire your own faith journey?

2. In what ways can you practice radical obedience to God in your daily life, as Abraham did?

3. How does the concept of substitutionary sacrifice in Genesis 22 deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?

4. What are some "mountains" in your life where you need to trust that "The LORD Will Provide"?

5. How can you leave a legacy of faith for those who come after you, similar to Abraham's legacy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22:8
Abraham's faith is evident when he tells Isaac that God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, foreshadowing God's provision.

Exodus 3:14
The name of God, "I AM," connects to His eternal provision and presence, as seen in His provision for Abraham.

Philippians 4:19
Paul speaks of God's provision for all needs, echoing the theme of God's provision in Genesis 22.

John 1:29
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," connecting to the substitutionary sacrifice theme in Genesis 22.

Hebrews 11:17-19
The faith of Abraham is highlighted, showing his belief that God could raise Isaac from the dead, emphasizing trust in God's promises.