God supplies the needs of all creation, but gives special care to his own people.
God is called ``The LORD who provides''
Genesis 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 Genesis 22:8
Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 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.”
God provides for the needs of all creation
He provides for the earth
Psalm 65:9–13 See also Deuteronomy 11:12, Deuteronomy 11:14–15; Psalm 68:9, Psalm 104:10–18, Psalm 135:7, Psalm 147:8; Ezekiel 34:26–29
You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty. The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy. The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are decked with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.
He provides for the animals
Psalm 145:16 See also Job 38:41; Psalm 104:27–28, Psalm 147:9; Matthew 6:26 parallel Luke 12:24
You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
He provides for all people
Acts 14:17 See also 1 Chronicles 29:12; Psalm 68:5, Psalm 107:9; Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:28
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
He provides for the poor and needy
Psalm 140:12 See also 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 35:10, Psalm 145:13–14, Psalm 146:7–9; Isaiah 25:4
I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
Special instances of God's practical provision
Food and water in the wilderness: Exodus 16:13–18, Exodus 17:3–6; Numbers 11:4–9, Numbers 11:31–32; 1 Kings 17:6, 1 Kings 17:16, 1 Kings 19:5–8; 2 Kings 4:42–44 Elisha feeds 100 men from 20 barley loaves; Matthew 14:15–21 parallels Mark 6:35–44, Luke 9:12–17, John 6:5–13 Jesus Christ feeds 5,000; Matthew 15:32–38 parallel Mark 8:1–9 Jesus Christ feeds 4,000
God's special provision for his own people
He provides for their practical needs
Philippians 4:19 See also Deuteronomy 2:7; Psalm 68:10, Psalm 111:5; Matthew 6:25–33 parallel Luke 12:22–31
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
He provides for their protection
Psalm 5:12 See also Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 33:27; 1 Samuel 2:9; Psalm 91:9–13, Psalm 121:3–8; Isaiah 46:4; Philippians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 1:24; Revelation 3:10
For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor.
He provides for their every need
2 Peter 1:3 See also 1 Corinthians 3:21–23; Colossians 2:10
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
Examples of God's provision for his people
2 Samuel 7:10 parallel 1 Chronicles 17:9 security in the promised land; Isaiah 61:3 consolation in grief; Jeremiah 33:6–9 restoration from captivity; 1 Corinthians 10:13 a way of escape from temptation
Implications of God's providential care
Freedom from worry
Matthew 6:31–33 parallel Luke 12:29–31
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Generosity
Luke 6:38 See also 1 Chronicles 29:14; 2 Corinthians 9:6–11; Philippians 4:18
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Faithfulness
Romans 2:4 See also Isaiah 5:1–7; Hosea 10:1–2, Hosea 11:1–4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.