What Old Testament examples show God's provision similar to Matthew 17:27? Matthew 17:27—Coin in a Fish’s Mouth “ ‘But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.’ ” Wilderness Provision for an Entire Nation • Manna from Heaven – Exodus 16:4, 15 • Quail blown in by the wind – Numbers 11:31-32 • Water from the rock at Horeb – Exodus 17:6 These daily, physical supplies foreshadow the unexpected yet perfectly timed coin in the fish. Substitutionary Provision on a Mountain • Ram caught in a thicket for Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22:13-14 Just as God placed the ram precisely where it was needed, He placed the coin precisely in the fish Peter would catch. Unexpected Wealth for a Journey • Silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians – Exodus 12:35-36 The Israelites received unearned resources, much like Peter received unearned money to satisfy the temple tax. Personal Provision in Elijah’s Ministry • Ravens bringing bread and meat – 1 Kings 17:6 • Endless flour and oil for the widow at Zarephath – 1 Kings 17:14-16 Day-after-day care through means no one would invent parallels the one-time coin prepared in a fish. Personal Provision in Elisha’s Ministry • Oil multiplied for the indebted widow – 2 Kings 4:1-7 • Twenty loaves feeding a hundred men – 2 Kings 4:42-44 Every jar and every loaf became proof that God controls quantity and timing, just as He controlled the location of the coin. Provision for the Prophet on the Run • Angel-baked cake and water for Elijah – 1 Kings 19:5-8 Food delivered in the wilderness reinforces the lesson that God’s resources are not limited to normal supply chains. Key Themes Highlighted by These Examples • God’s resources are unlimited and specific. • He often provides through unlikely agents—birds, widows, pagan Egyptians, a ram, a fish. • Provision arrives at the precise moment of need, never late (Deuteronomy 2:7). • Each act of supply invites trust that “the LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Living the Pattern Today • Expect provision to match the assignment God gives. • Look for His hand in ordinary and surprising places alike. • Respond with obedience first; the provision often follows the step of faith (Exodus 16:4, Matthew 17:27). |
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