The term "providest" is an archaic form of the verb "provide," often encountered in older translations of the Bible. It signifies the act of supplying or making available what is needed or desired. In the context of Scripture, the concept of God's provision is a central theme, reflecting His care, foresight, and benevolence towards His creation.

Biblical Context and Usage

The idea of God providing for His people is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It encompasses both physical and spiritual provision, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God's provision is often depicted in His care for the Israelites. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22:8 , Abraham tells Isaac, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." This statement of faith is fulfilled when God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, symbolizing His provision and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness further illustrates God's provision. In Exodus 16, God provides manna from heaven to sustain the Israelites, demonstrating His ability to meet their physical needs. This miraculous provision is a testament to God's faithfulness and care for His people.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the theme of provision is expanded to include spiritual sustenance. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasizes reliance on God's provision. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their material needs, saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This passage underscores the priority of spiritual pursuits over material concerns, with the assurance that God will provide for those who trust in Him.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's provision in Philippians 4:19 , stating, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This promise highlights the sufficiency of God's provision through Christ, encompassing both physical and spiritual needs.

Theological Significance

The concept of providest, or divine provision, is foundational to understanding God's character. It reflects His omniscience, as He anticipates the needs of His creation, and His omnipotence, as He is able to fulfill those needs. God's provision is an expression of His love and grace, inviting believers to trust in His care and to live in dependence on Him.

Throughout Scripture, God's provision is not merely about meeting immediate needs but is also about fulfilling His redemptive purposes. The ultimate provision is found in Jesus Christ, who provides salvation and eternal life to all who believe. This provision is the culmination of God's plan and the greatest demonstration of His love for humanity.

Practical Implications

For believers, the assurance of God's provision encourages a life of faith and trust. It calls for a response of gratitude and stewardship, recognizing that all we have is from God. It also challenges believers to reflect God's provision in their own lives, by being generous and caring for others, as an expression of God's love and provision through them.

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ...
... thou hast given me, and which thou preservest as yet in its strength and vigor,
not only capable of relishing the entertainments which thou providest for its ...
/.../chapter xxvii the advanced christian.htm

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery ...
... The river of God is full of water: thou preparest their corn, for so thou providest
for the earth, blessing its rivers, multiplying its shoots. ...
/.../chapter ii malachys pity for.htm

The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint.
... mayest drink pleasantly, procuring costly wines; and in summer runnest about seeking
snow; and that thou mayest sleep pleasantly, not only providest soft beds ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx the true gnostic exercises.htm

John ix. 34-36
... birth pangs I mean,) is perishing with hunger, and thou art bursting with fullness:
thy brother goeth about with naked body, but thou providest garments even ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lix john ix 34-36.htm

Matt. vi. 16
... I mean, that even in the present life thou providest many things which thou art
not thyself to enjoy; and should any one find fault, thou pleadest thy children ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xx matt vi 16.htm

part i
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Providest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Providest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest
the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest ...
/p/providest.htm - 6k

Provides (18 Occurrences)

/p/provides.htm - 11k

Watered (28 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it;
The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast ...
/w/watered.htm - 16k

Enriching (4 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it;
The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast ...
/e/enriching.htm - 7k

Provideth (5 Occurrences)

/p/provideth.htm - 7k

Visited (40 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:9 Thou hast visited the earth, thou hast watered it; thou greatly enrichest
it: the river of God is full of water; thou providest their corn, when ...
/v/visited.htm - 18k

Remembered (120 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it;
The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast ...
/r/remembered.htm - 37k

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