### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Môwrîyâh (`{{H4179}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation for a mountain or land. Its etymology is deeply significant, derived from two components: the verb רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`), meaning "to see," "to perceive," or "to provide," and the divine name Yāh (`{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, the name Môwrîyâh is commonly understood to mean "seen of Yah" or "Yahweh sees." This etymological root carries a dual semantic implication: first, that God is the one who sees or observes, implying His omnipresence and knowledge; second, and more profoundly, that God *sees to* something, meaning He provides or makes provision. This latter sense is particularly highlighted in the narrative associated with the location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Môwrîyâh appears in two pivotal biblical passages, each imbuing the location with profound theological weight.
The first and most prominent occurrence is in [[Genesis 22:2]], where God commands Abraham, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." This passage describes the *Akedah*, the binding of Isaac, a supreme test of Abraham's faith and obedience. On this mountain, Abraham demonstrates unwavering trust, and God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice ([[Genesis 22:13]]). It is here that Abraham names the place "Yahweh-Yireh" (`{{H3070}}`), meaning "The LORD will provide" or "The LORD sees," directly echoing and expanding upon the root meaning of Moriah itself. The narrative establishes Moriah as a place of divine testing, ultimate human obedience, and miraculous divine provision.
The second occurrence is in [[2 Chronicles 3:1]], which states, "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." This verse explicitly identifies Mount Moriah as the site chosen by divine decree and human action for the construction of the First Temple. This connection elevates Moriah from a site of patriarchal encounter to the sacred center of Israelite worship, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The continuity between the place of Abraham's ultimate sacrifice and the site of the Temple underscores the enduring significance of divine provision and presence in Israel's history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Môwrîyâh is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives. The root verb רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`) is fundamental, appearing in various forms to denote seeing, perceiving, discerning, and providing. This is evident in the name Yahweh-Yireh (`{{H3070}}`), which Abraham gives to the place, explicitly linking God's "seeing" with His "provision." The divine element Yāh (`{{H3050}}`) or Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`) is crucial, emphasizing that the "seeing" or "providing" is an attribute and action of the covenant God of Israel. Concepts intrinsically linked to Moriah include:
* **Divine Provision:** God's active foresight and intervention to meet needs, especially in dire circumstances.
* **Testing of Faith:** The trial of Abraham's obedience, which serves as a paradigm for faithfulness.
* **Obedience:** Abraham's radical submission to God's command.
* **Sacrifice:** The offering of Isaac and the provided ram, foreshadowing later sacrificial systems.
* **Sacred Space:** Moriah's designation as the site for the Temple, establishing it as a preeminent holy site.
* **Covenant:** The reaffirmation of God's covenant promises to Abraham following his obedience.
### Theological Significance
Moriah stands as a locus of profound theological significance in the biblical narrative.
Firstly, it is the quintessential site of **divine testing and human faithfulness**. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Moriah demonstrates a faith that transcends human understanding, a complete surrender to God's will. This event establishes a model of radical obedience and trust in God's character and promises.
Secondly, Moriah is eternally linked with **divine provision**. The declaration "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided" ([[Genesis 22:14]]) encapsulates the truth that God sees the need and provides the solution, often in unexpected ways. This principle assures believers of God's faithfulness and ability to sustain and deliver.
Thirdly, in Christian theology, the *Akedah* on Moriah is often understood as a **prefigurement of Christ's sacrifice**. The beloved son, the journey to the mountain, the wood carried for the sacrifice, and the ultimate provision of a substitute are seen as powerful types pointing to God the Father offering His only Son, Jesus Christ, on a hill outside Jerusalem (Golgotha), for the redemption of humanity. Both events involve a beloved son, a sacrificial offering, and a demonstration of ultimate divine love and provision.
Finally, Moriah's identification as the site of the Temple in Jerusalem transforms it into the **center of Israel's worship and divine presence**. It signifies God's chosen dwelling place among His people, where atonement was made, and communion with the Divine was sought. This connection bridges the patriarchal era with the national life of Israel, grounding their worship in the foundational narrative of God's faithfulness and provision.
### Summary
Môwrîyâh (`{{H4179}}`), etymologically meaning "seen of Yah" or "Yahweh sees/provides," is a geographical location of immense biblical and theological import. It is primarily known as the "land of Moriah" where Abraham was commanded to offer Isaac ([[Genesis 22:2]]), an event culminating in God's miraculous provision and Abraham's naming of the place "Yahweh-Yireh" ("The LORD will provide"). Centuries later, Mount Moriah was chosen as the sacred site for Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem ([[2 Chronicles 3:1]]), thereby becoming the central place of worship and divine presence for Israel. The word study of Môwrîyâh underscores themes of divine testing, radical human obedience, and, most profoundly, God's unfailing provision and sovereign foresight. It serves as a powerful reminder that "on the mount of the LORD it shall be provided," a truth echoed through the ages and seen most fully in the ultimate divine provision of Christ.
TRV