PROVIDENCE OF GOD

The word "providence," is not used explicitly of divine activity in the Scriptures, though the concept is apparent in both Testaments. The word basically means "foresight." Theologically, it has been coined to explain the operations of God in: (a) maintaining the created world (Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3); and, (b) Jehovah's workings among the nations of the world, and especially with his people, toward the successful realization of the plan for human redemption. There are several principles relative to providence that should be noted. (a) Whereas miracles reveal the direct operation of God, in the suspension of natural law, Providence employs these laws for the indirect implementation of the divine will. (b) Providence manipulates human events to a divine end, and yet, somehow, it preserves man's freedom of choice (cf. Isa. 10:5-7; Jer. 25:8-11). (c) Since providence is a "behind-the-scenes" mode of heavenly operation, one cannot identify specific instances of it with certainty (Esth. 4:14; Philem. 15), though he may confidently affirm that it occurs, because the Bible makes that matter quite clear (Gen. 45:5, 7; 50:20). See MIRACLE.