7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. A lesson that we can learn from this is that God blesses those who show faith in him. This exposition, based on the juxtaposition of the resurrection of the widows son (end of chap. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath with instruction to look to a widow to sustain him. This man of God is asking for the last of all she has. Just a short time earlier, she had gently held his lifeless body in her arms. It was in the middle of this drought that Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath become a part of each others lives. And he was fighting to rescue the hearts of his people from worshiping things that would not serve them. If she did not show faith in Jehovah, then another widow might have been chosen who would. We will get back to the context of Jesus . This was the case with the faith of the Widow of Zarephath. Remember the LORD had commanded a widow woman to sustain Elijah. We are never alone, He hears our every prayers, He answers our prayers in ways we would never imagine. By doing so we help ourselves and could even save ourselves.Maybe your times of crisis can be lifted if you reach out to help someone. (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. Start for FREE. As they filled up the vessels they were to set aside the ones that were full. Copyright 2022| Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians |, The Psychological Condition of Depression. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. For him to pay the debt? What do we know about the Widow of Zarephath whose story is found in I Kings 17:8-24? It is not because of our righteousness or any of our good works that we were saved by Him. Required fields are marked *. For this is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: The large jar of flour will not run out, and the small jar of oil will not run dry until the day Jehovah makes it rain on the surface of the ground.1Kings 17:11-14. He doesn't urge them to pick themselves up and get going when they have no resources to do so. And here, I erect idols on every ridge in the land, and the rains fall so copiously that it is impossible to walk to those ridges. Chances are, their neighbors were struggling as well, so they likely didnt have money or food to spare. Elijah carried the boys limp body to the roof chamber and cried out: OJehovah my God, are you also bringing harm to the widow with whom I am staying by putting her son to death? It deeply upset Elijah to think that Jehovahs name would be dishonored if this kind and hospitable woman was allowed to suffer even more. It was according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which the LORD has shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. They are sure. Later, the widow's faith would again be tested when her young son died. At one point, Elijah thought he was the last living prophet (1 Kings 18:22). It seems that God allowed the boy to die because He knew that this resurrection, the first one recorded in the Scriptures, would give hope to millions in the future. God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. 16) and the drought (beginning of chap. Shed fill it with oil from her original container. Did she expect a miracle or was she more practical minded? Shelmith, oh how you have blessed my heart today by sharing your testimony :D. Praise the living God for sure! The houseguest is Gods prophet Elijah. The widow of Zarephath had felt utterly alone, not knowing God had his eye on her. I am blessed that you have been encouraged. The LORD knew her, knew all about her situation, and the condition of her heart. Yet, what did Elijah say? In verse 8, the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town outside of Israel, where a widow would provide food for him. Elisha asked her what she had in her house. Wrap your arms around her and remind her that shes not alone, that you see her and you love her very much. Here is a widow with a son who was not one of the children of Israel 1 Kings 17:10. Edith, just checking back to see how you are doing. But she showed faith, trusted in Jehovah, and fed Elijah first. The prophet had to take out a loan in order to provide for his family. But he wants us to trust Him. God will do what He needs to do to secure your hearts complete loyalty. This was a humbling activity. Prophets always teach and testify of Christ. Have you ever been in as desperate a situation as the widow was in? She was obedient and faithful to the LORD. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Here is a young woman whos had a difficult life. Sometimes our blessing is bound up with our serviceWhen we share, no matter how small, we are enriched. God loves you. We have to allow the Lord into our lives and accept His loving kindness and live by faith that He is with us through our journey through live. Reach US; Reach our Team; Locations; Join on Telegram; Alternate . Thank you for stopping by. When God saw that there was suffering in the world but Elijah was unaware of it, He told him to go to Zarephath, the widow (BT Sanhedrin 113a). He might as well ask me to snap my fingers and produce a cow to feast on. 31 December 1999. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have a living prophet again on the earth! Her sorrow: To suffer extreme poverty, famine, and the loss of husband and son. In that moment she chose to trust God. Although the poor widow of Zarephath lived in an area where many people worshipped idols, she showed faith in Jehovah. Like Naaman, her faith was unlikely and Jesus makes reference to him as well. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.". Did the woman remember a past sin that bothered her conscience? They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives as well. By sending Elijah to this widow, Jehovah showed that He notices sincere people who are not yet serving Him. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. FACT #2 - She was a gentile. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah. The Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath illustrates the biblical story of the encounter between prophet Elijah and a widow and her son gathering sticks when he arrives at the town of Zarephath. "Then the LORD said to Elijah, 'Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. Who has God sent into your life to help you? His need condemned her. Each widow faced difficulties far beyond anything they could handle on their own. Elisha had the widow AND her sons going to their neighbors and asking for vessels. This was not a miracle to be witnessed by the masses, but rather a private blessing for this little family to see God at work. Elijah lived with her for 2 years and God provided enough for each day.God did not provide a whole barrel full at once. Remember, she was looking at the possibility of dying a bit earlier if she gave away her very last meal. He stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this childs soul come into him again. The LORD heard the cries of Elijah and revived the child. We do know she was a Phoenician woman living in a pagan land and that she showed extraordinary hospitality by providing safe harbor for one of God's prophets during a period of famine. Here we find reciprocal hospitality: a Phoenician widow (a non-Israelite) feeding a Jewish prophet who will eventually save her son. This was trying times in her life and there was no guarantee there was going to be more meal or oil enough to sustain Elijah, her dying son and herself. Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. TEXT: 1 Kings 17; Luke 4:25-26 WOMAN: The Widow of Zarapeth. (Luke 4:25,26) Her story teaches us that God blesses those doing good to his servants. FACT #3 Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. There is a widow there who will feed you. The Rabbis applied to this the verse (Ps. She feeds Elijah in her home. Then theyd set it aside and grab a new jar to fill. I will command a widow there to supply you with food.1Kings 17:1-9. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. So many wonderful points. The city serves as part of her identification. It was ironic since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be mixing with the surrounding nations. And He needs to know youre listening. Have reminders sent directly to your email, Pause your devotional at any time to read at your own pace. In 1898, an article in Zions Watch Tower taught this lesson: If the widow had faith and obeyed Elijah, she would receive Jehovahs help. We know a lot about the Widow of Zarephath even though we do not now her name. He will be a Provider, a Protector, and a Friend in order to help you endure.Exodus 3:13-15. The Widow of Zarephath did not know who Elijah was, and she did not know that there would be more meal and oil left over after she had fed him. Elijah was feed by ravens for many days. She is a leading authority on historical development of Christian churches and the practices and beliefs of world religions and cults. The Widow of Zarephath is that perfect example of going hand in hand with Jesus I so often speak about. She would have been astonished to learn that this same God had instructed Elijah to "go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. Thanks so much for sharing. The widow's faith in Elijah's God, Jehovah, kept her and her son alive. New International Version (NIV). This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD. The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. The widows faith in Elijahs God, Jehovah, kept her and her son alive. He cried out to God and asked that the boys life return to Him. Now how long would those last? Elijah arose and went to Wadi Cherith, where the ravens brought him bread and meat (v. 2). The Widow. Jehovah had decided that there would be a long drought in Israel in the days of wicked King Ahab. God did not abandon that poor widow. They teach so, Continue reading Daughters of Zelophehad Lessons for life, faith and prayerContinue, Thank you very much and may God bless you. These mazzah cakes miraculously sufficed for the Israelites for thirty days, until the manna began to descend (Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, Masekhta de-Pisha, Bo 14). There's a story about a widow of Zarephath. She had just told him that after she made one more meal for her and her son, they would eat it and die. Is the man mad? From where did the ravens bring meat? Elijahs life is saved.Her blessings were full to the running over. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. It is not unusual that during times of great stress we forget all the blessings we have received from the LORD. When we do this we are also forgetting the loving kindness of LORD God. These lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible will empower, encourage and inspire you. I love this example of a miracle because it required action from the recipients. You can imagine what some people might have said: Give away our last meal? She prepared food for Elijah with the last of her food, and trusted his words that her barrel would not be empty. return true; Rather, because she received him hospitably and attended to him, this hospitality is ascribed to her, and she also merited having Elijah revive her son (Cant. God spoke to Elijah again and told him to go to Zarephath. We can really pray for and trust God for BIG things. While Ahab and Jezebel and Elijah were drawing swords on earth, that was just a representation of what was happening in the spiritual word. She was a Gentile, an outsider. But she wasnt prepared for his death. Elijahs names means Yahweh is my God. For her to move forward in obedience and faith, she needed to put away fear. Please take away the fear and anxiety that the enemy is trying to use to intimidate your child. The people there worshiped Baal, the god of rain. She is a graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University. But hard times is nothing new. Her sons life is saved. The city serves as part of her identification. I feel encouraged my name is Edith a single mother from Nairobi Kenya .av been going through tough times and its not easy at all kindly pray with me for job opportunities am a qualified interior designer , declutter and organising expert.it really crashes my I got bills and debts and am not able to pay. (Viewed on January 18, 2023) . This is so insightful and inspiring. He said: Please, bring me a little water in a cup so that I may drink. When she went to get him some water, Elijah added: Please, bring me a piece of bread. (1Kings 17:10,11) The widow was not worried about giving this stranger a drink, but giving him bread was a problem. This exegesis is based on the juxtaposition between the episode of Hiel the Bethelite (I Kings, end of chap. Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to put my son to death? (1Kings 17:17,18) What do those bitter words mean? We might easily assume this widow is not of Hebrew lineage, but she clearly believed in the Hebrews God and trusted Him. However, Jehovah noticed something special in the heart of this widow. The woman, only referred to as the "widow of Zarephath," demonstrates a powerful faith through her obedience in 1 Kings. Moses, too, received his food from a woman, when Jethro sent his daughters to bring him from the well (Ex. And this showdown came to a head in the story of Mount Carmel. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. So many people are prevented from reaching their goals, accessing their blessings, and living an abundant life because of fear. You can follow me on social media, follow my blog, or contact me directly via email or my contact form. Have you ever had others demanding from you what you didnt have to give? Jezebel, King Ahabs wife, tried to kill all of Gods prophets. The resurrection of her son was an event in her life that truly strengthened her faith. He may ask you to do something thats humbling. The story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephtah can be found in the following Bible verses: 1 Kings 17: 8-24. ", But the man had persisted. It took great faith for Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath to believe God. 2:20): Ask him in to break bread (Pesikta Rabbati chap. Instead, he sometimes intervenes by miraculous understatement, in this case by making sure that a little bit of oil and flourjust enough for a small loafdidn't run out. 37:25): I have been young and am now old, but I have never seen a righteous man abandoned, or his children seeking bread. God does not abandon the righteous or their children in time of famine, and if drought comes to the world, He arranges sustenance for them. Elijah tells her not to be afraid, but instead to Go home and do as you have said. Comfort her when shes feeling overwhelmed. Your email address will not be published. Upon seeing her son, the widow said to Elijah, Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth (1 Kings 17:24 NKJV). PRIVACY POLICY Elijahs receiving food from a widow creates a parallelism with Moses, the father of all prophets. But she did have oil. God richly bless you. This is another lesson we as women of Christ always need to be reminded of. There it was the promise of a miracle. If you are going through a rough patch, you will find encouragement. Now the woman looks at her resurrected son and is thrilled to see his smile. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. Because of the reviving of her son she knew that Elijah was a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in his mouth is truth. Blessings to you also. God multiplied the flour and oil so that she did not have to worry about food. From the Widow of Zarephath we can also learn secrets for success in life and business. ", Graciously, she had gone to fetch it, only to have him call after her, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread.". Just as Elijah promised, Jehovah multiplied her meager supplies so that they sustained Elijah, the widow, and her son until the drought ended. Holstein, Joanne The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library Apr 2015.. But they did have extra containers. Are you willing to be used by God to speak His truth into the lives of others as He leads you. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. She thought it was a punishment because of her sins. The Rabbis also learned from this episode that giving food to someone else is a great virtue that results in the resurrection of the dead before its time: because the widow from Zarephath gave food to Elijah, she merited the reviving of her son (Cant. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that person's well-being. This request was a huge test of faith. But in a way that is grounded in abiding trust. After that, every time she dipped her hand into the flour, every time she poured oil from the jug, the widow saw another miracle unfold, another sign of favor, additional evidence of God's provision. She is introduced to us by saying she was gathering sticks when Elijah called her to fetch him a little water and a morsel of bread. Rabbah [ed. If everything was dying, she should have had more access to firewood. Use your servant mightily to encourage the hearts of your people. Think of a time God provided for your financial needs. But God is still providing for Elijah for now God sends Elijah to the care of a widow. But God is full of surprises. This midrash seemingly comes to somewhat moderate Elijahs powers as they are presented in the Biblical narrative, since he does not control everything, but receives only one key at a time. Moses had said: Take care not to be lured away to serve other gods [] For the Lords anger will flare up against you, and He will shut up the skies so that there will be no rain [Deut. Give guidance and wisdom so that we know exactly what to do in whatever situation we may find us in. Are you feeling pressure to provide for your family but you dont know how youre going to? Read a psalm or two. This was another name for Zarephath. Elijah must have been shocked by both the death of the widows son and the idea that the prophet somehow caused it. ! With this question Ahab sought to deny the Divine system of reward and punishment that Elijah represented. She had a home; she was the "mistress" of the house in 1 Kings 17:17, yet she was "house poor," possessing little to nothing beyond her home. When the husband is supposed to provide for the family, and hes busy studying and serving and the family suffers, its easy to feel resentful, to get angry with the husband and with God. 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