The Ravens Feed Elijah 1Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead,a said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” 2Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: 3“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.b 4And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. 6The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook. 7Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. The Widow of Zarephath 8Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 9“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” 11And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” 12But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” 13“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, 14for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” 15So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. 16The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah. Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son 17Later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill, and his sickness grew worse and worse, until no breath remained in him. 18“O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” 19But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” 21Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!” 22And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared. 24Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.” Footnotes: 1 a Or who was from Tishbe in Gilead 3 b Or the Cherith Ravine, near the Jordan; also in verse 5 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Kings 17 Summary The Ravens Feed ElijahVerses 1 – Elijah Announces Drought Verses 2–7 – Provision at the Brook Kerith Verses 8–16 – Miracle of the Flour and Oil Verses 17–24 – Resurrection of the Widow’s Son 1 Kings 17 provides us with an insightful account of the prophet Elijah's life, particularly his experiences during a period of severe famine. The chapter conveys the dynamics of faith, trust, miracles, and divine provision, showcasing Elijah's unyielding faith in God's promise and His ability to provide, even in the most challenging circumstances. Historical Setting • Northern Israel is ruled by Ahab (874-853 BC), who “did more to provoke the LORD…than all the kings before him” (1 Kings 16:33). • Jezebel, princess of Sidon, installs Baal worship. A three-year drought (17:1; 18:1) directly confronts Baal’s supposed control of rain. Elijah—Name, Origin, Mission • “Elijah” means “My God is Yahweh,” itself a sermon against Baal. • “Tishbite” likely points to Tishbe in Gilead, a rugged highland across the Jordan—fitting for a prophet used to wilderness survival (cf. 2 Kings 1:8). • Scripture links him to later promises of a forerunner (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:10-13). The Drought and Baal’s Defeat • Baal was thought to die each dry season and rise with the rains. Elijah’s word keeps Baal silent. • Deuteronomy 11:16-17 had warned that idolatry would shut heaven. God’s discipline is covenant-based, not random. Kerith Brook and the Ravens • Possible location: Wadi al-Yabis, an isolated gorge feeding the Jordan—remote, defendable. • Ravens (ʿōrəb): unclean birds (Leviticus 11:15). God uses the unexpected to sustain His servant. • Double ration of bread and meat anticipates Israel’s later promise that those who honor God will “eat the best of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). Zarephath—Archaeology and Geography • Modern Sarafand on Lebanon’s coast, ~8 mi south of Sidon. Excavations show a prosperous Phoenician metal-working town—name derives from “smelting.” • Sending Elijah here shows Yahweh’s reach beyond Israel and His supremacy on Baal’s home turf (cf. Luke 4:25-26 where Jesus highlights this story). The Never-Empty Jar and Jug • This daily miracle echoes manna (Exodus 16) and foreshadows Christ’s feeding of multitudes (Matthew 14; John 6). • Principle: obedience before provision. The widow bakes for Elijah first (17:13). First Recorded Resurrection in Scripture • Phrase “let this boy’s life return” uses nephesh—life-breath. • Elijah stretches himself three times—persistent prayer, not a magic act. • Previews later Old-Testament resurrections (2 Kings 4; 13:21) and climaxes in Jesus (John 11; 1 Corinthians 15). Key Themes 1. Word of the LORD: appears seven times; every move hinges on it. 2. God’s sovereignty over nature, nations, supply, and life itself. 3. Faith developed in stages: private provision at the brook, shared provision at the widow’s table, public miracle in the upper room. 4. Outsider inclusion: a Gentile widow experiences covenant blessings (cf. Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10). Cross-Scripture Connections • Deuteronomy 11:16-17 – drought as covenant discipline. • James 5:17-18 – Elijah’s prayer “shut the sky” for 3 ½ years. • Luke 4:25-26 – Jesus cites Zarephath to show God’s grace beyond Israel. • Matthew 6:33 – seek God first; provision follows. • Hebrews 11:35 – women receive dead raised to life. Practical Takeaways • Speak truth to power even when alone. • Trust God’s step-by-step guidance; provision often arrives just in time. • Obedience may require giving from scarcity. • God values widows, orphans, and outsiders; so should His people. • Prayer is persistent, personal, and powerful—able to reach from earth to heaven and back. Prophetic Echoes of Christ • Elijah’s sudden appearance parallels John the Baptist (John 1:23). • Drought pictures spiritual barrenness answered by the living water Christ offers (John 4:14). • The widow’s unfailing supply prefigures Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35). • The son raised to life points forward to the empty tomb. Archaeological Notes • Phoenician temples to Baal excavated at Sidon date to Ahab’s era, underscoring polemic force of miracles in Baal territory. • Storage jars from Zarephath layer VII show typical family-size capacity; the text implies a daily refill, not an overflow—consistent with houses of the period. Timeline Snapshot • c. 870 BC – Elijah confronts Ahab, drought begins. • c. 869-867 BC – Brook Kerith sojourn. • c. 867-865 BC – Zarephath miracles. (The exact dates approximate but fit the three-year period in 1 Kings 18:1.) Living It Out Trust the God who commands ravens, fills empty jars, and breathes life into the dead. The same Lord still speaks, provides, and prevails today. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 6:25-34Jesus teaches about God's provision and encourages us not to worry about our needs, reminding us of God's care for His creation. James 5:17-18 James references Elijah's prayer life, emphasizing the power of a righteous person's prayer. Philippians 4:19 Paul assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Teaching Points Elijah's Prophetic DeclarationElijah boldly declares to King Ahab that there will be no rain except at his word (1 Kings 17:1). This demonstrates the power of God's word and the authority given to His prophets. God's Provision at the Brook Cherith God instructs Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith, where ravens bring him bread and meat (1 Kings 17:3-6). This illustrates God's ability to provide in miraculous ways, even using unlikely sources. The Widow of Zarephath God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath, promising that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry (1 Kings 17:8-16). This encounter shows God's compassion and provision for those who trust Him, regardless of their circumstances. The Raising of the Widow's Son When the widow's son falls ill and dies, Elijah prays, and God restores the boy's life (1 Kings 17:17-24). This miracle underscores God's power over life and death and His responsiveness to earnest prayer. Practical Applications Trust in God's ProvisionLike Elijah, we can trust God to provide for our needs, even in dire situations. He is faithful and knows what we need before we ask. Obedience to God's Instructions Elijah's obedience to God's commands led to miraculous outcomes. We should strive to follow God's guidance, even when it seems unconventional. Faith in God's Promises The widow's faith in Elijah's word resulted in God's provision. We are called to have faith in God's promises, knowing He is true to His word. Power of Prayer Elijah's prayer for the widow's son teaches us the importance of fervent prayer and reliance on God's power in times of crisis. People 1. Elijah the TishbiteElijah is introduced as a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead. He is a central figure in this chapter, known for his role as a prophet of Yahweh. Elijah declares a drought upon the land as a judgment from God: "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years, except at my word.'" (1 Kings 17:1). The Hebrew root for Elijah's name, אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), means "My God is Yahweh." 2. The Widow of Zarephath This unnamed widow is a key figure whom Elijah encounters in Zarephath, a town in Sidon. God commands Elijah to go to her, and she provides him with food during the drought, despite her own dire circumstances. The widow's faith and obedience are highlighted when she follows Elijah's instructions, resulting in a miraculous provision: "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.'" (1 Kings 17:14). 3. The Widow’s Son The widow's son becomes ill and dies, prompting Elijah to pray to God for his life to be restored. Elijah's prayer is answered, and the boy is revived, demonstrating God's power and Elijah's role as a prophet: "Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him, and he lived." (1 Kings 17:22). 4. The LORD (Yahweh) While not a human person, the presence and actions of the LORD are central throughout the chapter. Yahweh is depicted as the sovereign God who controls nature, provides for His people, and demonstrates His power through miracles. The Hebrew name for the LORD, יְהוָה (Yahweh), is significant in understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Places 1. GileadThis is the region where Elijah the Tishbite is introduced. Gilead is a mountainous area east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The Hebrew root for Gilead (גִּלְעָד) suggests a "rocky region." 2. Brook Cherith Elijah is instructed by God to hide by the Brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. This brook provided water for Elijah during a time of drought. The name Cherith (כְּרִית) may be related to the Hebrew root meaning "to cut" or "to separate," indicating a place of seclusion. 3. Zarephath After the brook dries up, God sends Elijah to Zarephath, a town in Sidon. Zarephath is significant as a place outside of Israel where God provides for Elijah through a widow. The name Zarephath (צָרְפַת) is derived from a root meaning "to smelt" or "to refine," possibly indicating a place of refining or testing. Events 1. Elijah Proclaims a DroughtElijah the Tishbite, a prophet from Gilead, declares to King Ahab that there will be neither dew nor rain in the coming years except at his word. This proclamation is a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite storm god, emphasizing Yahweh's sovereignty over nature. The Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) underscores the authority of God's message through Elijah. 2. Elijah Fed by Ravens Following God's command, Elijah goes to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, where he is sustained by ravens bringing him bread and meat, and he drinks from the brook. This miraculous provision highlights God's care and the obedience of creation to His will. The Hebrew term for "ravens" (עֹרְבִים, ^orevim^) is significant, as these unclean birds serve God's purpose. 3. The Brook Dries Up Due to the lack of rain, the brook eventually dries up. This event sets the stage for Elijah's next mission and demonstrates the severity of the drought, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. 4. Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath in Sidon, where a widow will provide for him. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow obeys Elijah's request for water and bread, showing faith in God's provision. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צִוִּיתִי, ^tsiviti^) indicates God's sovereign orchestration of events. 5. The Miracle of the Flour and Oil Elijah promises the widow that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry until the Lord sends rain. This miracle of continuous provision underscores God's faithfulness and power to sustain life. The Hebrew words for "flour" (קֶמַח, ^qemach^) and "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, ^shemen^) are central to the narrative of sustenance. 6. The Widow’s Son Raised to Life The widow's son falls ill and dies, prompting her to question Elijah. Elijah prays to God, and the boy is miraculously revived. This event demonstrates God's power over life and death and foreshadows the resurrection theme in the New Testament. The Hebrew verb for "revived" (חָיָה, ^chayah^) emphasizes the restoration of life. 7. The Widow Acknowledges Elijah as a Man of God After her son is brought back to life, the widow declares her belief in Elijah as a man of God and in the truth of God's word. This acknowledgment highlights the impact of God's miraculous works in leading people to faith. The Hebrew term for "truth" (אֱמֶת, ^emet^) signifies the reliability and faithfulness of God's word. Lessons from 1 Kings 17 1. Trust in God's Provision 2. Obedience Leads to Miracles 3. God Uses the Humble 4. Faith in Action 5. God's Word is Reliable 6. God Cares for the Vulnerable 7. Prayer Changes Things 8. God's Power Over Life and Death 9. God Validates His Messengers 10. God's Plans are Perfect Topics 1. Elijah Predicts a DroughtElijah the Tishbite, a prophet from Gilead, delivers a message from the LORD to King Ahab, predicting a severe drought: "As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word" (1 Kings 17:1). The Hebrew word for "drought" (בַּצֹּרֶת, batzoret) emphasizes the severity of the impending lack of rain, highlighting God's control over nature. 2. Elijah Fed by Ravens Following God's command, Elijah hides by the Brook Cherith, where he is miraculously sustained by ravens: "The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook" (1 Kings 17:6). The Hebrew term for "ravens" (עֹרְבִים, orebim) underscores the unusual means God uses to provide for His prophet. 3. The Widow of Zarephath God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow will provide for him. Despite her dire circumstances, she obeys Elijah's request for food, demonstrating faith: "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth'" (1 Kings 17:14). The Hebrew word for "jar" (כַּד, kad) and "jug" (צַפַּחַת, tzappachat) emphasize the miraculous provision. 4. The Miracle of Sustenance The widow's obedience results in a continuous supply of flour and oil, fulfilling God's promise: "So there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household" (1 Kings 17:15). This miracle underscores God's faithfulness and provision during times of scarcity. 5. Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son When the widow's son falls ill and dies, Elijah prays fervently, and God restores the boy's life: "The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him, and he lived" (1 Kings 17:22). The Hebrew word for "life" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) signifies the breath or soul, highlighting the divine intervention in restoring life. 6. The Widow’s Faith Affirmed The resurrection of her son leads the widow to a deeper faith in God and recognition of Elijah as a true prophet: "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth" (1 Kings 17:24). The Hebrew term for "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet) emphasizes the reliability and faithfulness of God's word. Themes 1. Divine ProvisionIn 1 Kings 17, God's provision is a central theme, as seen in His care for Elijah during the drought. God commands the ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat (1 Kings 17:6), demonstrating His sovereignty and ability to provide in miraculous ways. The Hebrew root for "provide" (יָרָה, yarah) implies direction and instruction, highlighting God's intentional care. 2. Faith and Obedience Elijah's obedience to God's commands is a key theme. When God instructs him to go to the Kerith Ravine and later to Zarephath, Elijah follows without hesitation (1 Kings 17:5, 10). This reflects the Hebrew concept of "shema" (שָׁמַע), meaning to hear and obey, emphasizing the importance of faith in action. 3. God's Sovereignty Over Nature The theme of God's control over nature is evident when He withholds rain from the land (1 Kings 17:1) and later provides through the miraculous multiplication of flour and oil (1 Kings 17:14-16). The Hebrew word for "rain" (מָטָר, matar) signifies God's authority over the natural world. 4. Miraculous Power The chapter highlights God's miraculous power, particularly in the resurrection of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:22). The Hebrew term for "revive" (חָיָה, chayah) underscores God's ability to restore life, pointing to His ultimate power over life and death. 5. Testing and Trust The widow of Zarephath's account illustrates the theme of testing and trust. Her willingness to use her last resources to feed Elijah (1 Kings 17:12-15) demonstrates trust in God's promise. The Hebrew root "batach" (בָּטַח) for trust conveys a sense of security and confidence in God's word. 6. God's Care for the Gentiles God's provision for the widow, a Gentile, indicates His care extends beyond Israel (1 Kings 17:9-16). This foreshadows the New Testament theme of God's inclusive love. The Hebrew word "ger" (גֵּר), meaning foreigner or sojourner, reflects God's concern for all people. 7. Prophetic Authority Elijah's role as a prophet is emphasized through his authoritative declarations and actions (1 Kings 17:1, 14). The Hebrew word "navi" (נָבִיא) for prophet signifies one who speaks for God, underscoring the divine authority vested in Elijah. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Provision Thank God for His faithfulness and provision in our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all circumstances. Trust and Obedience Increased Faith Powerful Prayer Life Answering Tough Questions 1. How can ravens (1 Kings 17:4) realistically supply a prophet with enough food to survive, given the limited carrying capacity of birds? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How did Elijah demonstrate his faith in God's provision in this chapter? 2. What does the story of the widow's obedience to Elijah tell us about faith? 3. How might you respond to a command from God that seems illogical or risky, like the widow's response to Elijah's request for food? 4. How does Elijah's prophecy to Ahab reflect the consequences of ungodly leadership? 5. What do the miracles in this chapter reveal about God's character? 6. How does the resurrection of the widow's son symbolize spiritual rebirth? 7. How can we apply the lesson of God's supernatural provision in our lives today? 8. How did the widow of Zarephath's perception of Elijah change throughout the chapter, and why? 9. What role does trust play in the relationship between God and His followers as illustrated in this chapter? 10. How does this chapter address the theme of life and death, both physically and spiritually? 11. How can this story inspire you to trust God more in your daily life? 12. What steps can you take to exhibit trust in God's provision during challenging times, like the widow and Elijah? 13. How does the incident with the widow's son illustrate the power of intercessory prayer? 14. In what ways do you see the dichotomy of despair and hope played out in this chapter? 15. How do you respond to your own shortcomings and sins when confronted with them, like the widow did after her son's death? 16. In what way does the story of the widow of Zarephath provide a model of faith in adversity? 17. How can you apply the lesson of Elijah's obedient retreat from society to your own life? 18. Why do you think God chose a widow to showcase His power of provision and resurrection? 19. How does Elijah's isolation and God's provision in the wilderness mirror our own spiritual journeys? 20. In what ways can you echo Elijah's courageous faith in God's promises in your own personal circumstances today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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