What can we learn about God's character from Elijah's plea in 1 Kings 17:20? The Setting and the Plea “Then he cried out to the LORD, ‘O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy upon the widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?’ ” (1 Kings 17:20) The Cry: “O LORD my God” — A Personal Covenant God • Elijah addresses Him as “LORD” (Yahweh) and “my God,” revealing a relationship that is both covenantal and personal (cf. Exodus 3:15). • God is not distant; He binds Himself to His people in loyalty and love (Deuteronomy 7:9). • The use of “my” underscores that believers may speak to God with the confidence of belonging (Psalm 23:1; Galatians 4:6). God’s Invitation to Honest Lament • Elijah is blunt: he asks whether God Himself has brought the calamity. Scripture records the question without rebuke, showing the Lord welcomes unvarnished cries (Psalm 62:8; Habakkuk 1:2). • God’s character is big enough to handle grief-soaked questions; He is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • Hebrews 4:16 urges the same candor at the throne of grace. Supreme Over Life and Death • Elijah assumes God’s sovereignty: the child’s death lies within His allowance or purpose. • Scripture repeatedly affirms that “the LORD brings death and gives life” (1 Samuel 2:6). • A God with authority over mortality is also able to reverse it, as He soon does (1 Kings 17:22). Compassion Toward the Vulnerable • The plea centers on a widow and her only child—among the most vulnerable in ancient society. • God’s heart beats for such people: “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow” (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5). • By restoring the boy, the Lord proves His compassion is not abstract but active. Responsiveness and Power • In verses 21-22 God answers immediately: “the LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him.” • He is a listening God (Psalm 34:15) and a powerful Deliverer (Jeremiah 32:17). • James 5:17-18 uses this episode to remind believers that the same attentive ear is ours today. Faithfulness to His Word • Earlier, God had promised Elijah provision through this widow (1 Kings 17:9-14). Preserving her family by raising the son keeps His word intact. • Every divine action springs from unwavering faithfulness (Numbers 23:19; Lamentations 3:22-23). What We Learn About God’s Character • He welcomes raw honesty from His children. • He remains personally involved and covenant-keeping. • He exercises sovereign authority over life and death. • His compassion moves Him to defend and restore the helpless. • He hears and responds to prayer with real power. • He unfailingly honors His promises. The God Elijah addressed is the same today—unchanged in sovereignty, compassion, faithfulness, and readiness to hear the cries of His people (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). |
    |