What is the meaning of 1 Kings 17:10? So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath - Immediate obedience marks Elijah’s life; once the LORD said, “Get up and go to Zarephath” (1 Kings 17:9), he rose “so” and went. No delay, no debate. - Zarephath lay in Sidon, outside Israel’s borders. By stepping into pagan territory, Elijah lived out God’s heart for the nations—foreshadowed by Jesus’ mention of this story in Luke 4:25-26. - Obedience during famine required faith. Earlier, God sustained Elijah at the brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:2-6), proving He could be trusted again. When he arrived at the city gate - The gate was the hub of community life, where business was settled and strangers met (Ruth 4:1; Genesis 19:1). Elijah positions himself where providence can unfold. - Gates also picture decision points (Proverbs 1:21). Elijah stands ready for whatever God arranges next. There was a widow gathering sticks - Widows were society’s most vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). God singles out just such a person, showing His character (Psalm 68:5). - Her gathering “sticks” signals poverty; she will later confess she has “only a handful of flour” (1 Kings 17:12). - God often chooses the unlikely—think of the widow’s two mites in Mark 12:41-44—to showcase His power. Elijah called to her and said - Elijah initiates. God’s servants do not wait passively (cf. 1 Samuel 3:4). - The call parallels Jesus’ approach to the Samaritan woman: “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7). Divine encounters often begin with simple requests. - By speaking first, Elijah creates space for God’s next miracle. "Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink." - Water was scarce during drought (1 Kings 17:1). Asking for it tested the widow’s willingness before any promise of provision. - Even a small act of hospitality matters; Jesus affirms that “whoever gives even a cup of cold water…will surely not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). - Elijah’s polite “please” shows respect, modeling godly courtesy (Colossians 4:6). - The scene foreshadows Christ’s “I am thirsty” (John 19:28) and God’s wider invitation: “Come, all who are thirsty” (Isaiah 55:1). summary 1 Kings 17:10 pictures raw obedience meeting dire need. Elijah goes where God sends, stands where people gather, notices a destitute widow, and begins with a modest request. In doing so, he sets the stage for God to reveal His compassion and power. The verse teaches that simple steps—going, standing available, speaking kindly, and asking for small acts of kindness—become channels for the LORD’s larger miracles. |
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