Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Cherith, also known as the Brook Cherith, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative of the prophet Elijah. The name "Cherith" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to cut" or "to separate," which is fitting given the brook's role as a place of divine separation and provision for Elijah.Biblical Account The primary biblical reference to Cherith is found in 1 Kings 17:2-7. After Elijah prophesied a severe drought to King Ahab, the Lord instructed him to hide by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan River. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this directive: "Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.'" (1 Kings 17:2-4). During this period, Elijah experienced God's miraculous provision. The ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. This divine sustenance highlights God's sovereignty and care for His prophets, even in times of national judgment and personal isolation. Geographical and Historical Context The exact location of the Brook Cherith is not definitively known, but it is traditionally believed to be situated east of the Jordan River, possibly in the region of modern-day Jordan. The brook's geographical setting would have provided a secluded and secure place for Elijah during the drought, away from the reach of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who sought his life. Theological Significance Cherith serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. In a time of national apostasy and judgment, God preserved His prophet through miraculous means. The brook represents a place of testing and reliance on God, where Elijah learned to depend solely on divine provision. This period of isolation and dependence prepared Elijah for his subsequent public ministry, including his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The narrative of Cherith also underscores the theme of divine sovereignty. Despite the drought affecting the land, God demonstrated His control over nature by commanding the ravens to sustain Elijah. This miraculous provision serves as a testament to God's ability to provide for His people in unexpected ways, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence and care. Lessons for Believers For contemporary believers, the account of Cherith offers several lessons. It encourages trust in God's provision, even in times of scarcity or isolation. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as Elijah's willingness to follow God's command led to his preservation. Furthermore, Cherith reminds believers of the value of solitude and separation for spiritual growth and preparation for future service. In summary, Cherith is a place of divine provision and preparation, where Elijah experienced God's faithfulness in a time of national crisis. The brook's narrative continues to inspire believers to trust in God's sovereignty and care, regardless of their circumstances. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary CherithATS Bible Dictionary CherithA small brook flowing into the Jordan, to which Elijah once withdrew, and where ravens brought him supplies of bread and flesh, 1 Kings 17:3-5. Robinson suggests that it may be the present Wady Kelt, which drains the hills west of Jericho, and flows near that town on its way to the Jordan. This brook is dry in summer. Easton's Bible Dictionary A cutting; separation; a gorge, a torrent-bed or winter-stream, a "brook," in whose banks the prophet Elijah hid himself during the early part of the three years' drought (1 Kings 17:3, 5). It has by some been identified as the Wady el-Kelt behind Jericho, which is formed by the junction of many streams flowing from the mountains west of Jericho. It is dry in summer. Travellers have described it as one of the wildest ravines of this wild region, and peculiarly fitted to afford a secure asylum to the persecuted. But if the prophet's interview with Ahab was in Samaria, and he thence journeyed toward the east, it is probable that he crossed Jordan and found refuge in some of the ravines of Gilead. The "brook" is said to have been "before Jordan," which probably means that it opened toward that river, into which it flowed. This description would apply to the east as well as to the west of Jordan. Thus Elijah's hiding-place may have been the Jermuk, in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHERITH, THE BROOKke'-rith (nachal kerith; Cheimarrhous Chorrhath): The place where Elijah hid and was miraculously fed, after announcing the drought to Ahab (1 Kings 17:3). It is described as being "before," that is "east," of Jordan. It cannot therefore be identified with Wady el-Kelt, to the West of Jericho. The retreat must be sought in some recess of the Gilead uplands with which doubtless Elijah had been familiar in his earlier days. Strong's Hebrew 3747. Kerith -- a brook where Elijah was hidden... 3746, 3747. Kerith. 3748 . a brook where Elijah was hidden. Transliteration: Kerith Phonetic Spelling: (ker-eeth') Short Definition: Cherith. ... /hebrew/3747.htm - 6k Library A Prophet's Strange Providers Elijah and the Widow's Son Christ Teaching Liberality Elijah and the Widow's Son. Elijah Fed by Ravens. "The Widow Woman was There. " I Kings xvii. 10 "What Doest Thou Here?" The Voice of Stern Rebuke Elijah the Great Heart of Israel. Come Rest Awhile Thesaurus Cherith (2 Occurrences)... Manasseh. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHERITH, THE BROOK. ke'-rith ... days. Multi-Version Concordance Cherith (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings ... /c/cherith.htm - 8k Ravine (26 Occurrences) Torrent (49 Occurrences) Elijah (104 Occurrences) Stream (96 Occurrences) Brook (75 Occurrences) Cherub (21 Occurrences) Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Kerith (1 Occurrence) Raven (7 Occurrences) Resources Who was Elijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cherith (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 17:3 1 Kings 17:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |