Introduction:
Kerith, also known as the Kerith Ravine or Brook Kerith, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative of the prophet Elijah. This site is primarily noted for its role as a place of divine provision and refuge during a time of national apostasy and drought in Israel.

Biblical References:
The primary biblical reference to Kerith is found in 1 Kings 17:2-6. The passage describes how God instructed Elijah to hide by the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan River, during a period of severe drought and famine. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Kerith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.' So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook Kerith, east of the Jordan. The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook." (1 Kings 17:2-6)

Geographical Context:
Kerith is described as a brook or ravine located east of the Jordan River. While the exact location is not definitively known today, it is traditionally associated with the region of Gilead. The geographical setting of Kerith is significant as it provided a secluded and natural hiding place for Elijah, away from the reach of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who were seeking to kill him due to his prophetic pronouncements against their idolatry.

Theological Significance:
Kerith holds profound theological significance as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. During a time of national crisis, when the land was suffering from drought as a consequence of Israel's idolatry, God miraculously provided for Elijah. The use of ravens, considered unclean animals according to Levitical law, to deliver food to Elijah underscores the sovereignty of God in using all of creation to fulfill His purposes.

The narrative of Kerith also highlights the theme of divine guidance and obedience. Elijah's willingness to follow God's command to go to Kerith demonstrates his faith and trust in God's provision, even when the circumstances seemed dire. This act of obedience set the stage for Elijah's subsequent ministry and the dramatic events on Mount Carmel.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the historical context of ancient Israel, the reign of Ahab and Jezebel was marked by the promotion of Baal worship and the persecution of Yahweh's prophets. Elijah's retreat to Kerith can be seen as a strategic withdrawal, allowing him to survive and later confront the false prophets of Baal. The cultural backdrop of this period was one of spiritual conflict, with Elijah standing as a lone voice for the worship of the one true God.

Conclusion:
The account of Kerith serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to provide for His people in times of need and the importance of obedience to His word. It also foreshadows the greater deliverance and provision found in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who provides living water to all who believe in Him.3747. Kerith -- a brook where Elijah was hidden
... Kerith. 3748 . a brook where Elijah was hidden. Transliteration: Kerith Phonetic
Spelling: (ker-eeth') Short Definition: Cherith. ... Kerith, a brook of Palestine. ...
/hebrew/3747.htm - 6k

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... Talm. Parvi, pp.38-44 [which, however, adds little to our knowledge];
Targum on Exodus 12:44; Ber.47 b; Kerith.9 a; Jer. Yebam. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings ...
... Kel. The Taldmudic Tractate Kelim, on the purification of furniture and vessels.
Kerith. The Taldmudic Tractate Kerithuth, on the punishment of cutting off.'. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/list of abbreviations used in.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... Hal.Mechusre Capp., ed. Amst., vol. iii. p. 255 a and b. [976] Comp. Kerith. i.
7. [977] Jer. Sheq. 50 b. ... vi. 5. [987] Comp. Kerith. i. 7. [988] Sheq. iv. 9. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... ii. 19. 4. [565] Tos. Baba Mets. iii. [566] That of Botnah was the largest, Jer.
Ab. Z. 39 d. [567] Kerith. iii. 7; Temur. iii. 5. [568] Makhsh. vi. 2. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... [5028] Kerith. 6 a. [5029] Hist. Nat. xii. 12, 26. [5030] xii. 12, 26. [5031]
The expression pistik has giver rise to much controversy. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... In Kerith, 9 a the baptism' of Israel is proved from Exodus 24:5, since every
sprinkling of blood was supposed to be preceded by immersion. In Siphr?? on Numb. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

Kerith (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kerith (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 17:3 "Go away from
here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith ...
/k/kerith.htm - 6k

Kernel (4 Occurrences)

/k/kernel.htm - 8k

Ker'i-oth-hezron (1 Occurrence)
Ker'i-oth-hezron. Kerioth-hezron, Ker'i-oth-hezron. Kerith . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Kerioth-hezron, Ker'i-oth-hezron. Kerith . Reference Bible.
/k/ker'i-oth-hezron.htm - 6k

Cherith (2 Occurrences)
... ke'-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 ...
/c/cherith.htm - 8k

Brook (75 Occurrences)
... ke'-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 ...
/b/brook.htm - 45k

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