Topical Encyclopedia The account of the widow of Zarephath is a poignant narrative found in 1 Kings 17:8-24. This account highlights themes of faith, divine provision, and the testing of conviction through personal tragedy. The widow, residing in the Phoenician town of Zarephath, encounters the prophet Elijah during a time of severe drought and famine. Her account is a testament to the power of faith and the miraculous intervention of God in the lives of those who trust Him.Background and Context The widow of Zarephath lived during the reign of King Ahab, a time marked by widespread idolatry and apostasy in Israel. Elijah, a prophet of the LORD, had declared a drought as a divine judgment against the nation for its sins (1 Kings 17:1). After initially being sustained by ravens at the brook Cherith, Elijah is commanded by God to go to Zarephath, where a widow would provide for him (1 Kings 17:9). The Widow's Initial Act of Faith Upon meeting Elijah, the widow is found gathering sticks to prepare a final meal for herself and her son, expecting to die soon after due to the famine (1 Kings 17:12). Elijah requests a small cake of bread first, promising that her jar of flour and jug of oil would not run dry until the LORD sends rain upon the land (1 Kings 17:13-14). Demonstrating remarkable faith, the widow obeys Elijah's request, and the promise is fulfilled: "The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16). The Death of Her Son and Crisis of Conviction The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the widow's son falls ill and dies (1 Kings 17:17). In her grief, the widow confronts Elijah, questioning whether his presence has brought her sin to remembrance and resulted in her son's death (1 Kings 17:18). This moment of crisis challenges her conviction and faith, as she grapples with the apparent contradiction between the prophet's presence and her tragic loss. Elijah's Intercession and the Restoration of Life Elijah responds with compassion and urgency, taking the boy to his own room and laying him on his bed. He cries out to the LORD, questioning why this calamity has befallen the widow who had shown him such kindness (1 Kings 17:20). Elijah stretches himself upon the child three times and prays, "O LORD my God, let this boy’s life return to him!" (1 Kings 17:21). The LORD hears Elijah's plea, and the boy's life is restored (1 Kings 17:22). The Widow's Renewed Conviction Upon witnessing the miraculous revival of her son, the widow's faith is reaffirmed. She declares to Elijah, "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). This declaration signifies a deepened conviction and recognition of the true God, contrasting with the prevalent idolatry of her region. Significance The account of the widow of Zarephath serves as a powerful illustration of faith under trial. Her initial act of obedience in providing for Elijah amidst scarcity is met with divine provision, while the subsequent death and resurrection of her son reveal the depth of God's compassion and power. The narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire, and highlights the transformative impact of witnessing God's miraculous works. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 17:18And she said to Elijah, What have I to do with you, O you man of God? are you come to me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? Nave's Topical Index Library The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources What is the conviction of sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org Why is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
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