Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:The account of the Widow of Zarephath's hospitality to the prophet Elijah is found in 1 Kings 17:8-24. This narrative occurs during a time of severe drought and famine in the land, a divine judgment pronounced by Elijah himself (1 Kings 17:1). The account highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine provision, showcasing the widow's remarkable hospitality amidst dire circumstances. Scriptural Account: The LORD instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town in Sidon, where He has commanded a widow to provide for him. "Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 'Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you'" (1 Kings 17:8-9). This directive is significant, as Zarephath is located in a region outside of Israel, indicating God's sovereignty and care extending beyond the borders of His chosen people. Upon arrival, Elijah encounters the widow gathering sticks. He requests water and a morsel of bread. The widow responds with honesty about her dire situation: "As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die" (1 Kings 17:12). Despite her desperate circumstances, the widow's willingness to share her last meal exemplifies profound hospitality and trust. Elijah reassures her with a promise from the LORD: "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth'" (1 Kings 17:13-14). The widow's obedience to Elijah's request, despite her initial fear, results in a miraculous provision that sustains her household throughout the famine. Theological Significance: The Widow of Zarephath's hospitality is a profound demonstration of faith and obedience. Her actions reflect a trust in God's provision, even when faced with scarcity. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who act in faith and extend hospitality, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Moreover, the account illustrates God's care for the marginalized and His ability to work through unlikely individuals. The widow, a Gentile living in a pagan land, becomes a vessel of God's blessing, highlighting the inclusivity of God's grace and the reach of His providence. Lessons on Hospitality: 1. Faith in Action: The widow's hospitality is an act of faith, trusting in God's promise through Elijah. Her willingness to give, despite her lack, serves as a model for believers to trust in God's provision. 2. Obedience and Blessing: The narrative demonstrates that obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical or risky, leads to blessing and sustenance. 3. God's Sovereignty and Care: The account reveals God's sovereignty over all nations and His care for individuals, regardless of their social or economic status. It reminds believers that God's provision often comes through unexpected means and people. 4. Hospitality as a Divine Mandate: The widow's example encourages believers to practice hospitality, seeing it as a divine mandate that reflects God's character and extends His love to others. The account of the Widow of Zarephath and Elijah remains a powerful testament to the transformative power of hospitality, faith, and divine provision in the lives of those who trust in the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 17:10-24So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray you, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. Nave's Topical Index Library The Voice of Stern Rebuke The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Monasticism? | GotQuestions.org What is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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