Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath

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The account of the widow of Zarephath is a profound illustration of God's provision and kindness to the poor, as well as a testament to faith and obedience. This narrative is found in 1 Kings 17:8-24, during the time of the prophet Elijah.

Context and Background

The account unfolds during a severe drought in the land of Israel, a divine judgment pronounced by Elijah due to the nation's idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. As the drought persisted, God directed Elijah to leave the brook Cherith, where he had been miraculously sustained by ravens, and go to Zarephath, a town in Sidon, outside the borders of Israel. This move was significant, as it demonstrated God's sovereignty and care extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to a Gentile region.

The Encounter with the Widow

Upon arriving at the gates of Zarephath, Elijah encountered a widow gathering sticks. The widow, a symbol of poverty and vulnerability in ancient society, was preparing to use the last of her flour and oil to make a final meal for herself and her son before succumbing to starvation. Elijah, following God's command, asked her for a drink of water and a piece of bread. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow responded with remarkable faith and obedience. Elijah assured 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).

Miraculous Provision

The widow's act of faith was met with divine provision. As promised, the jar of flour and the jug of oil did not run out, sustaining Elijah, the widow, and her household throughout the duration of the drought. This miracle not only highlights God's compassion and provision for the poor but also underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's word.

Further Acts of Kindness

The narrative continues with another act of divine kindness. The widow's son fell ill and died, leading her to question Elijah and the presence of God. Elijah, moved by compassion, took the boy to his upper room, prayed fervently, and stretched himself upon the child three times. The LORD heard Elijah's plea, and the boy's life was restored. This miraculous resurrection further affirmed God's power and mercy, and the widow declared, “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).

Theological Implications

The account of the widow of Zarephath serves as a powerful reminder of God's care for the marginalized and impoverished. It illustrates that God's kindness and provision are not limited by national or ethnic boundaries. The widow's faith and obedience, despite her poverty, exemplify the virtues that God honors and rewards. Elijah's interaction with the widow also foreshadows the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament through the ministry of Jesus Christ.

This account encourages believers to trust in God's provision, to extend kindness to those in need, and to recognize the value of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 17:12-24
And she said, As the LORD your God lives, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter cxxv. To Rusticus.
... amazement of every one after living as poor men we ... smite me, it shall be a kindness,
and let ... the reverend bishop of Toulouse, imitating the widow of Zarephath ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxv to rusticus.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... tells us that the money which we give to the poor, or use ... forty-seven miracles, that
were performed to reward this good widow for the kindness she showed ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... [597] The widow of Zarephath ... that the coins should be distributed among the poor;
others that ... he misses neither the luxury of cities nor a mother's kindness. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... who passed him by, and of the kindness of the ... of Bethel, the house of God,' where
Jacob poor and destitute ... was pointed out to her, where the widow's son was ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... dared to patronize the labours of the poor prisoner-a ... naked truth; and seeing also
that a widow's mite being ... His marvellous kindness is seen 'in a strong city ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm