Topical Bible: Raven: Fed Elijah

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The raven, a bird often associated with desolation and uncleanliness in the biblical context, plays a significant role in the narrative of the prophet Elijah. This account is found in the First Book of Kings, where God uses ravens to sustain Elijah during a period of drought and famine.

Biblical Account

The account of the ravens feeding Elijah is recorded in 1 Kings 17:1-6. Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, had declared to King Ahab that there would be neither dew nor rain in the coming years except at his word, as a judgment upon Israel for its idolatry. Following this pronouncement, God instructed Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan River. It is here that the ravens were commanded by God to provide for him. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this divine provision:

"You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." (1 Kings 17:4)

The narrative continues:

"So he did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook Cherith, 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 17:5-6)

Symbolism and Significance

In the biblical context, ravens are considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:15). Despite this, God uses these creatures to sustain His prophet, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His ability to provide for His servants in unexpected ways. The use of ravens highlights God's provision and care, even in times of judgment and scarcity.

The account of the ravens feeding Elijah also underscores the theme of divine provision and trust in God's faithfulness. Elijah's obedience to God's command to go to the Brook Cherith, despite the unusual means of sustenance, reflects a deep trust in God's word and His ability to provide.

Theological Implications

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the importance of obedience to His commands. It illustrates that God can use any means, even those considered unlikely or unclean, to fulfill His purposes and care for His people. The account of Elijah and the ravens encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire or the means of provision appear unconventional.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, ravens were often seen as omens or symbols of desolation due to their scavenging nature. However, in this biblical account, their role is transformed from one of desolation to one of provision. This transformation serves to emphasize the power of God to redefine and repurpose elements of creation for His divine purposes.

The account of the ravens feeding Elijah is a testament to God's miraculous provision and serves as an enduring example of His care for those who faithfully serve Him.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 17:4-6
And it shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Elijah Fed by Ravens(S). 1Ki 17:06
... ELIJAH fed by ravens(s). 1Ki 17:6. Elijah's example declares,. ... By ravens was constantly
fed. More likely to rob than to feed,. ... [2]. Thus Satan, that raven unclean ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 35 elijah fed by.htm

But they are Fed by These Fruits, that are Delighted with Them...
... With fruit was Elijah fed by the widow that knew she fed a man of God, and
therefore fed him: but by the raven was he fed with a gift. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxvi but they are.htm

In the Confessing of Benefits, Computation is Made not as to the " ...
... With fruit was Elijah fed by the widow, who knew that she fed a man of God, and
on this account fed him; but by the raven was he fed with a gift. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxvi in the confessing of.htm

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom
... of unanxious lives abundantly fed. Perhaps Elijah's feathered providers, or the
words of the Psalmist (Psalm 147:9), were in Christ's mind. The raven was one ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/anxious about earth or earnest.htm

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... miracles that were done by Moses, by Elijah and Elisha ... eat." The weaver took up the
dead raven, saying as ... loaves they increased, till all the people were fed. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

The Providence of God
... So the raven, that unnatural creature (that will ... own young), providentially brought
sustenance to the prophet Elijah. ... scarce know how they are fed, except that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Ark, the, of Noah, its typical signification, [42]188 sq.; the raven and dove ... Elijah,
fed by ravens, etc., [231]194; the translation of"Faustus' objection to ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... THE GOD WHO SUPPLIED ELIJAH BY A RAVEN SUPPLIED ME WITH FISH. ... repeats the Bible over
again, especially in the instance of Elijah as he was fed in an unseen ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... That the raven sent out after forty days did not return, being either prevented
by the water or attracted by ... In the time of famine, Elijah is fed by ravens ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm