Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: Sarepta, known in modern times as Sarafand, was an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast between the cities of Tyre and Sidon. It is situated in present-day Lebanon. The city was strategically positioned along the trade routes and was known for its production of purple dye, a valuable commodity in ancient times. Biblical Significance: Sarepta holds a notable place in biblical history, primarily due to its association with the prophet Elijah. The city is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of a miraculous event during a time of severe drought and famine. Elijah and the Widow of Sarepta: The most significant biblical account involving Sarepta is found in 1 Kings 17:8-24. During a period of drought, God instructed the prophet Elijah to go to Sarepta, where he would find a widow who would provide for him. Upon his arrival, Elijah encountered the widow gathering sticks. He asked her for a little water and a piece of bread. The widow, however, was in dire straits, having only a handful of flour and a little oil, which she intended to use to prepare a final meal for herself and her son before they succumbed to starvation. Elijah assured her, saying, "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 obeyed Elijah's instructions, and as promised, the flour and oil did not run out, sustaining them throughout the famine. This event is significant as it demonstrates God's provision and faithfulness, even to a Gentile widow, highlighting the theme of God's care extending beyond the boundaries of Israel. New Testament Reference: Sarepta is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Luke 4:25-26, Jesus refers to the widow of Sarepta while speaking in the synagogue in Nazareth. He highlights the widow's faith and God's grace extended to her, a Gentile, during a time when many in Israel were suffering. Jesus said, "But I tell you truly, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years, and great famine swept over all the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon" (Luke 4:25-26). This reference underscores the universality of God's mercy and serves as a rebuke to those who rejected Jesus' message. Cultural and Historical Context: Sarepta was a city within the region of Phoenicia, known for its maritime trade and skilled artisans. The Phoenicians were renowned for their seafaring abilities and their development of the alphabet, which greatly influenced the cultures of the Mediterranean. The city's economic activities, particularly the production of purple dye, contributed to its wealth and significance in the ancient world. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological excavations at Sarepta have uncovered evidence of its ancient industries, including pottery and dye production. These findings provide a glimpse into the daily life and economic activities of the city's inhabitants during biblical times. Theological Implications: The account of Elijah and the widow of Sarepta serves as a powerful illustration of faith and divine provision. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word and the blessings that follow. Additionally, the inclusion of a Gentile widow in God's plan foreshadows the broader scope of the Gospel, which extends salvation to all nations. Conclusion: Sarepta's biblical narrative, though brief, carries profound theological and spiritual lessons. It reminds believers of God's sovereignty, His care for the marginalized, and the call to trust in His provision, regardless of circumstances. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SareptaSmith's Bible Dictionary SareptaATS Bible Dictionary SareptaSee ZAREPHATH. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Luke 4:26). See ZAREPHATH. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAREPTAsa-rep'-ta (Sarepta): The name in Luke 4:26 the King James Version, following the Greek, of the Phoenician town to which Elijah was sent in the time of the great famine, in order to save the lives of a widow and her son (1 Kings 17:9, 10). The Revised Version (British and American) adopts the form of the name based upon the Hebrew, and as found in the Old Testament: ZAREPHATH (which see). Greek 4558. Sarepta -- Sarepta, a city near Sidon ... 4557, 4558. Sarepta. 4559 . ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Tsarephath Definition Sarepta, a city near Sidon NASB Word Usage Zarephath (1). Sarepta. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4558.htm - 6k Library Elijah at Sarepta St. Ambrose Returns to the Story of the Widow of Sarepta... The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Leah. The Inexhaustible Barrel Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect Concerning Widows. "What Doest Thou Here?" The Voice of Stern Rebuke A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. The West Coast of Galilee-Carmel. Thesaurus Sarepta (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Luke 4:26). See ZAREPHATH. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SAREPTA. ... Multi-Version Concordance Sarepta (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sarepta.htm - 7k Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Phoenicians Phoenicia (6 Occurrences) Elias (30 Occurrences) Eli'jah (93 Occurrences) Sarezer (2 Occurrences) Sidon (35 Occurrences) Sardonyx (1 Occurrence) Tyre (59 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Sarepta (1 Occurrence)Luke 4:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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