The Brook Cherith, also known as the Wadi Cherith, is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative of the prophet Elijah. This brook is most notably referenced in 1 Kings 17:2-7, where it serves as a place of divine provision and refuge for Elijah during a period of drought and famine in the land of Israel.

Biblical Account

In 1 Kings 17:2-4 , the Lord instructs Elijah: "Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.'" This passage highlights the brook as a divinely appointed sanctuary for Elijah, where he is sustained by miraculous means. The ravens, considered unclean animals according to Levitical law, are used by God to bring Elijah bread and meat, demonstrating God's sovereignty and provision even through unexpected sources.

Geographical Location

The exact location of the Brook Cherith is not definitively known, but it is traditionally identified with a wadi (a dry riverbed that contains water only during times of heavy rain) east of the Jordan River. This area is characterized by its rugged terrain and seclusion, making it an ideal place for Elijah to remain hidden from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who were seeking his life due to his prophetic pronouncements against their idolatry and apostasy.

Theological Significance

The Brook Cherith represents a period of preparation and testing for Elijah. It is a place where he learns to rely solely on God's provision and timing. The drying up of the brook, as described in 1 Kings 17:7 , "Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land," signifies a transition in Elijah's ministry, prompting him to move on to Zarephath, where God continues to use him mightily.

This narrative underscores themes of faith, obedience, and divine care. Elijah's experience at the Brook Cherith serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His servants, even in times of scarcity and danger. It also illustrates the principle that God's guidance often involves periods of waiting and trust, as He prepares His people for future tasks and challenges.

Historical Context

The events at the Brook Cherith occur during the reign of Ahab, a time marked by widespread idolatry and moral decline in Israel. Elijah's prophetic ministry is characterized by his confrontation with the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity promoted by Queen Jezebel. The drought, which Elijah announces in 1 Kings 17:1, is a direct challenge to Baal, who was believed to control rain and fertility. By sustaining Elijah at the Brook Cherith, God demonstrates His power over creation and His ability to provide for His people in the midst of judgment.

In summary, the Brook Cherith is a pivotal location in the life of Elijah, symbolizing God's provision, protection, and preparation for His prophet. It serves as a testament to the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate authority over all creation.the Brook Cherith

(cutting, ravine), the torrent-bed or wady in which Elijah hid himself during the early part of the three-years drought. (1 Kings 17:3,5) The position of the Cherith has been much disputed. The argument from probability is in favor of the Cherith being on the east of Jordan, and the name may possibly be discovered there.

3747. Kerith -- a brook where Elijah was hidden
... Cherith. Word Origin from karath Definition a brook where Elijah was hidden
NASB Word Usage Cherith (2). Kerith, a brook of Palestine. ...
/hebrew/3747.htm - 6k

A Prophet's Strange Providers
... the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 3. Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward,
and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.4. And it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a prophets strange providers.htm

Elijah and the Widow's Son
... Then this message from Jehovah came to Elijah: "Go from here and hide yourself
near the Brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/elijah and the widows son.htm

Elijah Fed by Ravens.
... Ahab's way. "Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself
by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/elijah fed by ravens.htm

Elijah the Great Heart of Israel.
... Because he would seek to destroy Elijah, the Lord told His prophet to go to the
brook Cherith that ran into the Jordan, and there He would take care of him. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii elijah the great.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... During the first part of the time when this famine was prevailing, God sent Elijah
to "the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan," I. Kings xvii: 7-17. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... For a time Elijah remained hidden in the mountains by the brook Cherith. There
for many months he was miraculously provided with food. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

March 7 Evening
... saints are in thy hand."The word of the Lord came unto Elijah, saying, Get thee
hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 7 evening.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... the way. "Turn thee eastward," the prophet was bidden, "and hide thyself
by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... God met His tried servant with the inquiry, "What doest thou here, Elijah? I sent
you to the brook Cherith and afterward to the widow of Sarepta. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

Come Rest Awhile
... Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, like David among the hills of Judea, or Elijah
by the brook Cherith, the disciples needed to come apart from the scenes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 38 come rest awhile.htm

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