The Widow of Zarephath is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of faith, divine provision, and the care for the poor. Her account is found in 1 Kings 17:8-24, during the time of the prophet Elijah.

Historical and Cultural Context

Zarephath was a Phoenician town located between Sidon and Tyre, outside the borders of Israel. This region was known for its pagan worship, particularly of Baal, which makes the widow's encounter with Elijah, a prophet of Yahweh, particularly noteworthy. The widow's status as a Gentile highlights the universality of God's concern and provision, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Biblical Account

The narrative begins with God instructing Elijah to go to Zarephath during a severe drought and famine. The Lord tells Elijah, "Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you" (1 Kings 17:9). Upon arrival, Elijah encounters the widow gathering sticks. He requests water and a piece of bread. The widow responds, "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" (1 Kings 17:12). She is preparing to make a final meal for herself and her son before they succumb to starvation.

Elijah reassures 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" (1 Kings 17:13). He promises that the flour and oil will not run out until the Lord sends rain upon the land. The widow obeys Elijah's instructions, and indeed, "the jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16).

Theological Significance

The account of the Widow of Zarephath is a profound testament to faith and obedience. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow trusts Elijah's word and acts in faith, which results in God's miraculous provision. Her account exemplifies the biblical principle that God cares for the poor and needy, often using unexpected means and people to fulfill His purposes.

Moreover, the widow's interaction with Elijah underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and grace. Her faith, though she is a Gentile, is honored by God, prefiguring the New Testament message that salvation and God's blessings are available to all who believe, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

Miracle of Resurrection

The narrative continues with a further demonstration of God's power and compassion. The widow's son falls ill and dies, prompting her to question Elijah about the calamity. Elijah takes the boy to his upper room, prays fervently, and stretches himself over the child three times. The Lord hears Elijah's plea, and the boy's life is restored. The widow responds, "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).

This miracle not only confirms Elijah's prophetic authority but also reinforces the message of God's life-giving power and His concern for the marginalized. The widow's acknowledgment of Elijah's God as the true God marks a significant moment of faith and revelation.

Legacy and Lessons

The Widow of Zarephath's account is often cited in discussions about God's provision and the importance of faith. Her willingness to share her last meal with Elijah, despite her poverty, serves as a powerful example of selflessness and trust in God's promises. Her experience encourages believers to rely on God's faithfulness, even in the most desperate situations, and to recognize His ability to provide beyond human limitations.1 Kings 17:12
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Prophet's Strange Providers
... It was a far cry from Cherith to Zarephath, right across the kingdom of Ahab; and ...
thought that God had sent him to a strange helper in this poor widow with her ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a prophets strange providers.htm

Elijah and the Widow's Son.
... wild prophet came to the fields outside Zarephath and waited ... the man, and went away
to her poor home; there ... happened some time later that this widow's son fell ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/elijah and the widows son.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... Let us recall to mind the widow of Zarephath [1606] who thought more of satisfying ...
on to the widow in the gospel who, though she was but a poor widow was yet ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

Letter cxxv. To Rusticus.
... 3509] the reverend bishop of Toulouse, imitating the widow of Zarephath, [3510]
feeds ... has bestowed his whole substance to meet the needs of Christ's poor. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxv to rusticus.htm

The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44
... anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath ... of them was Elijah sent,
but only to Zarephath, in the ... of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.27 And ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first period ch.htm

Jesus visits Nazareth and is Rejected.
... of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the ... unto a woman [a Gentile] that
was a widow 27 And ... Palestine was filled with poor people even in times of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lx jesus visits nazareth and.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... She was giving money to the poor, a coin apiece; and this with her own hand, that
she might be accounted more religious ... 597] The widow of Zarephath, who with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

A visit to his Home.
... he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He hath ... of them was Elijah sent,
but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/a visit to his home.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... us that the money which we give to the poor, or use ... God told him to go to the city
of Zarephath, or Sarepta ... Sea, and that he had commanded a widow woman there ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; ... of them was Elijah sent, but
only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

What does the Bible say about giving to the poor? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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