Topical Bible: The Raven: Elijah Fed By

◄ The Raven: Elijah Fed By ►

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The account of Elijah being fed by ravens is a significant event in the Old Testament, illustrating God's provision and sovereignty. This narrative is found in 1 Kings 17:1-6, during a period of drought and famine in the land of Israel. 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 against the idolatry and wickedness prevalent in the kingdom.

Biblical Account:

In 1 Kings 17:2-6 , the Scripture records:

> "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.' So Elijah 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."

Significance:

1. Divine Provision: The feeding of Elijah by ravens is a powerful testament to God's ability to provide for His servants in miraculous ways. Despite the natural order, where ravens are typically seen as scavengers, God uses them to deliver sustenance to Elijah. This underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over creation and His care for those who are faithful to Him.

2. Obedience and Faith: Elijah's obedience to God's command to go to the Brook Cherith demonstrates his faith and trust in God's provision. Despite the dire circumstances of drought and famine, Elijah relies on God's word, showcasing the importance of obedience and faith in the life of a believer.

3. Symbolism of Ravens: In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, ravens were considered unclean animals (Leviticus 11:15). The use of such creatures to sustain Elijah highlights God's ability to use the unexpected and the seemingly unworthy to fulfill His purposes. This serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than human understanding.

4. Preparation for Future Ministry: This period of isolation and divine provision prepares Elijah for his future confrontations with Ahab and the prophets of Baal. It is a time of spiritual strengthening and reliance on God, equipping him for the challenges ahead.

Theological Implications:

The narrative of Elijah being fed by ravens invites reflection on God's faithfulness and the assurance that He will provide for His people, even in the most unlikely ways. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision and timing, recognizing that He is in control of all circumstances. This account also serves as a precursor to the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who emphasized God's care for His creation and His provision for those who seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34).

In summary, the account of Elijah being fed by ravens is a profound example of God's miraculous provision, the importance of obedience and faith, and the unexpected ways in which God can work in the lives of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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

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

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

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

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