Elijah Visits a Widow at Zarephath

I Kings 17:1–24
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Elijah’s prophetic ministry dominates this section of the book of l Kings. He had been prepared by the Lord to demonstrate to all of Israel that God and not Baal is still the only true God. Perhaps as Elijah heard reports of Jezebel’s increasing maneuverings to replace the worship of the Lord with Baal worship his godly heart was stirred up. God gave him a mission..

Appearing suddenly on the scene, Elijah stood before Ahab and announced a three and one-half year drought. Having made this dramatic announcement, Elijah was told by the Lord to leave Samaria and travel eastward. He was to ride from Ahab by the brook Cherish, east of the Jordan River. There the Lord provided him with water, bread and meat brought by the ravens. (l7:l-7).

In his next directive Elijah is sent into Jezebel’s home territory. From here he went to Zarephath where God had already commanded a “widow” to provide for him. Although the widow only had enough flour and oil to make bread that would last for one meal for her and her son, Elijah assured her that God would provide.

Soon after his arrival the widow’s son died. She had a guilty conscience and immediately concluded that God was punishing her for her sin by killing her son. She took him to Elijah and he took the child and prayed. His prayer was not a simple request but out of a heart of deep concern. The Lord miraculously restored the boy’s life. This is the first recorded instance in Scripture of restoration to life of one who had died. This miracle proved to the widow that Elijah was indeed a man of God.

Application

In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets it is ironic that God turned to unclean birds and a widow who was a foreigner to care for Elijah. It is amazing how God provided for me in areas where I least expected it.