The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah. The jar of flour was not exhaustedThis phrase highlights the miraculous provision of God during a time of severe drought and famine in Israel. The widow of Zarephath, who was preparing to make her last meal for herself and her son, experienced God's supernatural intervention. This miracle is reminiscent of God's provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness ( Exodus 16:14-18). It underscores God's ability to sustain His people even in the most desperate circumstances. The jar of flour symbolizes God's unending supply and faithfulness, a theme echoed in Philippians 4:19, where Paul assures that God will meet all needs according to His riches in glory. and the jug of oil did not run dry
Oil in the ancient Near East was a staple for cooking, lighting, and anointing, making it a valuable resource. The continuous supply of oil signifies God's abundant grace and provision. This miracle prefigures the New Testament account of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:13-21), demonstrating that God provides both physical and spiritual sustenance. The oil also has symbolic significance, often representing the Holy Spirit in Scripture (1 Samuel 16:13), indicating the presence and empowerment of God in the lives of His people. according to the word that the LORD had spoken
This phrase emphasizes the authority and reliability of God's word. The fulfillment of God's promise through Elijah serves as a testament to His faithfulness and the power of prophetic words. It reflects the biblical principle that God's word does not return void but accomplishes what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). This assurance is foundational for believers, encouraging trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan. through Elijah
Elijah, whose name means "My God is Yahweh," is a central prophetic figure in the Old Testament. His ministry was marked by powerful demonstrations of God's power and authority, challenging the idolatry of Israel under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah's role as a prophet is significant, as he serves as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the coming Messiah who would also perform miracles and proclaim God's truth. Elijah's presence at the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-3) further connects his ministry to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God who plays a central role in this account. He is known for his faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. 2. Widow of ZarephathA Gentile woman living in Zarephath, who shows hospitality to Elijah and experiences God's miraculous provision. 3. ZarephathA town in Sidon, outside of Israel, highlighting God's work beyond the borders of His chosen people. 4. Miracle of ProvisionThe supernatural event where the widow's jar of flour and jug of oil do not run out, demonstrating God's provision and faithfulness. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in ProvisionGod is faithful to provide for our needs, often in unexpected ways. Just as He provided for the widow and Elijah, He will provide for us when we trust in Him. Obedience Leads to BlessingThe widow's obedience to Elijah's request, despite her dire circumstances, led to God's blessing. Our obedience to God's word can open the door to His provision and miracles in our lives. God's Sovereignty and GraceGod's choice to bless a Gentile widow illustrates His sovereignty and grace. He is not limited by human boundaries and extends His love and provision to all who trust in Him. Trust in God's WordThe fulfillment of God's promise through Elijah underscores the reliability of His word. We can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of the widow of Zarephath challenge our understanding of God's provision in times of scarcity? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to God's word in our daily lives, similar to the widow's response to Elijah? 3. How does the miracle of the flour and oil encourage us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible? 4. What can we learn from God's choice to bless a Gentile widow about His character and the scope of His grace? 5. How can we apply the principle of God's faithfulness in provision to our current life situations, and what other scriptures support this truth? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 16The provision of manna in the wilderness parallels God's miraculous provision for the widow, showing His consistent care for His people. Matthew 6:25-34Jesus' teaching on not worrying about daily needs connects to the widow's experience of God's provision. Luke 4:25-26Jesus references the widow of Zarephath, highlighting God's grace to Gentiles and His sovereignty in choosing whom to bless. People Ahab, Elijah, ZidonPlaces Cherith, Gilead, Jordan River, Sidon, Tishbe, ZarephathTopics Barrel, Bottle, Bowl, Consumed, Cruse, Didn't, Dish, Dry, Elijah, Eli'jah, Empty, Exhausted, Fail, Flour, Jar, Jug, Keeping, Lack, Meal, Mouth, Oil, Pitcher, Run, Spake, Spent, Spoke, Spoken, Store, Waste, WastedDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 17:16 1330 God, the provider
1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 1 Kings 17:1-16 4823 famine, physical 1 Kings 17:4-16 5341 hunger 1 Kings 17:7-16 8447 hospitality, examples 1 Kings 17:8-24 1416 miracles, nature of 1 Kings 17:10-16 4418 bread 1 Kings 17:12-16 4404 food
4488 oil 1 Kings 17:13-24 7773 prophets, role Library Elijah Standing Before the Lord
And Elijah the Tishbite ... said ... As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand.--1 KINGS xvii. 1. This solemn and remarkable adjuration seems to have been habitual upon Elijah's lips in the great crises of his life. We never find it used by any but himself, and his scholar and successor, Elisha. Both of them employ it under similar circumstances, as if unveiling the very secret of their lives, the reason for their strength, and for their undaunted bearing and bold fronting of all antagonism. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Inexhaustible Barrel
Though, however, I make these few observations by way of preface, this is not the subject of this morning. I propose to take the case of the poor widow of Sarepta as an illustration of divine love, as it manifests itself to man; and I shall have three things for you to notice. First, the object of divine love; secondly, the singular methods of divine love; and, then, in the third place, the undying faithfulness of divine love--"The barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 Answered Prayer.
"And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah."--1 KINGS xvii. 22. Yes, and He will hear your voice if you are as much in earnest as he was! Why should not God hear the voice of William, or Robert, Sarah or Edith? He is no respecter of persons. Is it not written over the door of mercy, "Knock, and it shall be opened?" Aye, and the knocker is so low a child's hand may reach it. St. James tells us that Elijah was "a man of like passions." He was a human being like you and me, but he had faith in God. …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by drawing lots is not unlawful, because a gloss of Augustine on Ps. 30:16, "My lots are in Thy hands," says: "It is not wrong to cast lots, for it is a means of ascertaining the divine will when a man is in doubt." Objection 2: There is, seemingly, nothing unlawful in the observances which the Scriptures relate as being practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find holy men practicing the casting of lots. For it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 17:16 NIV1 Kings 17:16 NLT1 Kings 17:16 ESV1 Kings 17:16 NASB1 Kings 17:16 KJV
1 Kings 17:16 Commentaries
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