"O man of God," said the woman to Elijah, "what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?" "O man of God,"The title "man of God" is a term of respect and recognition of Elijah's prophetic authority. It is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to prophets and those who are seen as messengers of God (e.g., Moses in Deuteronomy 33:1). This acknowledgment by the widow indicates her awareness of Elijah's divine connection and the power associated with his presence. "said the woman to Elijah,"
The woman is the widow of Zarephath, a Gentile living in Phoenician territory, which is significant as it shows God's work beyond Israel. Elijah's presence in her home is a result of God's command during a time of drought and famine (1 Kings 17:9). This interaction highlights the cross-cultural and cross-religious dynamics at play, as Elijah, an Israelite prophet, is staying with a non-Israelite. "what have you done to me?"
This question reflects the widow's distress and confusion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, there was a belief that the presence of a holy person could bring both blessing and judgment. Her question suggests a fear that Elijah's presence has brought divine scrutiny or misfortune upon her household. "Have you come to remind me of my iniquity"
The widow's reference to her "iniquity" suggests an awareness of personal sin or guilt. In the context of the Old Testament, sin is often associated with suffering or divine punishment (e.g., Job 4:7-8). Her statement implies a belief that her past sins might be the cause of her current suffering, a common theological perspective in the ancient world. "and cause the death of my son?"
The death of her son is a devastating event, especially for a widow who relied on her offspring for future security and support. In biblical times, children were seen as a blessing and a sign of God's favor (Psalm 127:3-5). The widow's lament can be seen as a cry of desperation, questioning the justice and purpose of God in her suffering. This moment sets the stage for Elijah's subsequent miracle, which prefigures Christ's power over death, as seen in the New Testament accounts of Jesus raising the dead (e.g., Luke 7:11-17). Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God, known for his powerful ministry and miracles, including the confrontation with the prophets of Baal. In this passage, he is staying with a widow in Zarephath during a time of famine. 2. The Widow of ZarephathA Gentile woman who provides for Elijah during the famine. Her son falls ill and dies, prompting her desperate plea to Elijah. 3. ZarephathA town in Sidon, outside of Israel, highlighting God's work beyond the borders of His chosen people. It is significant that Elijah is sent here, showing God's care for Gentiles. 4. The Widow's SonHis illness and death become a pivotal moment for demonstrating God's power and Elijah's prophetic authority. 5. The FamineA severe drought in the land, which God uses to demonstrate His power and provision through Elijah. Teaching Points Acknowledging Sin and Seeking RedemptionThe widow's question reflects a recognition of sin. Believers should be aware of their sinfulness and seek God's forgiveness and redemption through Christ. God's Sovereignty in TrialsThe death of the widow's son, though tragic, becomes an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power. Trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances. Faith Beyond BordersGod's work in Zarephath shows His love and grace extend beyond Israel. Christians are called to share the Gospel with all nations, reflecting God's inclusive love. The Role of the ProphetElijah's presence and actions remind us of the importance of godly leaders who guide and intercede for others. Pray for and support spiritual leaders in their ministry. The Power of PrayerElijah's later actions (not detailed in this verse) show the power of prayer in bringing life and hope. Cultivate a strong prayer life, trusting in God's ability to work miracles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the widow's response to Elijah reflect a common human reaction to suffering and perceived divine judgment? 2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to trust in God's provision and sovereignty during times of personal crisis? 3. How can Elijah's ministry to the widow of Zarephath inspire us to reach out to those outside our immediate community or faith tradition? 4. What does this account teach us about the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins in our relationship with God? 5. How can we apply the lessons of Elijah's faith and prayer life to our own spiritual practices today? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 4:25-26Jesus references the widow of Zarephath, highlighting God's grace to Gentiles and the faith required to receive His miracles. James 5:17-18Elijah is mentioned as a man of prayer, emphasizing the power of prayer in the life of a believer. Romans 3:23The widow's mention of sin connects to the universal reality of sin and the need for redemption. People Ahab, Elijah, ZidonPlaces Cherith, Gilead, Jordan River, Sidon, Tishbe, ZarephathTopics Bring, Cause, Death, Elijah, Eli'jah, Hast, Iniquity, Kill, Memory, Mind, O, Remembered, Remembrance, Remind, Sin, SlayDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 17:18 8300 love, and the world 1 Kings 17:8-24 1416 miracles, nature of 1 Kings 17:13-24 7773 prophets, role 1 Kings 17:17-18 8027 faith, testing of 1 Kings 17:17-23 5658 boys 1 Kings 17:17-24 5092 Elijah
7758 preachers, call 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 17:18 NIV1 Kings 17:18 NLT1 Kings 17:18 ESV1 Kings 17:18 NASB1 Kings 17:18 KJV
1 Kings 17:18 Commentaries
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