1 Kings 17:19

But Elijah said to her, "Give me your son." So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.

Study Bible

But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.”
Elijah's request demonstrates his faith and authority as a prophet of God. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and the people. Elijah's command reflects his confidence in God's power to intervene in dire situations. This moment also highlights the deep trust the widow had in Elijah, as she was willing to hand over her deceased son, a significant act of faith and desperation. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of surrendering one's burdens to God, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him.

So he took him from her arms,
The act of taking the child from the mother's arms is symbolic of transferring the burden of grief and hopelessness to God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the embrace of a mother was a place of safety and nurture, and relinquishing her son signifies a profound act of trust. This action can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament theme of casting one's cares upon God, as found in 1 Peter 5:7.

carried him to the upper room where he was staying,
The upper room in ancient Israelite homes was often a place of seclusion and prayer, away from the daily activities of the household. It was a space where one could seek God in solitude. Elijah's choice to bring the child to this location underscores the importance of seeking divine intervention in a private, dedicated space. This setting foreshadows the upper room in the New Testament, where significant events, such as the Last Supper and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, took place (Acts 1:13, Acts 2:1-4).

and laid him on his own bed.
By placing the child on his own bed, Elijah demonstrates personal care and responsibility for the situation. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who took upon Himself the burdens and sins of humanity. The bed, a place of rest, symbolizes the peace and restoration that God can bring even in the face of death. This moment prefigures the resurrection power of Jesus, who would later raise the dead, as seen in the accounts of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:41-42) and Lazarus (John 11:43-44).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God, known for his faithfulness and miraculous works. In this passage, he is staying with a widow in Zarephath during a time of famine.

2. The Widow of Zarephath
A Gentile woman who provides for Elijah during the famine. Her son falls ill and dies, prompting Elijah's intervention.

3. The Widow's Son
The child of the widow, whose illness and subsequent death become the focal point of Elijah's miraculous act of raising him back to life.

4. Upper Room
A private space in the widow's house where Elijah was staying. It becomes the setting for the miracle of resurrection.

5. Zarephath
A town in Sidon, outside of Israel, highlighting God's work beyond the borders of His chosen people.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Elijah's response to the widow's crisis demonstrates active faith. Believers are called to trust God and act in faith during difficult times.

God's Sovereignty
The miracle of resurrection underscores God's control over life and death, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate authority.

Prayer's Power
Elijah's prayerful approach to the situation highlights the importance of earnest prayer in seeking God's intervention.

God's Care for All
The account of the widow of Zarephath illustrates God's compassion and provision for all people, regardless of their background.

Miracles as Testimonies
The resurrection of the widow's son serves as a testimony to God's power and faithfulness, encouraging believers to share their own testimonies of God's work in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's response to the widow's crisis demonstrate his faith in God, and how can we apply this in our own lives when facing challenges?

2. In what ways does the account of the widow of Zarephath illustrate God's care for those outside of Israel, and how does this relate to the New Testament message of the Gospel?

3. How does Elijah's prayer in this passage serve as a model for our own prayer life, especially in times of crisis?

4. What does the miracle of the widow's son teach us about God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our daily trust in Him?

5. How can we use the testimonies of God's work in our lives, similar to the miracle in this passage, to encourage and strengthen the faith of others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 17:21-22
Elijah's prayer and the subsequent resurrection of the widow's son demonstrate God's power over life and death.

Luke 4:25-26
Jesus references the widow of Zarephath, emphasizing God's care for Gentiles and His provision through Elijah.

James 5:17-18
Elijah is cited as a man of powerful prayer, reinforcing the importance of prayer in the life of believers.

Hebrews 11:35
The faith of women who received their dead back to life is celebrated, connecting to the widow's experience.