1 Kings 17:6

The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.

Study Bible

The ravens would bring him bread and meat
In the ancient Near East, ravens were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:15). Despite this, God uses these birds to sustain Elijah, demonstrating His sovereignty and ability to provide through unexpected means. This miraculous provision highlights God's care for His prophets and His power over creation. The provision of bread and meat is reminiscent of God's provision of manna and quail to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16), showing continuity in God's faithfulness to His people. This act also prefigures the miraculous feeding of the multitudes by Jesus (Matthew 14:13-21), where He provides bread and fish, further illustrating God's provision through Christ.

in the morning and evening
The regularity of the provision underscores God's reliability and faithfulness. Morning and evening offerings were a part of the daily worship in the temple (Exodus 29:38-39), suggesting a rhythm of divine provision that aligns with worship and devotion. This timing also reflects the structure of daily life in ancient Israel, where morning and evening were significant times for prayer and reflection. The consistency of God's provision for Elijah serves as a reminder of His unchanging nature and His promise to meet the needs of His servants.

and he would drink from the brook
The brook Cherith, where Elijah was sent, is believed to be located east of the Jordan River. This geographical detail places Elijah in a remote and secluded area, away from the reach of King Ahab and Jezebel, who sought his life. The brook represents God's natural provision, complementing the supernatural provision of food by the ravens. This setting emphasizes Elijah's dependence on God alone for sustenance and protection. The drying up of the brook later in the narrative (1 Kings 17:7) serves as a transition to the next phase of God's plan for Elijah, illustrating the temporary nature of earthly provisions and the need to continually trust in God's guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God, Elijah is central to this passage. He is known for his unwavering faith and obedience to God, even in dire circumstances.

2. Ravens
Birds that are considered unclean in Jewish law (Leviticus 11:15), yet God uses them to provide for Elijah, demonstrating His sovereignty and provision.

3. Brook Cherith
A small stream east of the Jordan River where Elijah is directed by God to hide and be sustained during a drought.

4. God's Provision
This event highlights God's miraculous provision for Elijah, using unexpected means to sustain him during a time of need.

5. Drought
The backdrop of this event is a severe drought in Israel, a judgment from God due to the nation's idolatry and disobedience.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Provision
God can use any means, even those considered unclean or unlikely, to provide for His people. Trust in His sovereignty and creativity in meeting needs.

Faith in Uncertain Times
Elijah's obedience to God's command to go to the brook Cherith demonstrates faith. In times of uncertainty, we are called to trust and obey God's direction.

Dependence on God
Just as Elijah depended on God's daily provision, we are encouraged to rely on God for our daily needs, recognizing our dependence on Him.

God's Faithfulness
The consistency of the ravens bringing food morning and evening illustrates God's faithfulness. We can trust that God is faithful to His promises.

Unexpected Sources of Blessing
Be open to God's provision coming from unexpected sources. His ways are higher than ours, and He often works in surprising ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's experience with the ravens challenge your understanding of God's provision in your life?

2. In what ways can you practice greater dependence on God for your daily needs, as Elijah did at the brook Cherith?

3. Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the account of Elijah and the ravens encourage you to trust God during times of scarcity or uncertainty?

5. What other biblical examples of God's provision can you think of, and how do they reinforce the lessons from 1 Kings 17:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks about God's provision for the birds of the air, reminding us of His care for us, similar to how He provided for Elijah through the ravens.

Philippians 4:19
Paul assures believers that God will supply all their needs, echoing the provision seen in Elijah's account.

Genesis 8:7
The raven is first mentioned in the Bible during the account of Noah, symbolizing God's use of creation to fulfill His purposes.