Topical Encyclopedia The Widow of Zarephath is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for her encounter with the prophet Elijah during a time of severe famine. Her account is recounted in 1 Kings 17:8-24, where she plays a crucial role in God's provision and demonstrates profound faith and obedience.Context and Background The narrative of the Widow of Zarephath occurs during the reign of King Ahab in Israel, a time marked by widespread idolatry and apostasy. Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, had declared a drought over the land as a divine judgment against the worship of Baal (1 Kings 17:1). As the famine intensified, God directed Elijah to seek refuge in Zarephath, a town in the region of Sidon, outside the borders of Israel. This location is significant as it was within the territory of Jezebel, Ahab's wife, who was a fervent worshiper of Baal. The Encounter with Elijah Upon arriving at the gates of Zarephath, Elijah encountered a widow gathering sticks. The Lord had already commanded her to provide for Elijah, though she was unaware of this divine appointment. Elijah requested a drink of water and a piece of bread. The widow responded, "As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die" (1 Kings 17:12). Despite her dire circumstances, Elijah assured her, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son" (1 Kings 17:13). He promised that the flour and oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain upon the land. Miraculous Provision In an extraordinary act of faith, the widow obeyed Elijah's instructions. As promised, "The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16). This miraculous provision sustained Elijah, the widow, and her household throughout the duration of the famine. The Widow's Son The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the widow's son falls ill and dies. In her grief, she questioned Elijah, "What do you have against me, O man of God? Have you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" (1 Kings 17:18). Elijah took the boy to his upper room, where he cried out to the Lord and stretched himself over the child three times. The Lord heard Elijah's plea, and the boy's life returned to him. Upon witnessing this miracle, the widow declared, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth" (1 Kings 17:24). This confession underscores the transformative impact of God's power and the authenticity of Elijah's prophetic ministry. Theological Significance The account of the Widow of Zarephath highlights several key theological themes. It illustrates God's sovereignty and provision, demonstrating that He can sustain His people even in the most unlikely circumstances. The widow's faith and obedience serve as a testament to the power of trusting in God's promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Moreover, the narrative foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, as the widow was a non-Israelite who experienced God's miraculous intervention. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus references the widow in Luke 4:25-26, emphasizing God's concern for all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The Widow of Zarephath's account remains a powerful example of faith, divine provision, and the far-reaching scope of God's grace. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 17:1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a levirate marriage? | GotQuestions.org How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Widow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widow: Marriage of, Authorized Widow: Priests Forbidden to Marry Widow: The Widow of Nain, Whose Only Son Jesus Raised from the Dead Widow: The Widow of Zarephath, Who Sustained Elijah During a Famine Widow: The Woman Who Gave Two Mites (Leptas) in the Temple Courtyard Widow: The Woman Whose Sons Elisha Saved from Being Sold for Debt Widow: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Widow: when They are Daughters of Priests, They are to be Supported by Their Fathers Related Terms |
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