Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: Zarephath, also known as Sarepta in some biblical translations, was an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast between the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Today, the site is identified with the modern village of Sarafand in Lebanon. Zarephath was situated in the region of Sidon, which was part of the larger Phoenician territory, known for its maritime trade and craftsmanship. Biblical Significance: Zarephath holds a significant place in biblical history, primarily due to its association with the prophet Elijah. During a severe drought and famine in Israel, God commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, where he would find sustenance. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 17:8-24. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath: In 1 Kings 17:9, the Lord instructs Elijah, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." Upon his arrival, Elijah encounters a widow gathering sticks. He requests water and a piece of bread, to which the widow responds that she has only a handful of flour and a little oil, enough for a final meal for her and her son before they perish from hunger. Elijah reassures her in 1 Kings 17:14, saying, "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.'" The widow obeys Elijah's instructions, and miraculously, her supplies of flour and oil do not run out, sustaining them throughout the famine. Miracle of Resurrection: The narrative continues with another miracle when the widow's son falls ill and dies. In her distress, the widow questions Elijah, but he takes the child to his room, prays to the Lord, and stretches himself upon the child three times. The Lord hears Elijah's plea, and the child's life is restored. This event is detailed in 1 Kings 17:21-22: "Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the LORD, 'O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!' The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived." New Testament Reference: Zarephath is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Luke 4:25-26, Jesus refers to the widow of Zarephath while speaking in the synagogue in Nazareth. He highlights God's provision and grace extended to a Gentile widow during a time of judgment upon Israel, saying, "But I tell you truthfully, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon." Theological Implications: The account of Zarephath underscores themes of faith, obedience, and God's provision. The widow's willingness to trust Elijah's word and share her last meal exemplifies faith in God's promises. The miracles performed in Zarephath demonstrate God's power and compassion, extending beyond the borders of Israel to a Gentile region, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Cultural Context: Zarephath, as part of Phoenicia, was a region known for its idolatry and worship of Baal. The presence of Elijah, a prophet of Yahweh, in this area highlights the contrast between the worship of the true God and the prevalent pagan practices. The miracles performed by Elijah serve as a testament to the supremacy of Yahweh over the false gods of the surrounding nations. Concordance Zarephat (1 Occurrence)Obadiah 1:20 Thesaurus Zarephat (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Zarephat (1 Occurrence). Obadiah 1:20 The captives of this army of the children of Israel, who are among ... /z/zarephat.htm - 6k Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Zar'ephath (4 Occurrences) Zared (1 Occurrence) Sephar'ad (1 Occurrence) Israelite (83 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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