Yet, what did Elijah say? Because of the reviving of her son, she knew that Elijah was a man of the LORD God, and that the word of the LORD in his mouth is truth. When the brook of Cheribth dried up the LORD told Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath where there was a widow woman there that would sustain him. And I mean bad in a good way. The midrash apparently understands that the food eaten by Elijah during his stay with the widow was of miraculous origin, since the entire land was suffering from a severe drought. Imagine the widows great joy when Elijah said: See, your son is alive! The woman said to Elijah (v. 18): [] that you should come here to recall my sin and cause the death of my son? In the midrashic expansion, she tells him: Until you came here, God would weigh my actions in comparison with the local people, and I would be found worthy. The Widow of Zarephath is an example of faith. There is a widow there who will feed you. Second, she was in no position to feed anybody. Elijah began to entreat God, and said (v. 20): Will You bring calamity upon this widow whose guest I am, and let her son die? The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that persons well-being. By sending Elijah to this widow, Jehovah showed that He notices sincere people who are not yet serving Him. The curse of the teacher is not fulfilled, but that of his disciple is? These days she stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts. Was she looking for a handout? After this, the womans son falls ill and dies (v. 17). Every night she hoped for rain, but every morning she woke to a brilliant sky. But in this post, we focus in on Sarahs characteristics and what we can learn from, Continue reading Lessons from the life of Sarah in the Bible (characteristics and marriage lessons)Continue, The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! The widow's faith saved not only her son and herself but actually provided a refuge for Elijah, who may have wondered why God chose such flimsy protectiona destitute woman who lived in the territory of his worst enemy, Jezebel. His need condemned her. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Bible story word search puzzle with coloring activity page. Her houseguest says: See, your son is alive.. To make matters worse, he died, leaving her with a debt she had no way of paying. It was at a moment of weakness that she doubted. And thanks so much for that insight. We have to allow the Lord into our lives and accept His loving kindness and live by faith that He is with us through our journey through live. 11:1617]. We might easily assume this widow is not of Hebrew lineage, but she clearly believed in the Hebrews God and trusted Him. She had failed in the most basic ways a mother could, unable to protect, nurture, and provide. How could she do so, since she was so poor? Sometimes our blessing is bound up with our serviceWhen we share, no matter how small, we are enriched. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. Completely. After that, every time she dipped her hand into the flour, every time she poured oil from the jug, the widow saw another miracle unfold, another sign of favor, additional evidence of God's provision. } The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. You already have the key of rain, and you [also] want the key of the resurrection of the dead? We will be greatly blessed if we do what this wise proverb says: Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. We do know she was a Phoenician woman living in a pagan land and that she showed extraordinary hospitality by providing safe harbor for one of God's prophets during a period of famine. In todays episode of All Gods Women we look at the Prophets Widow, a woman with debt collectors knocking on her door and she had no way to repay them. Elijah asks her to give her son to him. No one repented, and Elijah was forced to live in hiding. Would you like to read this article in %%? But the brook dried up after a while. APA Style Citation: When we suffer trials, we need to look for Jehovahs guidance in the Scriptures and in our publications. Jewish Women's Archive. She cannot believe what she is seeing. They teach so, Continue reading Daughters of Zelophehad Lessons for life, faith and prayerContinue, Thank you very much and may God bless you. The Word of the LORD is in reality truth and reliable. Her character: A Phoenician woman, she showed extraordinary hospitality to one of God's prophets, providing a safe harbor for him during a period of famine. Have you ever been in debt? Our lives are intertwined for mutual provision and blessing. They may have little or no knowledge of Jehovah and need help to accept true worship. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. Because of the reviving of her son she knew that Elijah was a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in his mouth is truth. But first make me a small round loaf of bread with what is there, and bring it out to me. God uses something or someone to change your husband's heart just when you thought he didn't love you anymore. Another trial was going to test the widows faith. Joanne Holstein is a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and Author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. Are you open to hearing His voice when He speaks through others? Then Elisha had the widow and her sons closing the door before filling the jars. I will not be exploring all of them in this post or we would have a whole book. Yes, the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry, according to Jehovahs word that he had spoken through Elijah. (1Kings 17:16; 18:1) If that woman had acted differently, the loaf of bread that she made from her small supply of flour and oil might have become her last meal. Let's begin in Luke.4.25-26. And who was her son? As she decided to care for Gods spokesperson, God provided miraculously for her household. But how precious that they were able to be active participants in the miraculous provision for their needs. Admit your helplessness. And just as He provided for the prophets widow, so He can provide for you. She had nothing to offer but a jar of oil. But it was also a declaration that although it seemed like God was absent, He was very much present. Hiel had transgressed Joshuas prohibition against rebuilding Jericho (Josh. He would even take oil-lamps and wicks with him when he went from place to place, so as not to trouble others. She looked to Elijah for answers. This is a short story, but so much packed into it. Elisha could have just given her the money she needed. The account in 1Kings chapter17 says no more about this woman. This was trying times in her life and there was no guarantee there was going to be more meal or oil enough to sustain Elijah, her dying son and herself. The Widow of Zarephath didnt blame Elijah or the LORD for the death of her son. 1 Kings 17: 10-16: "So he arose and went to Zarephath. The widow went to Elisha and pleaded her case. Ravens feed Elijah for many days, but when the brook dries up he is commanded to go to, There was also a growing desire for integration in Latin America, and several steps were taken in this direction. During this time in history God rose up prophets like Elisha who held prophecy schools where they tutored or trained other prophets in the ancient Law. Baal was said to be the god of the weather. As she decided to care for Gods spokesperson, God provided miraculously for her household. It was according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which the LORD has shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Life Story of Prophet W.M.B - Part 1; Mystery Of The Godhead Revealed? Like Naaman, her faith was unlikely and Jesus makes reference to him as well. Just as Elijah promised, Jehovah added to her supply of food so that there was enough to feed Elijah, her, and her son until the drought ended. Just enough for them to live on a daily basis. Another Rabbinic teaching states: If someone tells you that God does not resurrect the dead, say to him: Elijah the Gileadite attests that God resurrects the dead (Deut. The A type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules).midrash explains why Elijah stopped the rains and how it happened that he was commanded to go to the home of the woman in Zarephath. Although they may be surrounded by members of false religion, they may want something better. She did not refer to Jehovah as my God. She lived in Zarephath, a town that belonged to the Phoenician city of Sidon. He cried out to God and asked that the boys life return to Him. The people of Israel were struggling. Ahab was the king in Israel at a crucial time. God mercifully preserved her and her son, even though they were not of His chosen people. In Christs name we pray. | So Elijah, the prophet of God, declared a three year drought over the land of Israel. Check out our on demand resources, Experience Hope Daily Devotional Family Life Radio Updates. An unexpected check comes just when you need it. What do we know about the Widow of Zarephath whose story is found in I Kings 17:8-24? Each widow faced difficulties far beyond anything they could handle on their own. This misfortune turned out to be a miracle and not only did the widow of Zarephath receive the blessing that her supply of flour and oil would never run out but she gained the life of her son after he died. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal. First, she seemed to be unaware of this command. In honor of International Womens Day on March 8, 2022, we are spotlighting women who rocked in Bible times! Much blessings to you my sister. The prophet had to take out a loan in order to provide for his family. Then we should follow Jehovahs direction, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. These lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible will empower, encourage and inspire you. Elijah turns up and two things are obvious. Elijahs life is saved.Her blessings were full to the running over. Holstein, Joanne The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library Apr 2015.. ". Shed fill it with oil from her original container. Before we get into the lessons from the Widow of Zarephath, let me summarize the story and create some context for you. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. Lord God, please be with Edith. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me and then make something for yourself and your son. This was the hometown of Jezeb el, wife of King Ahab. This is a real and raw story about injustice, loss,, Continue reading Rizpah in the Bible Characteristics and lessons learnedContinue, Studying faith in Bible stories is one of my favorite ways to encourage my heart, especially in rough times. Zarephath was a gentile country. Even if we ourselves are struggling, reaching out can save you both. 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