1 Kings 17:1-11

1 Now Elijah the Tishbite was a prophet from the settlers in Gilead. "I serve the Lord, the God of Israel," Elijah said to Ahab. "As surely as the Lord lives, no rain or dew will fall during the next few years unless I command it."

2 Then the Lord spoke his word to Elijah:

3 "Leave this place and go east and hide near Kerith Ravine east of the Jordan River.

4 You may drink from the stream, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there."

5 So Elijah did what the Lord said; he went to Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and lived there.

6 The birds brought Elijah bread and meat every morning and evening, and he drank water from the stream.

7 After a while the stream dried up because there was no rain.

8 Then the Lord spoke his word to Elijah,

9 "Go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I have commanded a widow there to take care of you."

10 So Elijah went to Zarephath. When he reached the town gate, he saw a widow gathering wood for a fire. Elijah asked her, "Would you bring me a little water in a cup so I may have a drink."

11 As she was going to get his water, Elijah said, "Please bring me a piece of bread, too."

1 Kings 17:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 17

This chapter begins with a prophecy of Elijah, that there should be want of rain for some years to come, and he is directed to go first to the brook Cherith, where he should be fed by ravens, 1Ki 17:1-7, and afterwards he is sent to a widow at Zarephath, where he, she, and her son, were supported for a considerable time with a handful of meal, and a little oil in a cruse miraculously increased, 1Ki 17:8-16, whose son falling sick and dying, he restored to life, 1Ki 17:17-24.