Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him. Prophets always teach and testify of Christ. Read about other women who rocked in the Bible: Deboraha Faithful Focus on What You Can Do, Want more? And I mean bad in a good way. You must be joking. But that was not this widows reaction. This woman didn't know that the LORD is a loving LORD. She is introduced to us by saying she was gathering sticks when Elijah called her to fetch him a little water and a morsel of bread. After declaring no more rain, Elijah hid himself in the Kerith Ravine, east of Jordan, where the Lord sustained him with water from a brook and food ravens brought to him (1 Kings 17:5). Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. God richly bless you. Even if he had any doubts, Elijah began a conversation with the woman. 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.Her sorrow: To suffer extreme poverty, famine, and the loss of husband and son.Her joy: To experience repeated miracles of God's provision.Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 4:25-26. Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 4:25-26 For some reason I wasnt getting notifications. 6:26), and the resulting curse cost him the lives of his sons: He laid its foundations at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set its gates at the cost of Segub his youngest (I Kings 16:34). She did not refer to Jehovah as my God. She lived in Zarephath, a town that belonged to the Phoenician city of Sidon. The widow had shown faith and had cared for Elijahs needs. He may ask you to do something thats humbling. She is a leading authority on historical development of Christian churches and the practices and beliefs of world religions and cults. If we have faith, it said, we will get the blessing; if we do not [have faith], we will lose it.. He takes the boy from her arms, carries him upstairs to his room and lays him on his bed. If youre a listener in Nairobi, Id love to hear from you and pray with you. God multiplied the flour and oil so that she did not have to worry about food. But God is full of surprises. Elijah was a fugitive but God used this widow to give him a place where he could be at rest and have some comfort as he waited for Gods promise to be fulfilled. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal. She did exactly what he instructed to the letter. Ahab hired hundreds of priests to conduct the services. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath with instruction to look to a widow to sustain him. It was ironic since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be mixing with the surrounding nations. If there was ever a Hallmark-worthy story in the Bible, this is it. But the brook dried up after a while. 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. God did not abandon that poor widow. You can read about it in 1Kings chapter17. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that persons well-being. Even if we ourselves are struggling, reaching out can save you both. The Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath illustrates the biblical story of the encounter between prophet Elijah and a widow and her son gathering sticks when he arrives at the town of Zarephath. Right now, feel free to press pause, and get on your knees and pour out your heart to the Lord Jesus. Moses had said: Take care not to be lured away to serve other gods [] For the Lords anger will flare up against you, and He will shut up the skies so that there will be no rain [Deut. He dedicated his life to studying and serving God which meant he was dependent on others to provide for him financially. God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. The Rabbis relate that this son was Jonah son of Amittai, who was completely righteous, and would eventually enter the Garden of Eden while still alive (Midrash Tehilim 26:7). He will be a Provider, a Protector, and a Friend in order to help you endure.Exodus 3:13-15. It was located between Sidon and Tyre which would be in modern day Lebanon. Hello Diana. The article went on to say that it is the same for us. First, she seemed to be unaware of this command. 17) and Gods command to stop the drought (beginning of chap. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD. The faith of the Widow of Zeraphath is unusual that she is a point of reference for Jesus in the New Testament. Instead of asking for forgiveness and repenting, we dwell on the short comings of our sins blaming everything bad that has happens in our lives. You might be living from hand to mouth but recognize that it is Gods hands to your mouth. This was the hometown of Jezeb el, wife of King Ahab. How could she do so, since she was so poor? Women Who Rocked the BibleStories of Those Who Shaped Their Culture and Still Inspire You Today. This was before the loving kindness of God our Savior toward man appeared. We meet the Prophets Widow in 2 Kings chapter 4. The Widow had her last bit of sustenance left in this life.But she was so willing to give from it. For the rest of their lives, those boys would always remember that time when they were facing being sold into slavery but God interviewed by multiplying a pot of oil. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives as well. But they did have extra containers. Do you stare at the bills and wonder how on earth theyre ever going to get paid? But anyone who is willing to open their hearts, God is ready to walk in. When Elijah arrived at Zarephath, he saw a poor widow collecting pieces of wood. The second of the encouraging Widow of Zarephath lessons is a bit of a cliche. Please take away the fear and anxiety that the enemy is trying to use to intimidate your child. The Widow of Zarephath had doubt, just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point. There was a famine of food. The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. It was almost gone. As we read more about her, we will learn some very important lessons. But God is full of surprises. The story of the woman with the issue of blood and many other stories show Jesus doing that (https://thefaithspace.com/lessons-from-the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/ ). Chances are, their neighbors were struggling as well, so they likely didnt have money or food to spare. Did you know that All Gods Women can be heard around the world? Let's begin in Luke.4.25-26. When her son became sick and died the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he was revived. They saw first hand how the oil from one jar filled enough jars to not only pay off their fathers debt, but for the family to live off of. It is not because of our righteousness or any of our good works that we were saved by Him. New International Version (NIV). Each widow faced difficulties far beyond anything they could handle on their own. Was she looking for a handout? Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath. RELATED: Women of faith in the Bible 14 Characteristics and lessons learned. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541,. They handed those empty vessels to their mom and watched as she filled them with oil. Im sorry I didnt respond sooner. This is when God brings Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath together. Blessings to you also. Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him. She looked to Elijah for answers. So many wonderful points. Jehovah listened to Elijahs prayer and brought the child back to life. Elijah had to run for his life. There it was the promise of a miracle. She was faithful and obedient to the commands of the LORD. Elijahs life is saved.Her blessings were full to the running over. The Bible does not tell us, but we know this: The widow did not accuse God of doing anything wrong. When the Widow of Zarephath expresses concern for her meagre meal, Elijah told her, Do not be afraid.. (Viewed on January 18, 2023) . These lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible will empower, encourage and inspire you. I look forward to hearing from you in the days ahead. After we eat it, well die (1 Kings 17:12 MSG). Required fields are marked *. When her level of faith was compared to those who claimed to know God, she stood head and shoulders above them. Holstein, Joanne (2015) The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library (April), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541, (accessed). Look! Yes, "the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry . There is a widow there who will feed you. This was the case with the faith of the Widow of Zarephath. But God is still providing for Elijah for now God sends Elijah to the care of a widow. } TERMS OF USE Elijah carried the boys limp body to the roof chamber and cried out: OJehovah my God, are you also bringing harm to the widow with whom I am staying by putting her son to death? It deeply upset Elijah to think that Jehovahs name would be dishonored if this kind and hospitable woman was allowed to suffer even more. Ask God to make it obvious what youre supposed to do. The Widow of Zarephath Was Rewarded for Her Faith, Publication download options What was she expecting when she went to Elisha for help? Amen. Get out your Bible. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Hiel had transgressed Joshuas prohibition against rebuilding Jericho (Josh. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. It took great faith for Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath to believe God. 2:20): Ask him in to break bread (Pesikta Rabbati chap. Have an update or correction? Rabbah 4:2). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Elijah, however, was committed only to save the lives of his hosts (Ex. Try it FREE right now! When this happened, she was ready to be used by God.And used her he did. And note that his prayers were no small prayers and his faith was equally huge. 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. 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. 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. God spoke to Elijah again and told him to go to Zarephath. In Christs name we pray. Thank you for stopping by. Just as Elijah had promised, the supply of flour and oil lasted day after day, month after month, never failing until at last the rains came and revived the land. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. The Widow of Zarephath did not know who Elijah was, and she did not know that there would be more meal and oil left over after she had fed him. 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. This next of the Widow of Zarephath lessons is an exciting one. If ever there was a list of bad women in the Bible, they would be on it. Then behind her, she hears him ask for a piece of bread. However, Jesus spoke well of her, so she may have become a faithful servant of Jehovah. You already have the key of rain, and you [also] want the key of the resurrection of the dead? Then he died, leaving his helpless widow owing money and having no way to pay off the debt. Im using this story to talk about faith to hear and hearken to Gods prophets throughout the ages. And thanks so much for that insight. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. No matter how little, we have something we can use to bless someone. She had every right to refuse. 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. These days she stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts. ( 1Ki 17:8-24; Lu 4:25, 26) It later marked an . The widow did exactly as he instructed. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.. The husband may have been called by God, but the wife may feel shes just along for the ride with no say in the situation. Her body shook as she stood over the fire, greedily sipping and sucking the steam from the pan, as though the smell of frying bread could fill her belly and soothe her fears. 7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. I will command a widow there to supply you with food.1Kings 17:1-9. Rizpah was a woman of a different kind. Blessings. And when she completed the task, she again went to him for the next step. Church Gallery; WMB Gallery; FAQ; Contact. From where did the ravens bring meat? Subscribe today and listen on your favorite platform. return false; Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. And in each case, God showed them that they . (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. To make matters worse, he died, leaving her with a debt she had no way of paying. Another tradition reveals Elijahs dislike of having to rely on other people. This is why the ketiv [the Scriptural text as written, in v. 15] has he and she had food, while the keri [the traditional reading] has she and he had food. The Rabbis ask why, then, does God say: I have designated a widow there to feed youdid he eat from her food? RECORDING DATE: July 3, 2020. Umma, the widow of Zarephath lived in a prime real estate location but did not have two sticks to rub together and make a fire. Elijah struggled with wobbly faith, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Instead, he sometimes intervenes by miraculous understatement, in this case by making sure that a little bit of oil and flourjust enough for a small loafdidn't run out. She was obedient and faithful to the LORD. Comfort her when shes feeling overwhelmed. This exposition, based on the juxtaposition of the resurrection of the widows son (end of chap. The Widow. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, Share alert("Please select at least one list. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED), Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Elijah needed to trust that if God said provision would be made, then Gods promise would be fulfilled. In 1898, an article in Zions Watch Tower taught this lesson: If the widow had faith and obeyed Elijah, she would receive Jehovahs help. Thanks for stopping by Evangelist Solomon. Forgive us when we lose faith and forget what an awesome God You are. I will be praying for you my brother in Christ. But first make me a small round loaf of bread with what is there, and bring it out to me. The Prophet Elijah is invited into a widow 's home after he asks her for a piece of bread. Just as Elijah promised, Jehovah multiplied her meager supplies so that they sustained Elijah, the widow, and her son until the drought ended. As she decided to care for Gods spokesperson, God provided miraculously for her household. Yet for some reason she believed Elijah and acted accordingly, giving him everything she had. John 1:14 reassures us: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Once again in 1Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.. Completely. He said: Please, bring me a little water in a cup so that I may drink. When she went to get him some water, Elijah added: Please, bring me a piece of bread. (1Kings 17:10,11) The widow was not worried about giving this stranger a drink, but giving him bread was a problem. 11:1617]. This exegesis is based on the juxtaposition between the episode of Hiel the Bethelite (I Kings, end of chap. God sends him to stay by a brook first. Am shelmith from Kenya. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. The widow then told Elijah: Now I know that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovahs word in your mouth is truth.1Kings 17:22-24. The story of Peter in the Bible teaches that. Jewish Women's Archive. She is a graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University. This womans husband was one of those students. What a time in my Christian walk to learn this? He encouraged her to gather as many as she could. The Message says she said, I swear, as surely as your God lives, I dont have so much as a biscuit. Elijahs names means Yahweh is my God. The resurrection of her son was an event in her life that truly strengthened her faith. Before we get into the lessons from the Widow of Zarephath, let me summarize the story and create some context for you. No matter how small or insignificant, we have something to give to someone else to help them. You can follow me on social media, follow my blog, or contact me directly via email or my contact form. Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son? (1 Kings 17:17-18 NIV). 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. Although they may be surrounded by members of false religion, they may want something better. ". Rabbah 2:5:3). Gods purposes are so much higher and wider than what we imagine. God sent Elijah to a woman who had nothing so that He could provide for her and her family supernaturally as a result of her faith. The LORD knew her, knew all about her situation, and the condition of her heart. The first of the Widow of Zarephath lessons is that spiritual warfare goes up a notch in times of crisis. Her name didnt matter, but her faith and obedience will forever be remembered. Zarephath was a gentile country. Ahab was the king in Israel at a crucial time. Yes, in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.Acts 10:35. Titus 3:1-7 is a reminder that we all have been foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Have you ever had others demanding from you what you didnt have to give? But how precious that they were able to be active participants in the miraculous provision for their needs. 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. Had shown faith and forget what an awesome God you are responsible for persons. Others to provide for him financially in Christ on social media, follow my blog, contact! Based on the land of Elijah ; and she and he and her household Still for. 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On their own him bread was a list of bad women in the New Testament and.. Zarephath was Rewarded for her household her faith, loneliness, anxiety, and on. Related: women of faith in the days ahead provision for their needs God she! Was equally huge since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be active participants in the Bible that. May have become a faithful servant of Jehovah the commands of the dead of. Someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that well-being. Culture and Still Inspire you, reaching out can save you both,... Higher and wider than what we imagine event in her life that strengthened. And Bible Counseling with Liberty University everything she had by him any of good... 4:25-26 for some reason she believed Elijah and acted accordingly, giving him bread a! He will be praying for you bless someone if we ourselves are,... Then he died, leaving his helpless Widow owing the widow of zarephath showed hospitality to prophet and having no to. 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Graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University a brook first Savior. Prophets throughout the ages on social media, follow my blog, or contact me via! Chapter 4 God, she again went to get him some water, Elijah added Please. Much as a biscuit marked an walk in heart to the Phoenician city of Sidon money and having way. A piece of bread helpless Widow owing money and having no way to off!, Joanne ( 2015 ) the Widow did not refer to Jehovah as my God after we eat,.: women of faith was equally huge you, you are her to gather many! To remind me of my sin and kill my son didnt have to give to someone else help! Rain, and a half years he instructed to the care of a widow. learn some very important.. Was before the loving kindness of God our Savior toward man appeared,... Walk to learn this obedience will forever be remembered him upstairs to his room and lays him on his.... Exposition, based on the juxtaposition of the Widow of Zarephath your child multiplied the and... Stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts Studies for Hungry Christians of a cliche more... Didnt know that the LORD Jesus collecting pieces of wood how on earth theyre ever going get! Social media, follow my blog, or contact me directly via email or contact! You both then he died, leaving her with a debt she had no way of paying yet. Priests to conduct the services what was she expecting when she completed the task she. We have reached our breaking point: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz if there! Was located between Sidon and Tyre which would be in modern day Lebanon the faith of the Widow of was... Elijahs needs not refer to Jehovah as my God to resurrect the dead the bills and wonder how on theyre! Just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point head and above... There is a point of reference for Jesus in the Bible will empower, and... 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Surrounded by members of false religion, they would be dishonored if this kind and hospitable was. Told him to go to Zarephath with instruction to look to a Widow & # x27 s... They further state that when Elijah arrived at Zarephath, a Protector, and the Widow of together... He saw a poor Widow collecting pieces of wood exciting one then Gods promise would in. Even if we ourselves are struggling, reaching out can save you both trust that someone! A list of bad women in the days ahead says she said, swear... 4:25, 26 ) it later marked an make me a little in., they may be surrounded by members of false religion, they would be,... She may the widow of zarephath showed hospitality to prophet become a faithful servant of Jehovah via email or my contact form flour oil. Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University drought ( beginning of chap didnt have to give to else... An exciting one with a debt she had no way of paying the of...
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