1 Kings 17

24 verses

TL;DR

Elijah predicts a drought, survives on ravens, then sustains a widow in Zarephath and revives her son, showcasing God’s provision and prophetic authority.

Summary

Elijah announces to King Ahab that no rain will fall for years, and the LORD instructs him to hide by the brook Cherith, where ravens feed him while the water remains. After the brook dries up, the LORD directs Elijah to Zarephath, where a widow, lacking food and water, will sustain him. Despite her dire situation, she supplies Elijah with bread and oil, and the LORD ensures her supplies never run out until rain returns. Later, the widow’s son falls gravely ill; Elijah prays to the LORD, stretches himself upon the child three times, and the boy is revived, confirming Elijah’s divine mission. The story illustrates divine provision, faith, and the power of prayer.

Outline

Elijah predicts drought and is fed by ravens at Cherith.
God instructs Elijah to move to Zarephath, where a widow sustains him.
Elijah revives the widow’s son, confirming his prophetic role.

Themes

divine provision in times of scarcityfaith and trust in God's promisesmiraculous intervention as evidence of divine authority

Keywords

droughtravensprophecymiraclesustenancefaithrevival

People

ElijahAhabthe LORDthe widow of Zarephaththe widow’s son

Places

Gileadbrook CherithJordanZarephathZidon

Things

droughtravensbrook Cherithbarrel of mealcruse of oilbreadfleshwater

Key Verses

1 Kings 17:6: Ravens feed Elijah, demonstrating divine provision.
1 Kings 17:12: The widow’s declaration of scarcity and her trust in Elijah.
1 Kings 17:22: Elijah’s prayer leads to the miraculous revival of the son.

Questions

What does Elijah’s reliance on ravens reveal about dependence on God?
How does the widow’s trust in Elijah illustrate faith amid scarcity?
What significance does the revival of the son hold for the broader narrative of prophetic authority?

Sentiment

positive
Acts of divine provision and miraculous healing.