1 Kings 17:13

"Do not be afraid," Elijah said to her. "Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,

Study Bible

Do not be afraid
This phrase is a common biblical exhortation, often used by God or His messengers to reassure individuals facing daunting circumstances. The Hebrew root for "afraid" is יָרֵא (yare), which conveys a sense of fear or reverence. In this context, Elijah is encouraging the widow to trust in God's provision despite her dire situation. Historically, this reflects a time of severe drought and famine, where fear of scarcity was prevalent. Elijah's words are a call to faith, reminding us that God's presence and promises are greater than our fears.

Elijah said to her
Elijah, whose name means "My God is Yahweh," is a prophet sent by God during a time of apostasy in Israel. His interaction with the widow at Zarephath is significant, as it demonstrates God's concern for Gentiles and those outside of Israel. This encounter foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation for all nations. Elijah's role as a prophet is to communicate God's will, and his words carry divine authority and assurance.

Go and do as you have said
This directive acknowledges the widow's plan to prepare a final meal for herself and her son before succumbing to starvation. Elijah's instruction to proceed with her plan, but with a twist, is a test of faith. The Hebrew verb for "go" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies movement and action, suggesting that faith often requires us to step forward in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain.

But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have and bring it out to me
The request for a "small cake of bread" is significant. In Hebrew, the word for "cake" (עֻגָּה, uggah) refers to a simple, round loaf, often baked on hot stones. Elijah's request is not for extravagance but for a humble offering. The act of giving to God's prophet first is a demonstration of prioritizing faith and obedience over personal need. This mirrors the biblical principle of firstfruits, where the first and best are given to God, trusting Him to provide for the rest.

Afterward, make some for yourself and your son
Elijah's promise of provision "afterward" is a test of the widow's faith and a demonstration of God's faithfulness. The sequence of giving first to Elijah and then to herself and her son underscores the biblical theme of sacrificial giving and divine provision. This narrative invites believers to trust in God's abundance, even when resources seem insufficient. It is a reminder that God's economy operates on principles of faith and generosity, not scarcity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God, known for his faith and obedience. He is sent by God to Zarephath during a time of drought and famine.

2. Widow of Zarephath
A Gentile woman living in Zarephath, a town in Sidon. She is facing dire circumstances with limited resources to feed herself and her son.

3. Zarephath
A town in the region of Sidon, outside of Israel. It is significant as a place where God demonstrates His provision through Elijah.

4. Drought and Famine
A severe drought has led to famine in the land, setting the stage for God's miraculous provision.

5. Miraculous Provision
The event where God provides for Elijah, the widow, and her son through a continuous supply of flour and oil.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
Elijah's instruction to the widow to "not be afraid" is a call to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire. We are reminded to rely on God's faithfulness in our own times of need.

Obedience Precedes Blessing
The widow's obedience to Elijah's request, despite her limited resources, precedes the miraculous provision. This teaches us that obedience to God's word often opens the door to His blessings.

God's Care for the Marginalized
God's choice to provide for a Gentile widow during a time of famine demonstrates His compassion and care for the marginalized and those outside the traditional boundaries of Israel.

Faith in Action
The widow's faith is demonstrated through her actions. Our faith should likewise be active, trusting God enough to act on His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's command to "not be afraid" speak to our own fears and anxieties about provision in today's world?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to God in our daily lives, even when resources seem scarce?

3. How does the account of the widow of Zarephath challenge our understanding of who God cares for and provides for?

4. What are some practical ways we can put our faith into action, similar to the widow's response to Elijah?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's provision in 1 Kings 17:13 to our understanding of Philippians 4:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches about not worrying for our needs, emphasizing God's provision, similar to how God provided for Elijah and the widow.

Luke 4:25-26
Jesus references Elijah's visit to the widow of Zarephath, highlighting God's care for Gentiles and His sovereignty over all nations.

Philippians 4:19
Paul speaks of God's promise to supply all our needs, echoing the theme of divine provision seen in Elijah's account.