And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child's life returned to him, and he lived. And the LORDThe phrase begins with the divine name, "LORD," which in Hebrew is "YHWH" (Yahweh). This name is significant as it denotes the covenantal God of Israel, who is both transcendent and immanent. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes God's personal involvement and faithfulness to His people. It reminds us that God is not distant but actively engaged in the lives of His servants, like Elijah, and His people. listened to the voice of Elijah
The Hebrew word for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but responding to a request. This highlights the power of prayer and the relationship between God and His prophets. Elijah's voice represents the earnest prayer of a righteous man, which, as James 5:16 tells us, is powerful and effective. This phrase underscores the importance of intercessory prayer and God's willingness to respond to the cries of His faithful servants. and the life of the child
The word "life" in Hebrew is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), often translated as "soul" or "breath." It signifies the essence of life that God imparts to all living beings. The mention of the child's life draws attention to the miracle about to occur, emphasizing God's power over life and death. It also reflects the compassion of God, who cares for the vulnerable and responds to human suffering. returned to him
The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to turn back or restore. This word is often used in the context of repentance or restoration. Here, it signifies the miraculous restoration of life, a divine reversal of death. This act of God not only demonstrates His sovereignty but also foreshadows the ultimate restoration and resurrection that believers hope for in Christ. and he lived
The phrase concludes with the simple yet profound statement of the child's revival. The Hebrew word for "lived" is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to live or to be alive. This miracle serves as a testament to God's life-giving power and His authority over death. It also prefigures the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). This event strengthens the faith of those who witness it and serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring life out of death. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God known for his faith and miracles. In this passage, he is interceding for the widow's son. 2. The Widow of ZarephathA Gentile woman who provided for Elijah during a famine. Her son falls ill and dies, prompting Elijah's prayer. 3. The Widow's SonThe child who dies and is miraculously brought back to life through Elijah's prayer. 4. ZarephathA town in Sidon, outside of Israel, highlighting God's work beyond the borders of His chosen people. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who hears Elijah's prayer and restores the child's life. Teaching Points The Power of PrayerElijah's prayer was fervent and faithful, demonstrating the importance of earnest prayer in seeking God's intervention. God's SovereigntyThe miracle underscores God's control over life and death, reminding believers of His ultimate authority. Faith Beyond BordersGod's work in Zarephath shows His love and power extend beyond Israel, encouraging believers to see God's hand in all nations. Intercession for OthersElijah's intercession for the widow's son highlights the importance of praying for others, trusting God to work in their lives. Hope in DesperationThe restoration of the widow's son offers hope that God can bring life and restoration even in seemingly hopeless situations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elijah's response to the widow's son's death demonstrate his faith in God's power? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of intercessory prayer in our own lives, as seen in Elijah's actions? 3. How does the account of the widow of Zarephath challenge our understanding of God's work beyond the boundaries of the church? 4. What can we learn from Elijah's example about the importance of persistence and faith in prayer? 5. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, especially in situations that seem beyond our control? Connections to Other Scriptures James 5:16-18This passage highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, using Elijah as an example of effective prayer. Luke 4:25-26Jesus references Elijah's time with the widow of Zarephath, emphasizing God's care for Gentiles. Hebrews 11:35This verse mentions women receiving their dead back to life, connecting to the faith demonstrated in 1 Kings 17. John 11:41-44The raising of Lazarus by Jesus parallels the miracle performed by Elijah, showcasing God's power over life and death. Acts 9:36-42Peter raises Tabitha from the dead, echoing Elijah's miracle and demonstrating the continuation of God's power through His servants. People Ahab, Elijah, ZidonPlaces Cherith, Gilead, Jordan River, Sidon, Tishbe, ZarephathTopics Boy's, Child, Child's, Cry, Ear, Elijah, Eli'jah, Hearkened, Hearkeneth, Lad, Listened, Midst, Returned, Revived, Soul, Spirit, Turneth, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 17:22 9310 resurrection
9311 resurrection, of Christ 1 Kings 17:8-24 1416 miracles, nature of 1 Kings 17:13-24 7773 prophets, role 1 Kings 17:17-23 5658 boys 1 Kings 17:17-24 5092 Elijah
7758 preachers, call 1 Kings 17:19-22 8612 prayer, and faith 1 Kings 17:20-22 5136 body 1 Kings 17:21-22 8614 prayer, answers 1 Kings 17:22-24 1461 truth, nature of Library Elijah Standing Before the Lord
And Elijah the Tishbite ... said ... As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand.--1 KINGS xvii. 1. This solemn and remarkable adjuration seems to have been habitual upon Elijah's lips in the great crises of his life. We never find it used by any but himself, and his scholar and successor, Elisha. Both of them employ it under similar circumstances, as if unveiling the very secret of their lives, the reason for their strength, and for their undaunted bearing and bold fronting of all antagonism. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Inexhaustible Barrel
Though, however, I make these few observations by way of preface, this is not the subject of this morning. I propose to take the case of the poor widow of Sarepta as an illustration of divine love, as it manifests itself to man; and I shall have three things for you to notice. First, the object of divine love; secondly, the singular methods of divine love; and, then, in the third place, the undying faithfulness of divine love--"The barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 Answered Prayer.
"And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah."--1 KINGS xvii. 22. Yes, and He will hear your voice if you are as much in earnest as he was! Why should not God hear the voice of William, or Robert, Sarah or Edith? He is no respecter of persons. Is it not written over the door of mercy, "Knock, and it shall be opened?" Aye, and the knocker is so low a child's hand may reach it. St. James tells us that Elijah was "a man of like passions." He was a human being like you and me, but he had faith in God. …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by drawing lots is not unlawful, because a gloss of Augustine on Ps. 30:16, "My lots are in Thy hands," says: "It is not wrong to cast lots, for it is a means of ascertaining the divine will when a man is in doubt." Objection 2: There is, seemingly, nothing unlawful in the observances which the Scriptures relate as being practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find holy men practicing the casting of lots. For it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 17:22 NIV1 Kings 17:22 NLT1 Kings 17:22 ESV1 Kings 17:22 NASB1 Kings 17:22 KJV
1 Kings 17:22 Commentaries
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