Elijah's Prophetic Declaration
Elijah boldly declares to King Ahab that there will be no rain except at his word (1 Kings 17:1). This demonstrates the power of God's word and the authority given to His prophets.

God's Provision at the Brook Cherith
God instructs Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith, where ravens bring him bread and meat (1 Kings 17:3-6). This illustrates God's ability to provide in miraculous ways, even using unlikely sources.

The Widow of Zarephath
God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath, promising that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry (1 Kings 17:8-16). This encounter shows God's compassion and provision for those who trust Him, regardless of their circumstances.

The Raising of the Widow's Son
When the widow's son falls ill and dies, Elijah prays, and God restores the boy's life (1 Kings 17:17-24). This miracle underscores God's power over life and death and His responsiveness to earnest prayer.Trust in God's Provision
Like Elijah, we can trust God to provide for our needs, even in dire situations. He is faithful and knows what we need before we ask.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Elijah's obedience to God's commands led to miraculous outcomes. We should strive to follow God's guidance, even when it seems unconventional.

Faith in God's Promises
The widow's faith in Elijah's word resulted in God's provision. We are called to have faith in God's promises, knowing He is true to His word.

Power of Prayer
Elijah's prayer for the widow's son teaches us the importance of fervent prayer and reliance on God's power in times of crisis.1. Elijah the Tishbite
Elijah is introduced as a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead. He is a central figure in this chapter, known for his role as a prophet of Yahweh. Elijah declares a drought upon the land as a judgment from God: "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years, except at my word.'" (1 Kings 17:1). The Hebrew root for Elijah's name, אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), means "My God is Yahweh."

2. The Widow of Zarephath
This unnamed widow is a key figure whom Elijah encounters in Zarephath, a town in Sidon. God commands Elijah to go to her, and she provides him with food during the drought, despite her own dire circumstances. The widow's faith and obedience are highlighted when she follows Elijah's instructions, resulting in a miraculous provision: "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.'" (1 Kings 17:14).

3. The Widow’s Son
The widow's son becomes ill and dies, prompting Elijah to pray to God for his life to be restored. Elijah's prayer is answered, and the boy is revived, demonstrating God's power and Elijah's role as a prophet: "Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him, and he lived." (1 Kings 17:22).

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
While not a human person, the presence and actions of the LORD are central throughout the chapter. Yahweh is depicted as the sovereign God who controls nature, provides for His people, and demonstrates His power through miracles. The Hebrew name for the LORD, יְהוָה (Yahweh), is significant in understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel.1. Gilead
This is the region where Elijah the Tishbite is introduced. Gilead is a mountainous area east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The Hebrew root for Gilead (גִּלְעָד) suggests a "rocky region."

2. Brook Cherith
Elijah is instructed by God to hide by the Brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. This brook provided water for Elijah during a time of drought. The name Cherith (כְּרִית) may be related to the Hebrew root meaning "to cut" or "to separate," indicating a place of seclusion.

3. Zarephath
After the brook dries up, God sends Elijah to Zarephath, a town in Sidon. Zarephath is significant as a place outside of Israel where God provides for Elijah through a widow. The name Zarephath (צָרְפַת) is derived from a root meaning "to smelt" or "to refine," possibly indicating a place of refining or testing.1. Elijah Proclaims a Drought
Elijah the Tishbite, a prophet from Gilead, declares to King Ahab that there will be neither dew nor rain in the coming years except at his word. This proclamation is a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite storm god, emphasizing Yahweh's sovereignty over nature. The Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) underscores the authority of God's message through Elijah.

2. Elijah Fed by Ravens
Following God's command, Elijah goes to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, where he is sustained by ravens bringing him bread and meat, and he drinks from the brook. This miraculous provision highlights God's care and the obedience of creation to His will. The Hebrew term for "ravens" (עֹרְבִים, ^orevim^) is significant, as these unclean birds serve God's purpose.

3. The Brook Dries Up
Due to the lack of rain, the brook eventually dries up. This event sets the stage for Elijah's next mission and demonstrates the severity of the drought, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.

4. Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath
God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath in Sidon, where a widow will provide for him. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow obeys Elijah's request for water and bread, showing faith in God's provision. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צִוִּיתִי, ^tsiviti^) indicates God's sovereign orchestration of events.

5. The Miracle of the Flour and Oil
Elijah promises the widow that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry until the Lord sends rain. This miracle of continuous provision underscores God's faithfulness and power to sustain life. The Hebrew words for "flour" (קֶמַח, ^qemach^) and "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, ^shemen^) are central to the narrative of sustenance.

6. The Widow’s Son Raised to Life
The widow's son falls ill and dies, prompting her to question Elijah. Elijah prays to God, and the boy is miraculously revived. This event demonstrates God's power over life and death and foreshadows the resurrection theme in the New Testament. The Hebrew verb for "revived" (חָיָה, ^chayah^) emphasizes the restoration of life.

7. The Widow Acknowledges Elijah as a Man of God
After her son is brought back to life, the widow declares her belief in Elijah as a man of God and in the truth of God's word. This acknowledgment highlights the impact of God's miraculous works in leading people to faith. The Hebrew term for "truth" (אֱמֶת, ^emet^) signifies the reliability and faithfulness of God's word.Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches about God's provision and encourages us not to worry about our needs, reminding us of God's care for His creation.

James 5:17-18
James references Elijah's prayer life, emphasizing the power of a righteous person's prayer.

Philippians 4:19
Paul assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Thanksgiving for God's Provision
Thank God for His faithfulness and provision in our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all circumstances.
Trust and Obedience
Pray for the strength to trust and obey God's instructions, even when they challenge our understanding.
Increased Faith
Ask God to increase our faith in His promises and to help us rely on His word in every situation.
Powerful Prayer Life
Seek God's guidance in developing a deeper, more effective prayer life, trusting in His power to intervene in our lives.

1. How did Elijah demonstrate his faith in God's provision in this chapter?

2. What does the story of the widow's obedience to Elijah tell us about faith?

3. How might you respond to a command from God that seems illogical or risky, like the widow's response to Elijah's request for food?

4. How does Elijah's prophecy to Ahab reflect the consequences of ungodly leadership?

5. What do the miracles in this chapter reveal about God's character?

6. How does the resurrection of the widow's son symbolize spiritual rebirth?

7. How can we apply the lesson of God's supernatural provision in our lives today?

8. How did the widow of Zarephath's perception of Elijah change throughout the chapter, and why?

9. What role does trust play in the relationship between God and His followers as illustrated in this chapter?

10. How does this chapter address the theme of life and death, both physically and spiritually?

11. How can this story inspire you to trust God more in your daily life?

12. What steps can you take to exhibit trust in God's provision during challenging times, like the widow and Elijah?

13. How does the incident with the widow's son illustrate the power of intercessory prayer?

14. In what ways do you see the dichotomy of despair and hope played out in this chapter?

15. How do you respond to your own shortcomings and sins when confronted with them, like the widow did after her son's death?

16. In what way does the story of the widow of Zarephath provide a model of faith in adversity?

17. How can you apply the lesson of Elijah's obedient retreat from society to your own life?

18. Why do you think God chose a widow to showcase His power of provision and resurrection?

19. How does Elijah's isolation and God's provision in the wilderness mirror our own spiritual journeys?

20. In what ways can you echo Elijah's courageous faith in God's promises in your own personal circumstances today?