But first make me a small round loaf of bread with what is there, and bring it out to me. He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you. There is a widow there who will feed you. "Widow of Zarephath: Midrash and Aggadah." Blessings to you as well. For him to pay the debt? Concubine of a Levite: Midrash and Aggadah, Daughters of Zelophehad: Midrash and Aggadah, The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women, Copyright 19982023, Jewish Women's Archive. God spoke to Elijah again and told him to go to Zarephath. Then do it. 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. 1 Kings 17: 10-16: "So he arose and went to Zarephath. Was she looking for a handout? The Message says she said, I swear, as surely as your God lives, I dont have so much as a biscuit. This is a short story, but so much packed into it. He obeyed, finding a woman gathering sticks. This exposition, based on the juxtaposition of the resurrection of the widows son (end of chap. The story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephtah can be found in the following Bible verses: 1 Kings 17: 8-24. Am much encouraged at the same time I was looking for further understanding about the story of Elijah and the widow since for the first time I will be giving the word of God where I fellowship.i thank God for leading me and giving me what I was looking for through this page.for sure fear and anxiety has been killing me but this word has ministered to me.help me God. Much blessings to you my sister. Elisha asked her what she had in her house. Think about what Elijah asked the widow to do. Start for FREE. PRIVACY POLICY Let's begin in Luke.4.25-26. We might easily assume this widow is not of Hebrew lineage, but she clearly believed in the Hebrews God and trusted Him. While Ahab and Jezebel and Elijah were drawing swords on earth, that was just a representation of what was happening in the spiritual word. Rizpah was a woman of a different kind. The Rabbis applied to this the verse (Ps. If she did not show faith in Jehovah, then another widow might have been chosen who would. God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 "Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. Her name didnt matter, but her faith and obedience will forever be remembered. What a time in my Christian walk to learn this? Elijah, however, was committed only to save the lives of his hosts (Ex. It may require you to look around at what you have and do something with the resources Hes already blessed you with. She cannot believe what she is seeing. Before we get into the lessons from the Widow of Zarephath, let me summarize the story and create some context for you. When we do this we are also forgetting the loving kindness of LORD God. Here we find reciprocal hospitality: a Phoenician widow (a non-Israelite) feeding a Jewish prophet who will eventually save her son. APA Style Citation: She replied: As surely as Jehovah your God is living, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the large jar and a little oil in the small jar. Zarephath was a gentile country. 18), creates a causal relationship between them. Think of a time God provided for your financial needs. The curse of the teacher is not fulfilled, but that of his disciple is? He scooped him up and carried him back downstairs to his mother. Elijah was staying with the widow and her household while there was a drought in the land. What relationships does He want you to cultivate? Well never know what went through her head, but we do know that when Elisha gave her an assignment to do, she willingly obeyed without question. Open job opportunities for her that will pay for her bills and help pay off her debts. FACT #5 The son of the Widow at Zarephath remains nameless. Her planwithout Gods miraculous intervention, which she must have hoped forshe and her son will starve to death. She was a widow living in Zarephath, a city in Zidon about where Lebanon is today. Forgive us when we lose faith and forget what an awesome God You are. This devotional is drawn from Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. Holstein, Joanne (2015) The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library (April), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541, (accessed). We need to know about the time period she lived in and the events that led to her faithfulness to the LORD. It is sometimes said we wear our sins on our sleeves. He would even take oil-lamps and wicks with him when he went from place to place, so as not to trouble others. TERMS OF USE Are debt collectors knocking on your door or calling you on the phone? She feeds Elijah in her home. The LORD knew her, knew all about her situation, and the condition of her heart. The Prophet Elijah is invited into a widow 's home after he asks her for a piece of bread. Chicago Style Citation: Somehow, God pulled her to himself and transformed her heart from false worship to faith-filled. It was almost gone. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Edith, just checking back to see how you are doing. They are sure. For those who are being threatened by others and are feeling helpless, be their Defense. When Elijah sees the woman God told him to meet, he asks her for a cup of water. Such a powerful reminder of another of Gods promises at the perfect time. When the husband is supposed to provide for the family, and hes busy studying and serving and the family suffers, its easy to feel resentful, to get angry with the husband and with God. God is in the business of protecting his reputation. The story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephtah can be found in the following Bible verses: 5 Faith lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible, Lessons from the life of Sarah in the Bible (characteristics and marriage lessons), Characteristics of Ruth in the Bible (and lessons from the story of Ruth and Boaz), Rizpah in the Bible Characteristics and lessons learned, Faith in Bible stories: 30+ inspirational examples and stories from Scripture, Daughters of Zelophehad Lessons for life, faith and prayer. But he wants us to trust Him. That concludes this weeks episode of All Gods Women. Copyright 2022| Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians |, The Psychological Condition of Depression. And for those of us who struggle in our faith, He always meets us where we are in our imperfect faith and helps us grow. Were not told of her praying to God herself, but she did know to go to Gods man for direction, and possibly, a miracle. If you want to share this resource with others, please share the link to the blog post. It was at a moment of weakness that she doubted. 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. Did she expect a miracle or was she more practical minded? Go in and do as you said. Lieberman], Ekev, p. 74). It is not unusual that during times of great stress we forget all the blessings we have received from the LORD. Do you stare at the bills and wonder how on earth theyre ever going to get paid? Shes all alone and desperately trying to protect her children. The widows faith in Elijahs God, Jehovah, kept her and her son alive. Amen. She is a graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University. To make matters worse, he died, leaving her with a debt she had no way of paying. He encouraged her to gather as many as she could. At one point, Elijah thought he was the last living prophet (1 Kings 18:22). ( 1Ki 17:8-24; Lu 4:25, 26) It later marked an . 2:20): Ask him in to break bread (Pesikta Rabbati chap. What do we know about the Widow of Zarephath whose story is found in I Kings 17:8-24? Give back the key of rain, and take the key of the resurrection of the dead. Accordingly, after Elijah revived the widows son, the Biblical text states (I Kings 18:1): Go, appear before Ahab; then I will send rain, because he had to return the key of rain and stop the drought (BT Sanhedrin 113a). The Widow of Zarephath, the mother of the dying boy was afraid it was her fault because her sins were remembered and they were so bad that the LORD God slayed her son. He said to her, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink," and, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand" (verses 11-12). He will watch over his word until it comes to pass. 4). But then a stranger had called to her: "Woman, would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink? Her joy: To experience repeated miracles of God's provision. Another mother gives you her kids' outgrown clothing so you can clothe your own children. I will command a widow there to supply you with food.1Kings 17:1-9. Elijah lived with her for 2 years and God provided enough for each day.God did not provide a whole barrel full at once. Are you feeling pressure to provide for your family but you dont know how youre going to? Ask Him what youre supposed to do. God told Elijah to go to Zarephath and find a widow. I am so happy that you have found what you need for you sermon. Zarephath rest inside the region of Sidon, the native country of Queen Jezebel, the woman who married the wicked King Ahab . When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. Elijah prayed that God give him the key of the resurrection of the dead, but he was told from Heaven: Three keys were not entrusted to an agent [i.e., an agent responsible for them], but remained with God, namely: the key of the woman giving birth, the key of rain and the key of the resurrection of the dead. While in the widows house, Elijah performs the miracle of the jar of flour and the jug of oil, to which, according to the Rabbis, Prov. "); As we read more about her, we will learn some very important lessons. 1 Kings 17:9-24, Luke 4:25-26. How hard it was to suffer her fears alone, to wake in the night with no one to warm her, no one to whisper sweet lies about tomorrow. Jehovah listened to Elijahs prayer and brought the child back to life. The Widow of Zarephath had doubt, just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point. There is always spiritual warfare over your hearts loyalty. From where did the ravens bring meat? Bible Gateway Plus makes it simple. She was not an Israelite. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541,. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal. The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. Admit your helplessness. Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith, https://thefaithspace.com/lessons-from-the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/. Blessings to you as well. Elijah could be seen as taking advantage of the vulnerable in society.Nevertheless, she was quite giving. 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. The Widow of Zarephath was desperately poor! RELATED: Women of faith in the Bible 14 Characteristics and lessons learned. I have learned this though: Even for people who have denied Jesus, there is forgiveness and complete restoration. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith. In their meeting in the mourners house, Ahab asked Elijah: The curse of Joshua is fulfilled, but the curse of Moses is not? She is a leading authority on historical development of Christian churches and the practices and beliefs of world religions and cults. And in each case, God showed them that they . Yes, in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.Acts 10:35. Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him. A lesson that we can learn from this is that God blesses those who show faith in him. Shed fill it with oil from her original container. She is a great example of having faith, trust and obedience to the LORD. Now that you, who are righteous, have come to me, God weighs my actions in comparison with yours, and so you have recalled my sins, and [consequently] my son died (Pesikta Rabbati chap. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, Audio download options If you want to continue learning from the Widow of Zarephath story, I encourage you to check out someother Bible studies. The widow's faith saved not only her son and herself but actually provided a refuge for Elijah, who may have wondered why God chose such flimsy protectiona destitute woman who lived in the territory of his worst enemy, Jezebel. God heard Elijah and the boy lived once again. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. But he had died before the drought, leaving her with a small son, a house, and little else. She needs a miracle. Elisha told her to go to all of her neighbors and borrow empty vessels from them. Series: Women in the Bible. Jehovah had decided that there would be a long drought in Israel in the days of wicked King Ahab. He takes the boy from her arms, carries him upstairs to his room and lays him on his bed. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath with instruction to look to a widow to sustain him. she wondered. But God is full of surprises. If everything was dying, she should have had more access to firewood. Another trial was going to test the widows faith. And in each case, God showed them that they werent alone and that He cared for them. Yet for some reason she believed Elijah and acted accordingly, giving him everything she had. There is hardly a person who cannot relate to struggling with something for a long, Continue reading 5 Faith lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the BibleContinue, The lessons from the life of Sarah in the Bible are all so interesting because her story is filled so much drama. Holstein, Joanne (2015, April) The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library. She had failed in the most basic ways a mother could, unable to protect, nurture, and provide. Luke 4:25-26. Your email address will not be published. We can assume she is the only widow in her city. So keep fighting with God for your faith. 31 December 1999. Were told she was one of the wives of the sons of the prophets. The Bible is filled with God granting miracles for widows. 37:25): I have been young and am now old, but I have never seen a righteous man abandoned, or his children seeking bread. God does not abandon the righteous or their children in time of famine, and if drought comes to the world, He arranges sustenance for them. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.". The Widow of Zarephath. Learn how your comment data is processed. How like God to construct a parable of grace during a time of judgment, to display his mercy and power in the midst of weakness and need. 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. How many people who live in your territory are like the widow of Zarephath? Jezebel, King Ahabs wife, tried to kill all of Gods prophets. Check out our on demand resources, Experience Hope Daily Devotional Family Life Radio Updates. Even her name is lost to the history. return true; Imagine the widows great joy when Elijah said: See, your son is alive! He doesn't urge them to pick themselves up and get going when they have no resources to do so. Ahab hired hundreds of priests to conduct the services. We can assume she is the only widow in her city. 1 Kings 17: 9- 24. 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.. Her sons life is saved. This can be learned from Elijah, for whom God provided, as it is said (I Kings 17:9): I have designated a widow there to feed you (Tanhuma, Mikez 6). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ive stopped saying we should challenge God for big things.Actually, nothing challenges God. How could she do so, since she was so poor? Here is a prayer for you Lord, I pray you will be with your servant Shelmith. She lashes out in her pain at the man she trusted, the man who God used to perform a miracle. Gods purposes are so much higher and wider than what we imagine. But hard times is nothing new. The Bible is filled with God granting miracles for widows. God richly bless you. Claim and trust Gods promises. Am shelmith from Kenya. These days she stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah (1 Kings 17:15-16 NKJV). (1 Kings 17:17-23). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 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. Its easy to not deny Him when we are in love with Jesus. She had a home; she was the "mistress" of the house in 1 Kings 17:17, yet she was "house poor," possessing little to nothing beyond her home. It was a wicked time where the worship of false gods was practice. Kadari, Tamar. 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. 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FACT #2 - She was a gentile. For this is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: The large jar of flour will not run out, and the small jar of oil will not run dry until the day Jehovah makes it rain on the surface of the ground.1Kings 17:11-14. Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son? (1 Kings 17:17-18 NIV). Her sons would hand her an empty jar. There is, after all, a drought in progress. The same held true for food: when he came to the widows house, she and he ate from his [that is, both the widow of Zarephath and Elijah partook of Elijahs food, which was miraculously provided to sustain him in the widows house]. God loves you. The Widow of Zarephath is a picture of faith. We ask today that you be with those women who are struggling financially, especially those who are widows or single moms. We know this because she said: As surely as Jehovah your God is living. It seems that even though she knew some things about Israels God, she was not serving him. There is much curiosity about what he was called but there is no record of his name in all of Scripture. Reach US; Reach our Team; Locations; Join on Telegram; Alternate . But anyone who is willing to open their hearts, God is ready to walk in. The Widow of Zarephath (Women in the Bible Series) July 10. Elijah took the boy and laid him upon his own bed and cried unto the LORD. Did you know that All Gods Women can be heard around the world? Well, very little. She looked to Elijah for answers. And he called to her and said, 'Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.' And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, 'Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.' Here are a few details about her that will help you to understand her story. Every night she hoped for rain, but every morning she woke to a brilliant sky. Completely. Subscribe today and listen on your favorite platform. You must be joking. But that was not this widows reaction. When the brook of Cheribth dried up the LORD told Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath where there was a widow woman there that would sustain him. From Ahabs slaughterhouse. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. Then he died, leaving his helpless widow owing money and having no way to pay off the debt. 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/ ). The worship of the true God was at an all time low. 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). The city serves as part of her identification. Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house (where Elijah was staying) became ill. She did not refer to Jehovah as my God. She lived in Zarephath, a town that belonged to the Phoenician city of Sidon. Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to put my son to death? (1Kings 17:17,18) What do those bitter words mean? This was the last place that you should expect to find faith. Reinforce vocabulary and Bible studies with a fun printable wordsearch puzzle. TEXT: 1 Kings 17; Luke 4:25-26 WOMAN: The Widow of Zarapeth. The life of a ministers wife can be difficult. They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives as well. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have a living prophet again on the earth! (Philippians 4:19). She was a Gentile, an outsider. 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. So Elijah, the prophet of God, declared a three year drought over the land of Israel. Most important she learned that the word of the LORD is the truth. Then Jehovah told Elijah: Rise up, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there. And when she completed the task, she again went to him for the next step. Rabbah 2:5:3). 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. Her arms were spindly and rough, like the dry twigs she had gathered for kindling. It takes courage to go to your neighbors and ask them for something. What about you? We have to allow the Lord into our lives and accept His loving kindness and live by faith that He is with us through our journey through live. I look forward to hearing from you! After that, every time she dipped her hand into the flour, every time she poured oil from the jug, the widow saw another miracle unfold, another sign of favor, additional evidence of God's provision. 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. Amen Blessings to you. The faith of the Widow of Zeraphath was absolutely stretched to limits! When Elijah declares that her food would not run out, the Widow steps out on this word and uses her last bit of flour and oil to make him a meal. She feeds Elijah in her home. Yes, the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry, according to Jehovahs word that he had spoken through Elijah. (1Kings 17:16; 18:1) If that woman had acted differently, the loaf of bread that she made from her small supply of flour and oil might have become her last meal. There was a famine of food. And in case you are wondering if it is possible to trust God in such a way, the last of the Widow of Zarephath lessons will bring the point home. But know this God is in the business of performing miracles for which only he can get the glory. Is the man mad? The important thing is to go back to Him in remembrance of Him. The king of the kingdom of Israel was Ahab and his wife was Jezebel. When Elijah arrived at Zarephath, he saw a poor widow collecting pieces of wood. 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. Then we should follow Jehovahs direction, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijahs time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. evt.preventDefault; I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire, Continue reading Characteristics of Ruth in the Bible (and lessons from the story of Ruth and Boaz)Continue, The story of Rizpah in the Bible is one of the absolutely gory and heartbreaking sagas in all of Scripture. You might be living from hand to mouth but recognize that it is Gods hands to your mouth. Second, she was in no position to feed anybody. In today's episode of All God's Women we look at the Prophet's Widow, a woman with debt collectors knocking on her door and she had no way to repay them. God doesn't ignore the needs of those who cannot help themselves. She was obedient and faithful to the LORD. Elijahs life is saved.Her blessings were full to the running over. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. Would you like to read this article in %%? The LORD God told His prophet Elijah that because of the wickedness of the people He would cause there not to be rain in the land for three and a half years. I hope you have been encouraged by these lessons from the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. When this happened, she was ready to be used by God.And used her he did. Have you ever had others demanding from you what you didnt have to give? The widow of Zarephath plays a small but important role in Elijah's story. Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. | So they willingly gave. Elijah tells her not to be afraid, but instead to Go home and do as you have said. This woman didn't know that the LORD is a loving LORD. } This midrash seemingly comes to somewhat moderate Elijahs powers as they are presented in the Biblical narrative, since he does not control everything, but receives only one key at a time. Hello Diana. They teach so, Continue reading Daughters of Zelophehad Lessons for life, faith and prayerContinue, Thank you very much and may God bless you. After we have eaten, we will die. (1Kings 17:12) What can we learn from this conversation? He sent Elijah to the widow to help both her and the prophet. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What was she expecting when she went to Elisha for help? The story of Peter in the Bible teaches that. What a comfort . These mazzah cakes miraculously sufficed for the Israelites for thirty days, until the manna began to descend (Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, Masekhta de-Pisha, Bo 14). It is very likely that many Baal worshippers lived in Zarephath. He could have prayed and had God send away the debt collector or have the money delivered to her by someone else. God did not abandon that poor widow. Jehovah will help you if you trust in him when your integrity is tested. 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).
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