Elijah, however, was committed only to save the lives of his hosts (Ex. Her houseguest says: See, your son is alive.. She was a widow living in Zarephath, a city in Zidon about where Lebanon is today. And He needs to know youre listening. She had nothing to offer but a jar of oil. Zarephath rest inside the region of Sidon, the native country of Queen Jezebel, the woman who married the wicked King Ahab and required her god, Baal to be worshipped instead of God Almighty (1 King 21:25-26). Are you feeling pressure to provide for your family but you dont know how youre going to? He may ask you to do something thats humbling. Go home and do as you have said. And thanks so much for that insight. RECORDING DATE: July 3, 2020. Ahab blamed Elijah for the drought and wanted to kill him. God multiplied the flour and oil so that she did not have to worry about food. In honor of International Womens Day on March 8, 2022, we are spotlighting women who rocked in Bible times! For those who are being threatened by others and are feeling helpless, be their Defense. You are our Provider when we have nothing. Holstein, Joanne (2015, April) The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library. Elijah worshipped Jehovah. Elijah asks her for a piece of bread, and the destitute widow invites him to her home where she uses her last bit of flour and oil to bake for him. As we read more about her, we will learn some very important lessons. And I mean bad in a good way. | 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? This was his calling. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that persons well-being. Imagine the widows great joy when Elijah said: See, your son is alive! Even if he had any doubts, Elijah began a conversation with the woman. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. 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. (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. It is sometimes said we wear our sins on our sleeves. Blessings to you as well. PRIVACY SETTINGS, The Widow of Zarephath Was Rewarded for Her Faith, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/402014124/univ/art/402014124_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/ws/E/20140215/wpub/ws_E_20140215_lg.jpg, Share But in times of spiritual crisis, he prayed in faith and God answered. He knew the current reality did not measure up with Gods promise. But it was also a declaration that although it seemed like God was absent, He was very much present. When the Widow of Zarephath expresses concern for her meagre meal, Elijah told her, Do not be afraid.. Read about other women who rocked in the Bible: Deboraha Faithful Focus on What You Can Do, Want more? If youre a listener in Nairobi, Id love to hear from you and pray with you. return true; Required fields are marked *. She heard, understood and walked that walk of faith. All she had to do was believe God the God of Israel and obey. This man of God is asking for the last of all she has. She feeds Elijah in her home. So glad you were encouraged. It was almost gone. Church Gallery; WMB Gallery; FAQ; Contact. She thought it was a punishment because of her sins. They went door to door collecting. 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. The king of the kingdom of Israel was Ahab and his wife was Jezebel. ( 1Ki 17:8-24; Lu 4:25, 26) It later marked an . Have you ever been in as desperate a situation as the widow was in? Remember, she was looking at the possibility of dying a bit earlier if she gave away her very last meal. 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. Elijahs stay in the house of the widow was meant to bring him closer to the suffering prevalent in the world, and to acquaint him with the hunger and want from which the women and children suffered. This is why the ketiv [the Scriptural text as written, in v. 15] has he and she had food, while the keri [the traditional reading] has she and he had food. The Rabbis ask why, then, does God say: I have designated a widow there to feed youdid he eat from her food? Ive stopped saying we should challenge God for big things.Actually, nothing challenges God. She left a legacy of faith that has lasted for generations. This exegesis is based on the juxtaposition between the episode of Hiel the Bethelite (I Kings, end of chap. As a woman who endured extreme difficulties, her story reveals God's power to provide what we need the mosta commodity of the heart called faith. Please take away the fear and anxiety that the enemy is trying to use to intimidate your child. Jesus makes the point that during a time of drought and famine, there were many widows in Israel who had need. His need condemned her. He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you. Ahab was the king in Israel at a crucial time. 4). First, go directly to God. 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. I hope you have been encouraged by these lessons from the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. The Widow had her last bit of sustenance left in this life.But she was so willing to give from it. Her joy: To experience repeated miracles of God's provision. God sends him to stay by a brook first. Ive been serving the Lord for sometime know,but I still have this fear in me,and Im also afraid of going to hell,because Jesus says in his word,deny me on earth and I deny you on the day of jugdment,this sermon give Im hope in putting faith before my fear Amen. We learned she did not have but a handful of meal in her barrel, and a little oil in the curse she did not have a cake for Elijah. Kadari, Tamar. We do not know her name, but she is a widow living in the town of Zarephath. The faith of the Widow of Zarephath turned out to lead to the provision for a tired, depressed, and hungry prophet on the run for his life. The widow of Zarephath had felt utterly alone, not knowing God had his eye on her. Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him. The Bible is filled with God granting miracles for widows. Oh Desmond, I hear you and I definitely understand the fear. FACT #3 Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. We can learn a very important lesson from this. And this showdown came to a head in the story of Mount Carmel. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have a living prophet again on the earth! 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. FACT #5 The son of the Widow at Zarephath remains nameless. Sometimes our blessing is bound up with our serviceWhen we share, no matter how small, we are enriched. Like the woman with the issue of blood and Naaman, Elijah was no different. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. Instead of asking for forgiveness and repenting, we dwell on the short comings of our sins blaming everything bad that has happens in our lives. 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She had no idea that the stranger was Elijah, a prophet who had the gall to inform King Ahab that God was withholding rain to punish Israel's idolatry. They continued until all the vessels were full. Use your servant mightily to encourage the hearts of your people. "Don't be afraid. There the LORD provided safety from Jezebel. What was she expecting when she went to Elisha for help? But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. The Widow of Zarephath was desperately poor! The life of a ministers wife can be difficult. God heard Elijah and the boy lived once again. 1 Kings 17: 10-16: "So he arose and went to Zarephath. Are you open to hearing His voice when He speaks through others? Make learning about the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17:7-24 fun with this no prep, printable activity sheet word-find and digital EASEL activity. But she showed faith, trusted in Jehovah, and fed Elijah first. Edith, just checking back to see how you are doing. Plus, she was literally down to her last meal. You might be living from hand to mouth but recognize that it is Gods hands to your mouth. Jehovah had decided that there would be a long drought in Israel in the days of wicked King Ahab. Am shelmith from Kenya. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Did the woman remember a past sin that bothered her conscience? Those who worshipped Baal believed he was the god who brought rains and bountiful harvestso the words Elijah spoke for God were profanity against Jezebels god. For some reason I wasnt getting notifications. A POOR widow hugs her boy, her only child. 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. The widow's faith in Elijah's God, Jehovah, preserved her and her son alive. TEXT: 1 Kings 17; Luke 4:25-26 WOMAN: The Widow of Zarapeth. Lets keep in touch. How were the widows sons involved in the miracle? Are you searching for and helping such people? Im sorry I didnt respond sooner. Moses had said: Take care not to be lured away to serve other gods [] For the Lords anger will flare up against you, and He will shut up the skies so that there will be no rain [Deut. So they willingly gave. He will watch over his word until it comes to pass. Why does God allow godly men to die young? Amen. The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. He takes the boy from her arms, carries him upstairs to his room and lays him on his bed. Jehovah will help you if you trust in him when your integrity is tested. He said: Please, bring me a little water in a cup so that I may drink. When she went to get him some water, Elijah added: Please, bring me a piece of bread. (1Kings 17:10,11) The widow was not worried about giving this stranger a drink, but giving him bread was a problem. I can just see her acknowledge him and turn to go get the water. This widow was from Sidon. When her son became sick and died the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he was revived. And in each case, God showed them that they werent alone and that He cared for them. Instead of cursing the stranger for his callousness, as we might expect, the woman did exactly as he had requested, feeding him the food she had reserved for herself and her son. Wrap your arms around her and remind her that shes not alone, that you see her and you love her very much. He obeyed, finding a woman gathering sticks. 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. The city serves as part of her identification. 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. It was located between Sidon and Tyre which would be in modern day Lebanon. When Elijah finds her, she was picking up sticks for firewood. Baal was said to be the god of the weather. But she wasnt prepared for his death. If only her husband were alive to squeeze a harvest from the fields. Think of a time God provided for your financial needs. Because he paid the ultimate sacrifice for you with His life. Remember the LORD had commanded a widow woman to sustain Elijah. Even though she did not know much about Jehovah, she believed Elijah and did what he asked of her. Not all those who lived in Zarephath were completely corrupt. Sometimes Jehovah allows our faith in him to be tested. The widow of Zarephath plays a small but important role in Elijahs story. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, Share No matter how little, we have something we can use to bless someone. 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. The Widow of Zarephath had doubt, just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point. He would even take oil-lamps and wicks with him when he went from place to place, so as not to trouble others. He will be a Provider, a Protector, and a Friend in order to help you endure.Exodus 3:13-15. How many people who live in your territory are like the widow of Zarephath? And when she completed the task, she again went to him for the next step. (Matthew 25:34-40) It proves that God takes care of those who are faithful to him, even when they are enduring very difficult trials. The widow could see that Elijah was an Israelite who served God. But the brook dried up after a while. Tell Him your situation. Elijah could be seen as taking advantage of the vulnerable in society.Nevertheless, she was quite giving. 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the widow of zarephath showed hospitality to prophet
