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. This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD. She depended on her husband to provide for her and their sons, but he was so busy studying and serving that he didnt bring in enough income to meet their basic needs. 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 exegesis is based on the juxtaposition between the episode of Hiel the Bethelite (I Kings, end of chap. 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. Once she had the jars, jugs, and pots collected she was to shut the door behind her and she and her sons would pour the oil they had into the vessels theyd gathered. They teach so, Continue reading Daughters of Zelophehad Lessons for life, faith and prayerContinue, Thank you very much and may God bless you. You can read about it in 1Kings chapter17. We will get back to the context of Jesus . 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. Did she expect a miracle or was she more practical minded? He might as well ask me to snap my fingers and produce a cow to feast on. The widow of Zarephath plays a small but important role in Elijahs story. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. This was the case with the faith of the Widow of Zarephath. Luke 4:25-26. Oh Desmond, I hear you and I definitely understand the fear. I love this example of a miracle because it required action from the recipients. When Elijah sees the woman God told him to meet, he asks her for a cup of water. Elijah turns up and two things are obvious. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. Did she think that her sons death was punishment from God and that Elijah was Gods messenger of death? Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him. 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? In Christs name we pray. Right now, feel free to press pause, and get on your knees and pour out your heart to the Lord Jesus. She had failed in the most basic ways a mother could, unable to protect, nurture, and provide. 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. Life Story of Prophet W.M.B - Part 1; Mystery Of The Godhead Revealed? The reviving of the dead in this narrative serves the Rabbis as a model of the future Resurrection of the Dead, since whatever God will do in the World to Come He has already shown to humans in this world. In this case, the widow appears to have been supportive of her husband. The Bible is filled with God granting miracles for widows. Shed fill it with oil from her original container. Much blessings to you my sister. There was a famine of food. However, the contents of this blog post may not be modified, compiled, combined with other content, copied, recorded, synchronized, transmitted, translated, formatted, distributed, publicly displayed, publicly performed, reproduced, given away, used to create derivative works and otherwise used or exploited (including for-profit or commercial gain) without the creators expressed permission. The first of the Widow of Zarephath lessons is that spiritual warfare goes up a notch in times of crisis. This womans husband was one of those students. Ive stopped saying we should challenge God for big things.Actually, nothing challenges God. A Phoenician town 'belonging to' or apparently dependent upon Sidon in Elijah's day. New International Version (NIV). Amen. Im sorry I didnt respond sooner. The curse of the teacher is not fulfilled, but that of his disciple is? 1 Kings 17: 10-16: "So he arose and went to Zarephath. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Yes, "the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry . The story of the bleeding woman is one of the most moving in the Scriptures. Think of a time God provided for your financial needs. 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. Rabbah 2:5:3). Not in a way that is driven by anxiety. He obeyed, finding a woman gathering sticks. More than anything, the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath can teach us a lot. Remember the LORD had commanded a widow woman to sustain Elijah. Ahab was the king in Israel at a crucial time. She left a legacy of faith that has lasted for generations. 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? 3). He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Jehovah was listening. The Widow of Zarephath had nothing for her own family to eat, much less a prophet. For those who are being threatened by others and are feeling helpless, be their Defense. Then do it. Moses, too, received his food from a woman, when Jethro sent his daughters to bring him from the well (Ex. This is so insightful and inspiring. The resurrection of her son was an event in her life that truly strengthened her faith. If only her husband were alive to squeeze a harvest from the fields. 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. Series: Women in the Bible. There is much curiosity about what he was called but there is no record of his name in all of Scripture. Even if he had any doubts, Elijah began a conversation with the woman. At Zarephath the prophet was shown hospitality by a poor widow, whose flour and oil were miraculously sustained during a great famine and whose son Elijah, in God's power, subsequently raised from death. In her mind, the end is near. 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). When the Widow of Zarephath expresses concern for her meagre meal, Elijah told her, Do not be afraid.. Just Elijahs presence in the land was an offense to the enemy. The Prophet Elijah is invited into a widow 's home after he asks her for a piece of bread. This woman didn't know that the LORD is a loving LORD. The Widow of Zarephaths story doesnt end there. She had lived her life a stone's throw from the Mediterranean, at Zarephath, seven miles south of Sidon, in a territory ruled by Jezebel's father. Why does God allow godly men to die young? Get out your Bible. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. The faith of the Widow of Zeraphath is unusual that she is a point of reference for Jesus in the New Testament. And he was fighting to rescue the hearts of his people from worshiping things that would not serve them. But the brook dried up after a while. 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. In that moment she chose to trust God. It is common for us all to blame ourselves and our sins for things that happen to us. Are you open to hearing His voice when He speaks through others? (Psalm 37:25), And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Wrap your arms around her and remind her that shes not alone, that you see her and you love her very much. All she had to do was believe God the God of Israel and obey. Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son? (1 Kings 17:17-18 NIV). Elijah could be seen as taking advantage of the vulnerable in society.Nevertheless, she was quite giving. And just as He provided for the prophets widow, so He can provide for you. We can learn a very important lesson from this. Now the woman looks at her resurrected son and is thrilled to see his smile. Can you imagine just a little attitude in her response to him? God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. 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. Your email address will not be published. And the mother? 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. At one point, Elijah thought he was the last living prophet (1 Kings 18:22). These two boys were facing a terrible future unless God intervened. Later, the widow's faith would again be tested when her young son died. Episode 86: Fat Torah with Minna Bromberg. 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. What do you have? This Widow demonstrates Christs invitation of His followers to Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first and all other things shall be added to them (Matthew 6:33). Not only that, but the debt collector is trying to take away her two sons and turn them into slaves. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Widow of Zarephath lessons that we will explore in this post might challenge you. FACT #1 The name of her village was Sarepta. But she would also be the first woman to witness God's power to raise the dead, which he did in response to Elijah's repeated prayers on behalf of her child. 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. However, Jesus spoke well of her, so she may have become a faithful servant of Jehovah. The Widow of Zarephath did not know who Elijah was, and she did not know that there would be more meal and oil left over after she had fed him. When God sends Elijah to the Widow, the instruction was that he had commanded her to feed. 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. Elijahs life is saved.Her blessings were full to the running over. The king of the kingdom of Israel was Ahab and his wife was Jezebel. And in each case, God showed them that they . (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. Yet, what did Elijah say? Women Who Rocked the BibleStories of Those Who Shaped Their Culture and Still Inspire You Today. Subscribe today and listen on your favorite platform. 10:22 refers: It is the blessing of the Lord that enriches. A single spoonful of ground flour that the woman had and the little oil in the jug sufficed, they were not exhausted, and the blessing reigned from within her home (Tanhuma, Ki Tisa 29). These women challenged the beliefs and practices of their day. Most important she learned that the word of the LORD is the truth. He may ask you to do something thats humbling. Elijahs names means Yahweh is my God. The story of Peter in the Bible teaches that. What could the widows husband have done differently? The Rabbis applied to this the verse (Ps. Upon seeing her son, the widow said to Elijah, Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth (1 Kings 17:24 NKJV). I look forward to hearing from you in the days ahead. Plus, she was literally down to her last meal. 17) and Gods command to stop the drought (beginning of chap. 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. 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. They handed those empty vessels to their mom and watched as she filled them with oil. You must be joking. But that was not this widows reaction. Church Gallery; WMB Gallery; FAQ; Contact. The Message says she said, I swear, as surely as your God lives, I dont have so much as a biscuit. She went back to Elisha to ask what she was to do next. Youre welcome Frazer. Elijah needed to trust that if God said provision would be made, then Gods promise would be fulfilled. The city serves as part of her identification. "); She needs a miracle. Would you like to read this article in %%? Imagine the widows great joy when Elijah said: See, your son is alive! Her sons life is saved. Even though she did not know much about Jehovah, she believed Elijah and did what he asked of her. Plead your case. The faith of the Widow of Zeraphath was absolutely stretched to limits! Then Elisha had the widow and her sons closing the door before filling the jars. The story of a widow, who remained unnamed in the Bible, was important enough to have her faith and obedience recorded in the Bible. The widow did exactly as he instructed. Have you ever been in as desperate a situation as the widow was in? I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.". Then you can make something afterward for you and your son. God doesn't ignore the needs of those who cannot help themselves. When Elijah finds her, she was picking up sticks for firewood. 2). 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.. They may have little or no knowledge of Jehovah and need help to accept true worship. But hard times is nothing new. There are so many people of faith in the Bible. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541,. she wondered. So many wonderful points. 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. Kadari, Tamar. The houseguest is Gods prophet Elijah. An unexpected check comes just when you need it. We might easily assume this widow is not of Hebrew lineage, but she clearly believed in the Hebrews God and trusted Him. We are never alone, He hears our every prayers, He answers our prayers in ways we would never imagine. No matter how little, we have something we can use to bless someone. Here is a widow with a son who was not one of the children of Israel 1 Kings 17:10. Like a baby who knows that mom will come when she needs something, God truly wants us to expect him to show up for us. The life of a ministers wife can be difficult. Background: 10 Century BC. 16) and the drought (beginning of chap. Second, she was in no position to feed anybody. 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. But these were difficult times. 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. The woman, only referred to as the widow of Zarephath, demonstrates a powerful faith through her obedience in 1 Kings. 11:1617]. You give freely to those in need. You can follow me on social media, follow my blog, or contact me directly via email or my contact form. Then he died, leaving his helpless widow owing money and having no way to pay off the debt. The Widow of Zarephath had doubt, just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point. return false; 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). Her name didnt matter, but her faith and obedience will forever be remembered. Read the story of the prophets widow in 2 Kings 4. This was his calling. The Rabbis also learned from this episode that giving food to someone else is a great virtue that results in the resurrection of the dead before its time: because the widow from Zarephath gave food to Elijah, she merited the reviving of her son (Cant. 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. Elijah served as Gods spokesperson, the man who stood in front of King Ahab and prophesied the next years are going to see a total droughtnot a drop of dew or rain unless I say otherwise (1 Kings 17:1 MSG). 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.
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