Episode 189 - Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17).

Episode Summary

In this story, Elijah the prophet tells King Ahab that a divinely-sanctioned drought is on the way.  Of course, this means the prophet needs to get out of town immediately.  The Lord tells him to go to a brook, where he can procure water.  Ravens would supply him with food!  Eventually, the brook dries up.  So, God instructs the prophet to head for Zarephath, a town in Sidon, which is not Israelite territory.  God tells the prophet that a widow will take care of him.  When Elijah finds the woman, she is in the process of preparing a final meal for her and her son.  Elijah nevertheless asks not only for water, but a little food.  The woman protests, but still provides Elijah with food.  As a consequence, her flour and cooking oil do not run out for the duration of the drought.  Before long, though, disaster happens.  The woman’s son falls ill and dies.  This makes the woman lash out at Elijah, who, she believes, has played a cruel trick on her.  However, Elijah is able to revive the child, causing the woman to recognize Elijah as a true prophet of the Lord.  The point of the story is that a woman from Sidon was more responsive to Elijah and his God than an Israelite king.

Additional resources

• Do you have a question about the Bible or a topic you’d like to know more about? 

• Yes? Then go ahead and leave a rating and a review! I’d be honored to hear your thoughts and answer your questions in the next episodes!

• And if you want to unlock the secrets of Jesus’ precious words, make sure to give us a follow now!