the widow of zarephath showed hospitality to prophet

If everything was dying, she should have had more access to firewood. So he made the request for food on faith, knowing that God would no doubt watch over his word and make it come to pass. The Widow of Zarephath (Women in the Bible Series) July 10. 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. 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. When this happened, she was ready to be used by God.And used her he did. Elijah had to run for his life. 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. It is not because of our righteousness or any of our good works that we were saved by Him. 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. The people there worshiped Baal, the god of rain. Blessings to you as well. Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house (where Elijah was staying) became ill. The woman said to Elijah (v. 18): [] that you should come here to recall my sin and cause the death of my son? In the midrashic expansion, she tells him: Until you came here, God would weigh my actions in comparison with the local people, and I would be found worthy. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith. This was the hometown of Jezeb el, wife of King Ahab. 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? They went door to door collecting. God multiplied the flour and oil so that she did not have to worry about food. 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). The Widow of Zarephath had nothing for her own family to eat, much less a prophet. The woman from Zarephath wasn't a Jew, but a Phoenician. 1 Kings 17: 10-16: "So he arose and went to Zarephath. It will be said that two keys are held by the disciple and one by the Master! Bible Gateway Plus makes it simple. No one repented, and Elijah was forced to live in hiding. These days she stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts. Tune in next week when we talk about the Shunammite woman, a wealthy woman who experienced a life and death miracle from God. The widow had shown faith and had cared for Elijahs needs. Ask God to make it obvious what youre supposed to do. I will command a widow there to supply you with food.1Kings 17:1-9. The Widow of Zarephath didnt blame Elijah or the LORD for the death of her son. 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. 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). He will provide for our needs on a daily basis. But God sent Elijah out of Israel, to the town of Zarephath in Sidon instead. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that persons well-being. 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. Are you feeling pressure to provide for your family but you dont know how youre going to? "); So glad you were encouraged. ( 1Ki 17:8-24; Lu 4:25, 26) It later marked an . The widow didnt have much. You are our Provider when we have nothing. Elijah took the boy and laid him upon his own bed and cried unto the LORD. A type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules). No matter how small or insignificant, we have something to give to someone else to help them. Rabbah [ed. We can really pray for and trust God for BIG things. Are you open to hearing His voice when He speaks through others? And in each case, God showed them that they . She is a graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University. (Acts 24:15) Surely these are excellent reasons for remembering the widow of Zarephath. Just enough for them to live on a daily basis. It was at a moment of weakness that she doubted. The resurrection of her son was an event in her life that truly strengthened her faith. An unexpected check comes just when you need it. Join with other women in theAll Gods Women Bible Study Facebook group. Life Story of Prophet W.M.B - Part 1; Mystery Of The Godhead Revealed? Much blessings to you my sister. 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. But the brook dried up after a while. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 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. God sent Elijah to a woman who had nothing so that He could provide for her and her family supernaturally as a result of her faith. We are totally dependent of the Lord in every aspect of our lives. Go in and do as you said. It may require you to look around at what you have and do something with the resources Hes already blessed you with. God loves you. They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives as well. Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith, https://thefaithspace.com/lessons-from-the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Not only were they worshiping false Gods, but Jezebel had also commanded all the prophets in the land to be killed. Most important she learned that the word of the LORD is the truth. There is much curiosity about what he was called but there is no record of his name in all of Scripture. The widow's faith in Elijah's God, Jehovah, preserved her and her son alive. 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. Ask Him what youre supposed to do. Lets keep in touch. Her sons life is saved. She explained to Elijah she was gathering two sticks that she could prepare the meal for her and her son that they may eat it, and die. } Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have a living prophet again on the earth! Rather, because she received him hospitably and attended to him, this hospitality is ascribed to her, and she also merited having Elijah revive her son (Cant. In Christs name we pray. Elijah prayed and from heaven he was given the key of rain, so that it would descend only at his command. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that person's well-being. In her mind, the end is near. This was trying times in her life and there was no guarantee there was going to be more meal or oil enough to sustain Elijah, her dying son and herself. Did the woman remember a past sin that bothered her conscience? She heard, understood and walked that walk of faith. Tell Him your situation. Its blessing for me to be Gods instrument of inspiration at this time in your Christian walk . For the rest of their lives, those boys would always remember that time when they were facing being sold into slavery but God interviewed by multiplying a pot of oil. 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). The midrash thus draws a parallel between the death of the widows son, on the one hand, and the drought and the resulting famine on the other. When her level of faith was compared to those who claimed to know God, she stood head and shoulders above them. All she had to do was believe God the God of Israel and obey. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.". Do not be afraid. While that is often a part of his plan, our eyes usually rest on ourselves, when in fact it has less to do with us and more to do with what He wants to do through our relationships with the people to whom He connects us. Today she had scraped the last bit of flour from the barrel and poured the last drop of oil from the jug. The faith of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath helps us to realize that God wants to trust Him each day. We might easily assume this widow is not of Hebrew lineage, but she clearly believed in the Hebrews God and trusted Him. She lashes out in her pain at the man she trusted, the man who God used to perform a miracle. Then sit back and listen to what He has to say. Here is a widow with a son who was not one of the children of Israel 1 Kings 17:10. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2541,. But what a wise decision she made! He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you. Is the man mad? You must be joking. But that was not this widows reaction. We meet the Prophets Widow in 2 Kings chapter 4. But anyone who is willing to open their hearts, God is ready to walk in. He may ask you to do something thats humbling. Here is a prayer for you Lord, I pray you will be with your servant Shelmith. She reminded him that her husband had studied with him and that he had feared the Lord, but now he was dead and the creditor was threatening to take her two sons as slaves if she didnt pay off the loan. Luke 4:25-26. What do we know about the Widow of Zarephath whose story is found in I Kings 17:8-24? 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.. Why did Elisha have them pouring the oil in the privacy of their home? The Widow of Zarephath is an example of faith. She went back to Elisha to ask what she was to do next. 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 He encouraged her to gather as many as she could. The curse of the teacher is not fulfilled, but that of his disciple is? There is, after all, a drought in progress. In all your ways take notice of him, and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5,6. But God is still providing for Elijah for now God sends Elijah to the care of a widow. The houseguest is Gods prophet Elijah. Rabbah 2:5:3). Praise the living God. You give freely to those in need. Then we should follow Jehovahs direction, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. When Elijah declared a drought in the name of the God of heaven, it was the beginning of a showdown. We are never alone, He hears our every prayers, He answers our prayers in ways we would never imagine. So many people are prevented from reaching their goals, accessing their blessings, and living an abundant life because of fear. God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath with instruction to look to a widow to sustain him. var checkboxFields = jQuery(this).find('[name^="GROUPINGS"]'); God is also always looking for opportunities to show up in your life and show off. The is a very powerful Sermon. The story of Peter in the Bible teaches that. alert("Please select at least one list. We can learn a very important lesson from this. God uses something or someone to change your husband's heart just when you thought he didn't love you anymore. She had failed in the most basic ways a mother could, unable to protect, nurture, and provide. In those days, widows, especially those without sons, were very vulnerable. The widow then told Elijah: Now I know that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovahs word in your mouth is truth.1Kings 17:22-24. Jesus makes reference here to an event in the life of Elijah the prophet. She did exactly what he instructed to the letter. It was in the middle of this drought that Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath become a part of each others lives. | The widow did exactly as he instructed. He told her to sell the oil, pay back the debt, and she and her sons could live off of whatever remained. FACT #3 - Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. 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. I am blessed that you have been encouraged. This exegesis is based on the juxtaposition between the episode of Hiel the Bethelite (I Kings, end of chap. 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). Now I am gathering a few pieces of wood, and I will go in and make something for me and my son. He took God at his word. The widow of Zarephath had felt utterly alone, not knowing God had his eye on her. God did not abandon that poor widow. STOP delaying to get to know the Bible better! return false; 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. This is a short story, but so much packed into it. Jehovah had decided that there would be a long drought in Israel in the days of wicked King Ahab. I am so happy that you have found what you need for you sermon. What could the widows husband have done differently? Elisha asked her what she had in her house. Instead, challenge yourself to get to that place where your faith triumphs over your fear. Youre welcome Frazer. Her planwithout Gods miraculous intervention, which she must have hoped forshe and her son will starve to death. Who was the Widow of Zarephath? It will likely take faith on your part. Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 4:25-26 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. There were so many possibilities to this story. If you want to continue learning from the Widow of Zarephath story, I encourage you to check out someother Bible studies. First, go directly to God. Thank you for stopping by. But she did have oil. Elijah was told to dwell by the brook Cheribth. We ask today that you be with those women who are struggling financially, especially those who are widows or single moms. Reach US; Reach our Team; Locations; Join on Telegram; Alternate . 17). God sends him to stay by a brook first. It takes courage to go to your neighbors and ask them for something. She began to prepare for a final supper for herself and her child. Completely. As she decided to care for Gods spokesperson, God provided miraculously for her household. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, Audio download options (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. If we have faith, it said, we will get the blessing; if we do not [have faith], we will lose it.. Oh Desmond, I hear you and I definitely understand the fear. Here are a few details about her that will help you to understand her story. But God is full of surprises. What a time in my Christian walk to learn this? if( checkboxFields[i].checked ) { Her arms were spindly and rough, like the dry twigs she had gathered for kindling. The important thing is to go back to Him in remembrance of Him. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. It is not unusual that during times of great stress we forget all the blessings we have received from the LORD. It was ironic since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be mixing with the surrounding nations. For him to pay the debt? Provide for her and her children. Ravens feed Elijah for many days, but when the brook dries up he is commanded to go to, There was also a growing desire for integration in Latin America, and several steps were taken in this direction. In honor of International Womens Day on March 8, 2022, we are spotlighting women who rocked in Bible times! Blessings to you as well. She literally was going to eat her last meal and then she was going to starve to death. FACT #3 Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. There is always spiritual warfare over your hearts loyalty. Although they may be surrounded by members of false religion, they may want something better. I can just see her acknowledge him and turn to go get the water. Are debt collectors knocking on your door or calling you on the phone? So many wonderful points. When the drought began, God hid Elijah from Ahab and miraculously fed the prophet by using ravens to bring meat and bread for him to eat. Look! The widow went to Elisha and pleaded her case. This is a real and raw story about injustice, loss,, Continue reading Rizpah in the Bible Characteristics and lessons learnedContinue, Studying faith in Bible stories is one of my favorite ways to encourage my heart, especially in rough times. If ever there was a list of bad women in the Bible, they would be on it. evt.preventDefault; It was located between Sidon and Tyre which would be in modern day Lebanon. This was not a miracle to be witnessed by the masses, but rather a private blessing for this little family to see God at work. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. Am shelmith from Kenya. We do know she was a Phoenician woman living in a pagan land and that she showed extraordinary hospitality by providing safe harbor for one of God's prophets during a period of famine. 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. Elijah, however, was committed only to save the lives of his hosts (Ex. Elijah began to entreat God, and said (v. 20): Will You bring calamity upon this widow whose guest I am, and let her son die? The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that persons well-being. She is a leading authority on historical development of Christian churches and the practices and beliefs of world religions and cults. (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. Shelmith, oh how you have blessed my heart today by sharing your testimony :D. Praise the living God for sure! Elijah also had a moment of doubt. This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD and would not be punished her by taking her son. The Widow of Zarephaths story begins while she is at the gate gathering a few sticks so she can go home and prepare the last little bit of food for herself and her son. return true; To make matters worse, he died, leaving her with a debt she had no way of paying. In verse 8, the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town outside of Israel, where a widow would provide food for him. Holstein, Joanne (2015, April) The Widow of Zarephath:. Becker Bible Studies Library. Just as you saw the prophets widow through difficult times, may you work in a miraculous to take care of Edith. Later, the widow's faith would again be tested when her young son died. Women Who Rocked the BibleStories of Those Who Shaped Their Culture and Still Inspire You Today. The people of Israel were struggling. for(var i=0; i
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