the widow of zarephath showed hospitality to prophet

Sometimes Jehovah allows our faith in him to be tested. Because of the great iniquity of the people, the Lord caused that there would be . Elijah struggled with wobbly faith, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. This was another name for Zarephath. God is also always looking for opportunities to show up in your life and show off. For him to pay the debt? Im sorry I didnt respond sooner. He obeyed, finding a woman gathering sticks. 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. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Have reminders sent directly to your email, Pause your devotional at any time to read at your own pace. return false; Now the woman looks at her resurrected son and is thrilled to see his smile. 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. 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. Rabbah [ed. 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. In todays episode of All Gods Women we look at the Prophets Widow, a woman with debt collectors knocking on her door and she had no way to repay them. It was located between Sidon and Tyre which would be in modern day Lebanon. When Elijah sees the woman God told him to meet, he asks her for a cup of water. We can learn a very important lesson from this. However, Jesus spoke well of her, so she may have become a faithful servant of Jehovah. They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives, as well. 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. It was ironic since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be mixing with the surrounding nations. 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. Elijah took him and delivered him unto his mother. It is sometimes said we wear our sins on our sleeves. Did she expect a miracle or was she more practical minded? But what a wise decision she made! 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.' This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD. What an amazing lesson they witnessed to see how God cared for them and provided for them. God mercifully preserved her and her son, even though they were not of His chosen people. Not only that, but the debt collector is trying to take away her two sons and turn them into slaves. More than anything, the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath can teach us a lot. The LORD knew her, knew all about her situation, and the condition of her heart. The Widow of Zarephath had nothing for her own family to eat, much less a prophet. FACT #3 - Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. 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). 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 gives rain on the land.' 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). No one repented, and Elijah was forced to live in hiding. Amen Blessings to you. 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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. 4). We do not know her name, but she is a widow living in the town of Zarephath. 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). Jesus wants to love you into heaven way more than He wants you to experience hell. Read the story of the prophets widow in 2 Kings 4. There is a widow there who will feed you. All He wants us to do is to love him back. Yes, they are Bible characters from a long time ago but their faith in God has reached across time to uplift our hearts. 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. Elisha had the widow AND her sons going to their neighbors and asking for vessels. The Widow of Zarephath is a picture of faith. The story of a widow, who remained unnamed in the Bible, was important enough to have her faith and obedience recorded in the Bible. They saw first hand how the oil from one jar filled enough jars to not only pay off their fathers debt, but for the family to live off of. The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that person's well-being. A POOR widow hugs her boy, her only child. If only her husband were alive to squeeze a harvest from the fields. Tune in next week when we talk about the Shunammite woman, a wealthy woman who experienced a life and death miracle from God. She did what had to be done because she had faith in the LORD. FACT #2 She was a gentile. 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. if( checkboxFields[i].checked ) { 1 Kings 17:9-24, Luke 4:25-26. Elijah could be seen as taking advantage of the vulnerable in society.Nevertheless, she was quite giving. Tell Him your situation. Jehovah had decided that there would be a long drought in Israel in the days of wicked King Ahab. His need condemned her. He told her to sell the oil, pay back the debt, and she and her sons could live off of whatever remained. Her sons life is saved. He provided for them in ways they didnt expect, and in doing so, demonstrated His amazing love for them. Go home and do as you have said. She did exactly what he instructed to the letter. 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. 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. She was faithful and obedient to the commands of the LORD. Hiel had transgressed Joshuas prohibition against rebuilding Jericho (Josh. We ask today that you be with those women who are struggling financially, especially those who are widows or single moms. 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. So inspiring and, encouraging and hope-giving. What was she expecting when she went to Elisha for help? We meet the Prophets Widow in 2 Kings chapter 4. 1 Kings 17:17 tells us it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so bad, that there was no breath left in him. It may require you to look around at what you have and do something with the resources Hes already blessed you with. Joanne Holstein is a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and Author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. Second, she was in no position to feed anybody. In her mind, the end is near. Jesus makes reference here to an event in the life of Elijah the prophet. During this time in history God rose up prophets like Elisha who held prophecy schools where they tutored or trained other prophets in the ancient Law. She thought it was a punishment because of her sins. Rabbah 2:5:3). God tells us to go here or thereto do this or thatand its easy to think its about us. 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. FACT #3 Elijah knew she was a widow because of what she was wearing. If ever there was a list of bad women in the Bible, they would be on it. 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. However, Jehovah noticed something special in the heart of this widow. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat itand die. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith. 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. He cried out to God and asked that the boys life return to Him. Even her name is lost to the history. Just enough for them to live on a daily basis. God never leaves his people without guidance and direction. Even though she did not know much about Jehovah, she believed Elijah and did what he asked of her. There it was the promise of a miracle. In Christs name we pray. The account in 1Kings chapter17 says no more about this woman. 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. 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. Here we find reciprocal hospitality: a Phoenician widow (a non-Israelite) feeding a Jewish prophet who will eventually save her son. She literally was going to eat her last meal and then she was going to starve to death. The prophet immediately responded to the king: As the Lord lives, the God of Israel [] there will be no dew or rain except at my bidding (I Kings 17:1). 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 know a lot about the Widow of Zarephath even though we do not now her name. Have you ever been in as desperate a situation as the widow was in? The Widow of Zarephath. When God sends Elijah to the Widow, the instruction was that he had commanded her to feed. She lashes out in her pain at the man she trusted, the man who God used to perform a miracle. Have you ever been in debt? The widow didnt have much. Then you can make something afterward for you and your son. Wrap your arms around her and remind her that shes not alone, that you see her and you love her very much. You give freely to those in need. Jezebel had commanded all the prophets in the land to be killed. Your email address will not be published. Hers is a story of the pain of loss and grief. Think of a time God provided for your financial needs. That emotional resurrection happened almost 3,000 years ago. We are totally dependent of the Lord in every aspect of our lives. They further state that when Elijah revived the widows son, he could have resurrected his dead relatives as well. Prophets always teach and testify of Christ. Jezebel, King Ahabs wife, tried to kill all of Gods prophets. She had always loved the sea, but now its watery abundance seemed only to mock her, reminding her of all she lacked. It is common for us all to blame ourselves and our sins for things that happen to us. 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. This a very short Widow of Zarephath lesson about the power of fear versus the power of faith.. This man of God is asking for the last of all she has. Another tradition reveals Elijahs dislike of having to rely on other people. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. We are never alone, He hears our every prayers, He answers our prayers in ways we would never imagine. Thank you for stopping by. Zarephath rest inside the region of Sidon, the native country of Queen Jezebel, the woman who married the wicked King Ahab . This womans husband was one of those students. Chances are, their neighbors were struggling as well, so they likely didnt have money or food to spare. They had to be scared. She went back to Elisha to ask what she was to do next. 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.. Elijah and Ahab had met when they came to console Hiel the Bethelite, who was in mourning. Then do it. God remember me . A Phoenician town 'belonging to' or apparently dependent upon Sidon in Elijah's day. I will be praying for you my brother in Christ. 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. Yes, "the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry . Her planwithout Gods miraculous intervention, which she must have hoped forshe and her son will starve to death. Her name didnt matter, but her faith and obedience will forever be remembered. Admit your helplessness. Each widow faced difficulties far beyond anything they could handle on their own. 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). she wondered. And just as He provided for the prophets widow, so He can provide for you. 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). Beg for His mercy and provision. Lets keep in touch. But she did have oil. "Don't be afraid. He scooped him up and carried him back downstairs to his mother. Praise the living God. Elisha could have just given her the money she needed. We can assume she is the only widow in her city. (Matthew 6:25-34) This account also shows us that Jehovah has the desire and the ability to resurrect the dead. Even if he had any doubts, Elijah began a conversation with the woman. After we have eaten, we will die. (1Kings 17:12) What can we learn from this conversation? Was she the woman who would give food to the prophet? There were so many possibilities to this story. In verse 8, the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town outside of Israel, where a widow would provide food for him. We can learn so many lessons from the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. Indeed April. The Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath illustrates the biblical story of the encounter between prophet Elijah and a widow and her son gathering sticks when he arrives at the town of Zarephath. 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. Baals, the false gods, were erected all over the land of Israel and places of idol worship were on every corner. Im using this story to talk about faith to hear and hearken to Gods prophets throughout the ages. Their clothing set them apart so they could receive help from their community. The town of Zarephath was one hundred miles from the brook Cherith, where Elijah had been in hiding from King Ahab. After declaring no more rain, Elijah hid himself in the Kerith Ravine, east of Jordan, where the Lord sustained him with water from a brook and food ravens brought to him (1 Kings 17:5). Learn how your comment data is processed. So many people are prevented from reaching their goals, accessing their blessings, and living an abundant life because of fear. God spoke to Elijah again and told him to go to Zarephath. She heard, understood and walked that walk of faith. He may ask you to do something thats humbling. The Message says she said, I swear, as surely as your God lives, I dont have so much as a biscuit. 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. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. 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 the Widow of Zarephath expresses concern for her meagre meal, Elijah told her, Do not be afraid.. Who was the Widow of Zarephath? They may have little or no knowledge of Jehovah and need help to accept true worship. The story of the bleeding woman is one of the most moving in the Scriptures. So keep fighting with God for your faith. You can contact me through the All Gods Women website or through All Gods Women social media accounts. Join the women of prayer simulstudy Coming January 9, All Gods Women Bible Study Facebook group, Shunammite Woman: Cool, Calm, Collected Sharon Wilharm Christian Storyteller. Our lives are intertwined for mutual provision and blessing. Do you stare at the bills and wonder how on earth theyre ever going to get paid? We can assume she is the only widow in her city. He would even take oil-lamps and wicks with him when he went from place to place, so as not to trouble others. Baal was said to be the god of the weather. Elijah is commanded to go to Sidon, where he will be fed by a widow (17:9). This next of the Widow of Zarephath lessons is an exciting one. Think about what Elijah asked the widow to do. Such a powerful reminder of another of Gods promises at the perfect time. 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. The life of a ministers wife can be difficult. Series: Women in the Bible. These lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible will empower, encourage and inspire you. Are you searching for and helping such people? So Elijah begged: OJehovah my God, please, let this childs life come back into him.1Kings 17:20,21. 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. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 "Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. 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/ ). 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. 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. Elisha asked her what she had in her house. But in a way that is grounded in abiding trust. for(var i=0; i

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