He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you. 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. Baals, the false gods, were erected all over the land of Israel and places of idol worship were on every corner. Not all those who lived in Zarephath were completely corrupt. 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). At one point, Elijah thought he was the last living prophet (1 Kings 18:22). The Widow of Zarephath (Women in the Bible Series) July 10. The Widow had her last bit of sustenance left in this life.But she was so willing to give from it. FACT #1 The name of her village was Sarepta. You are our Provider when we have nothing. God is also always looking for opportunities to show up in your life and show off. After we eat it, well die (1 Kings 17:12 MSG). It was ironic since generally, Israelites were not supposed to be mixing with the surrounding nations. Jesus will be with you as you speak His words. Remember, she was looking at the possibility of dying a bit earlier if she gave away her very last meal. Women Who Rocked the BibleStories of Those Who Shaped Their Culture and Still Inspire You Today. Life Story of Prophet W.M.B - Part 1; Mystery Of The Godhead Revealed? Yes, "the large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry . Are you open to hearing His voice when He speaks through others? What an amazing lesson they witnessed to see how God cared for them and provided for them. 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.' It was in the middle of this drought that Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath become a part of each others lives. And in each case, God showed them that they werent alone and that He cared for them. Zarephath was a gentile country. ". Each widow faced difficulties far beyond anything they could handle on their own. He sent Elijah to the widow to help both her and the prophet. God did not abandon that poor widow. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 4:25-26 Who has God sent into your life to help you? But she wasnt prepared for his death. What a comfort . It seems that God allowed the boy to die because He knew that this resurrection, the first one recorded in the Scriptures, would give hope to millions in the future. Rabbah 4:2). 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. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. Am much encouraged at the same time I was looking for further understanding about the story of Elijah and the widow since for the first time I will be giving the word of God where I fellowship.i thank God for leading me and giving me what I was looking for through this page.for sure fear and anxiety has been killing me but this word has ministered to me.help me God. God bless. STOP delaying to get to know the Bible better! As we read more about her, we will learn some very important lessons. Lord God, please be with Edith. Jehovah listened to Elijahs prayer and brought the child back to life. 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. Try it FREE right now! 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. Amen. The fact that God resurrects the dead was already shown by Elijah, Elisha and Ezekiel (Lev. Tune in next week when we talk about the Shunammite woman, a wealthy woman who experienced a life and death miracle from God. He would even take oil-lamps and wicks with him when he went from place to place, so as not to trouble others. Ive stopped saying we should challenge God for big things.Actually, nothing challenges God. The Widow of Zarephath helps us to better understand that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. But he had died before the drought, leaving her with a small son, a house, and little else. When the Widow of Zarephath expresses concern for her meagre meal, Elijah told her, Do not be afraid.. Did she think that her sons death was punishment from God and that Elijah was Gods messenger of death? The account in 1Kings chapter17 says no more about this woman. Elijah must have been shocked by both the death of the widows son and the idea that the prophet somehow caused it. In fact, our biggest following is in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Even if he had any doubts, Elijah began a conversation with the woman. Am shelmith from Kenya. By sending Elijah to this widow, Jehovah showed that He notices sincere people who are not yet serving Him. What relationships does He want you to cultivate? 1 Kings 17: 9- 24. Their mutual love of hospitality is not rooted in their religious or ethnic understanding, instead it is rooted in their shared humanity and love of God. So inspiring and, encouraging and hope-giving. But God is full of surprises. The houseguest is Gods prophet Elijah. Yes, in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.Acts 10:35. The Widow of Zarephath had doubt, just like we all do when we have reached our breaking point. 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/ ). They are sure. So they willingly gave. 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. You already have the key of rain, and you [also] want the key of the resurrection of the dead? 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. Because he paid the ultimate sacrifice for you with His life. In Christs name we pray. Were not told of her praying to God herself, but she did know to go to Gods man for direction, and possibly, a miracle. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. The woman from Zarephath wasn't a Jew, but a Phoenician. Luke 4:25-26. Do you stare at the bills and wonder how on earth theyre ever going to get paid? God chose to take the life of the prophet Elijah and intertwine it with the life of the one widow. So many people are prevented from reaching their goals, accessing their blessings, and living an abundant life because of fear. The A type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules).midrash explains why Elijah stopped the rains and how it happened that he was commanded to go to the home of the woman in Zarephath. 31:20): her hands are stretched out to the needy, since she fed Elijah (Midrash Eshet Hayil, Batei Midrashot, vol. Prophets always teach and testify of Christ. Even her name is lost to the history. Why does God allow godly men to die young? Your email address will not be published. Thank you for stopping by. Lessons from the Canaanite Woman and her Faith, https://thefaithspace.com/lessons-from-the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/. The Widow. There is always spiritual warfare over your hearts loyalty. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. "Widow of Zarephath: Midrash and Aggadah." Then theyd set it aside and grab a new jar to fill. Reinforce vocabulary and Bible studies with a fun printable wordsearch puzzle. Would you like to read this article in %%? Although they may be surrounded by members of false religion, they may want something better. She went back to Elisha to ask what she was to do next. 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. Use your servant mightily to encourage the hearts of your people. Join with other women in theAll Gods Women Bible Study Facebook group. 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. From where did the ravens bring meat? The Bible account says: After these things, the son of the woman who owned the house fell sick, and his sickness became so severe that he stopped breathing. Trying to find a reason why this tragedy happened, the grieving mother said to Elijah: What do you have against me, Oman of the true God? He doesn't pat them on the back and say he's sorry life is so tough. Elijah, however, was committed only to save the lives of his hosts (Ex. She cannot believe what she is seeing. Background: 10 Century BC. But God is full of surprises. 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What could the widows husband have done differently? Her life is saved. In Christs name we pray. She had just told him that after she made one more meal for her and her son, they would eat it and die. Were told she was one of the wives of the sons of the prophets. Every night she hoped for rain, but every morning she woke to a brilliant sky. Such a powerful reminder of another of Gods promises at the perfect time. The important thing is to go back to Him in remembrance of Him. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Bible story word search puzzle with coloring activity page. Lieberman], Ekev, p. 74). Series: Women in the Bible. She needs a miracle. Jehovah was listening. He cried out to God and asked that the boys life return to Him. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 "Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. Remember the LORD had commanded a widow woman to sustain Elijah. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The people there worshiped Baal, the god of rain. This is when God brings Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath together. I feel encouraged my name is Edith a single mother from Nairobi Kenya .av been going through tough times and its not easy at all kindly pray with me for job opportunities am a qualified interior designer , declutter and organising expert.it really crashes my I got bills and debts and am not able to pay. You give freely to those in need. The curse of the teacher is not fulfilled, but that of his disciple is? She had failed in the most basic ways a mother could, unable to protect, nurture, and provide. An unexpected check comes just when you need it. Elijah was staying with the widow and her household while there was a drought in the land. Did the woman remember a past sin that bothered her conscience? Look! God uses something or someone to change your husband's heart just when you thought he didn't love you anymore. Lord God, these are difficult times for so many. 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. Firstly, the Widow of Zarephath was a gentile. He takes the boy from her arms, carries him upstairs to his room and lays him on his bed. Blessings to you as well. These days she stood with shoulders hunched as though to hide her breasts. Rabbah 27:4). Its blessing for me to be Gods instrument of inspiration at this time in your Christian walk . Used with permission. We meet the Prophets Widow in 2 Kings chapter 4. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me and then make something for yourself and your son. If she did not show faith in Jehovah, then another widow might have been chosen who would. And thanks so much for that insight. And when she completed the task, she again went to him for the next step. She heard, understood and walked that walk of faith. 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). The widow didnt have much. He encouraged her to gather as many as she could. This widow was from Sidon. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. "); If you want to continue learning from the Widow of Zarephath story, I encourage you to check out someother Bible studies. More than anything, the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath can teach us a lot. All she had to do was believe God the God of Israel and obey. Her joy: To experience repeated miracles of God's provision. Her name didnt matter, but her faith and obedience will forever be remembered. 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). 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). Gods purposes are so much higher and wider than what we imagine. He knew the current reality did not measure up with Gods promise. If there was ever a Hallmark-worthy story in the Bible, this is it. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sure enough, the brook runs dry. return false; 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. (Luke 4:25,26) Her story teaches us that God blesses those doing good to his servants. She literally was going to eat her last meal and then she was going to starve to death. Another mother gives you her kids' outgrown clothing so you can clothe your own children. 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. So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. There were so many possibilities to this story. Just enough for them to live on a daily basis. Have you ever had others demanding from you what you didnt have to give? Blessings to you also. 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). The Rabbis derive from this that if someone opens his house to you, you are responsible for that person's well-being. Then do it. Reach US; Reach our Team; Locations; Join on Telegram; Alternate . But God sent Elijah out of Israel, to the town of Zarephath in Sidon instead. But she showed faith, trusted in Jehovah, and fed Elijah first. 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. The widow did exactly as he instructed. 3). 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. 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. Media information about this sermon Title: Raising The Faith Of The Widow Of ZarephathTitle in Tamil: . What do you have? The is a very powerful Sermon. Jehovah will help you if you trust in him when your integrity is tested. The Widow of Zarephath is a picture of faith. The widow had shown faith and had cared for Elijahs needs. These women challenged the beliefs and practices of their day. Elijah took him and delivered him unto his mother. Just as you saw the prophets widow through difficult times, may you work in a miraculous to take care of Edith. We can assume she is the only widow in her city. Thank you so much J. Ahab blamed Elijah for the drought and wanted to kill him. Shelmith, oh how you have blessed my heart today by sharing your testimony :D. Praise the living God for sure! Elisha asked her what she had in her house. He dedicated his life to studying and serving God which meant he was dependent on others to provide for him financially. These two boys were facing a terrible future unless God intervened. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) February2014, The WatchtowerStudy Edition (Simplified)| February2014. They went door to door collecting. 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 when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. From the Widow of Zarephath we can also learn secrets for success in life and business. He provided for them in ways they didnt expect, and in doing so, demonstrated His amazing love for them. That emotional resurrection happened almost 3,000 years ago. 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). This woman didnt know that the LORD is a loving LORD and would not be punished her by taking her son. Go in and do as you said. The Rabbis applied to this the verse (Ps. Let's begin in Luke.4.25-26. The Widow of Zarephath Was Rewarded for Her Faith, Publication download options A type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules). When we suffer trials, we need to look for Jehovahs guidance in the Scriptures and in our publications. Jesus makes the point that during a time of drought and famine, there were many widows in Israel who had need. 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.' ", Graciously, she had gone to fetch it, only to have him call after her, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread.". Thanks so much for the exposition of the story of the widow of zarephath. The widow's faith in Elijah's God, Jehovah, preserved her and her son alive. Today she had scraped the last bit of flour from the barrel and poured the last drop of oil from the jug. Comfort her when shes feeling overwhelmed. 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? I will be praying for you my brother in Christ. APA Style Citation: 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. This woman didn't know that the LORD is a loving LORD. As they filled up the vessels they were to set aside the ones that were full. It was almost gone. 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. The LORD knew her, knew all about her situation, and the condition of her heart. For him to take up a love offering? God is in the business of protecting his reputation. For those who are being threatened by others and are feeling helpless, be their Defense. (Read on to find out why he chose a drought over anything else). TEXT: 1 Kings 17; Luke 4:25-26 WOMAN: The Widow of Zarapeth. Her sons life is saved. So many wonderful points. if( checkboxFields.length ) { 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. Why? This was the last place that you should expect to find faith. This was the case with the faith of the Widow of Zarephath. It took great faith for Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath to believe God. There is much curiosity about what he was called but there is no record of his name in all of Scripture. But know this God is in the business of performing miracles for which only he can get the glory. Ask God to make it obvious what youre supposed to do. He obeyed, finding a woman gathering sticks. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. How hard it was to suffer her fears alone, to wake in the night with no one to warm her, no one to whisper sweet lies about tomorrow. she wondered. Here is a young woman whos had a difficult life. God spoke to Elijah again and told him to go to Zarephath. He wants us to lean on him and depend on him daily.It takes faith to deal with this. Chicago Style Citation: If youre a listener in Nairobi, Id love to hear from you and pray with you. So glad you were encouraged. We know this because she said: As surely as Jehovah your God is living. It seems that even though she knew some things about Israels God, she was not serving him. Then behind her, she hears him ask for a piece of bread. Here we find reciprocal hospitality: a Phoenician widow (a non-Israelite) feeding a Jewish prophet who will eventually save her son. (Acts 24:15) Surely these are excellent reasons for remembering the widow of Zarephath. Elijahs names means Yahweh is my God. When Elijah declared a drought in the name of the God of heaven, it was the beginning of a showdown. Yes, God sustained her household through the drought, but there is more to her relationship with Gods prophet. Elijah also had a moment of doubt. The town of Zarephath was one hundred miles from the brook Cherith, where Elijah had been in hiding from King Ahab. 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. She lashes out in her pain at the man she trusted, the man who God used to perform a miracle. The Bible does not tell us, but we know this: The widow did not accuse God of doing anything wrong. She was a widow living in Zarephath, a city in Zidon about where Lebanon is today. You must be joking. But that was not this widows reaction. 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. There was a famine of food. The widow of Zarephath had felt utterly alone, not knowing God had his eye on her. The LORD had been preparing her to be an instrument in His hand. Wrap your arms around her and remind her that shes not alone, that you see her and you love her very much. When God saw that there was suffering in the world but Elijah was unaware of it, He told him to go to Zarephath, the widow (BT Sanhedrin 113a). 17) and Gods command to stop the drought (beginning of chap. These lessons from the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible will empower, encourage and inspire you. } In that moment she chose to trust God. She was not an Israelite. She is a graduate of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling with Liberty University. The king of the kingdom of Israel was Ahab and his wife was Jezebel. All He wants us to do is to love him back. But first make me a small round loaf of bread with what is there, and bring it out to me. First, go directly to God. 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. 4). If we have faith, it said, we will get the blessing; if we do not [have faith], we will lose it.. The article went on to say that it is the same for us. 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. Then we should follow Jehovahs direction, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. Rabbah 2:5:3). The Rabbis expound that the cake that the widow made for Elijah was similar to mazzah (unleavened bread) and to the mazzah cakes eaten by the Israelites when they departed from Egypt. Later, the widow's faith would again be tested when her young son died. Elijah took the boy and laid him upon his own bed and cried unto the LORD. This was the hometown of Jezeb el, wife of King Ahab. evt.preventDefault; Edith, just checking back to see how you are doing. A Phoenician town 'belonging to' or apparently dependent upon Sidon in Elijah's day. for(var i=0; i
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