1 Kings 17:13

KJV

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go [and] do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring [it] unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elijah {H452} said {H559} unto her, Fear {H3372} not; go {H935} and do {H6213} as thou hast said {H1697}: but make {H6213} me thereof {H8033} a little {H6996} cake {H5692} first {H7223}, and bring {H3318} it unto me, and after {H314} make {H6213} for thee and for thy son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eliyahu said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go; and do what you said; but first, use a little of it to make me a small loaf of bread; and bring it out to me. After that, make food for yourself and your son.

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,

American Standard Version

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said; but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it forth unto me, and afterward make for thee and for thy son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse records the prophet Elijah's audacious instruction to the desperate widow of Zarephath amidst a severe famine. Despite her confession of having only enough meal and oil for one final, meager meal for herself and her son, Elijah commands her to set aside her fear, proceed with her plan, but to make a small cake for him first, promising subsequent provision for her household. It is a profound test of radical faith and a precursor to God's miraculous sustenance, illustrating divine sovereignty and the power of obedient trust in the face of overwhelming scarcity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Elijah's ministry during a severe drought and famine that he had [prophesied in 1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought") as divine judgment against King Ahab and Israel for their idolatry. Following God's miraculous provision for Elijah at [the brook Cherith](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - Elijah at Brook Cherith"), where ravens fed him, God directs him to Zarephath, stating He had "commanded a widow woman there to sustain" him ([1 Kings 17:9](/1_kings/17-9 "1 Kings 17:9 - God's Command to Elijah")). Upon meeting the widow, Elijah requests water and bread. Her response reveals her dire, near-death circumstances: she has only a handful of meal and a little oil, enough for one last small cake before she and her son starve. It is in direct response to this confession of utter destitution that Elijah delivers the challenging words of [1 Kings 17:13](/1_kings/17-13 "1 Kings 17:13 - Elijah's Command to the Widow"), setting the stage for the miraculous, sustained provision detailed in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 17:14-16](/1_kings/17-14 "1 Kings 17:14-16 - The Widow's Jar and Jar of Oil Do Not Fail")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine described was not merely a natural disaster but a direct consequence of Israel's widespread apostasy under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who promoted the worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm and fertility god. By withholding rain, Yahweh demonstrated His supremacy over Baal, who was supposedly responsible for rain and crops. Zarephath, located in Sidonian territory (modern-day Lebanon), was outside Israel, highlighting God's sovereign reach beyond the covenant people and His willingness to work through Gentiles. In ancient Near Eastern societies, widows were among the most vulnerable, lacking male protection and often dependent on charity or family. Their plight was typically desperate, making the widow's confession of preparing her "last meal" a literal and terrifying reality. Elijah's request for hospitality, especially for the "first" portion, was culturally audacious, pushing the boundaries of customary generosity in a time of extreme scarcity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's supernatural ability to sustain life even in the most severe scarcity and through the most unlikely means. This contrasts sharply with the impotence of Baal and highlights Yahweh's absolute control over creation. Secondly, it exemplifies **Radical Faith and Obedience**, as the widow is called to act against all human reason and self-preservation. Her willingness to obey Elijah's counter-intuitive command despite her desperate circumstances becomes the catalyst for the miracle, illustrating that obedience often precedes blessing. Lastly, the command to "make me thereof a little cake first" introduces the theme of **Prioritizing God**, even in extreme hardship. It echoes the timeless biblical principle of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, trusting that all necessary things will be provided ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear not (Hebrew, _’al-tîr’î'_):** This is a common biblical exhortation, frequently used by God or His messengers to comfort individuals facing daunting circumstances, often preceding a divine promise or assurance. In this context, it serves as a direct command to the widow to set aside her natural anxiety and desperation, inviting her to trust in God's supernatural intervention despite the apparent hopelessness of her situation. It is an invitation to shift from a natural, fear-driven perspective to one of faith in the unseen.
* **first (Hebrew, _ri’shôn'_):** The placement of this word is crucial. It signifies priority and preeminence. Elijah's request for the "first" portion of her meager resources is not merely about his hunger but functions as a profound test of the widow's faith and trust in God's word. It challenges her to put God's representative (and by extension, God Himself) before her own immediate needs and the desperate needs of her son, demonstrating a complete reliance on divine faithfulness rather than human prudence.
* **little cake (Hebrew, _‘ugâ'_):** This term refers to a small, round, baked cake, often made quickly on hot stones. Its diminutive nature emphasizes the extreme scarcity of the widow's remaining provisions. The fact that this "little cake" represents her absolute last meal makes her act of giving it away even more profound and highlights the magnitude of the subsequent miracle of sustained provision. It underscores the principle that God often works with and multiplies the seemingly insignificant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not;":** Elijah, speaking with prophetic authority, immediately addresses the widow's palpable fear and despair. This opening phrase is not a casual remark but a divine imperative, designed to calm her spirit and prepare her heart to receive a seemingly impossible command. It is an invitation to trust in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
* **"go [and] do as thou hast said:":** Elijah acknowledges her desperate plan to prepare her last meal for herself and her son. He does not deny the reality of her dire situation but rather affirms her intention, setting the stage for a critical modification. This shows empathy for her plight while simultaneously preparing to redirect her actions towards a path of faith.
* **"but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring [it] unto me,":** This is the heart of the audacious command. Elijah demands that the very first portion of her last meal be given to him, the prophet of God. This is a radical test of faith, requiring her to act against every instinct of self-preservation and maternal care. It is a call to prioritize God's representative, and thus God Himself, above her own immediate survival, demonstrating absolute trust in God's ability to provide.
* **"and after make for thee and for thy son.":** This clause contains the implicit promise and the reason for the radical command. By giving the "first" portion, the widow is assured that there will indeed be enough "after" for herself and her son. This is a prophetic guarantee that her act of faith will not lead to deprivation but to sustained provision, foreshadowing the miracle of the unfailing jar of meal and cruse of oil. It reassures her that God's economy is not one of scarcity but of abundance for those who trust Him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Irony** is prominent, as Elijah, the prophet of Yahweh, is sent to be sustained by a Gentile widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidonian territory, the very homeland of Jezebel and the center of Baal worship. This highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to find faith in unexpected places, contrasting sharply with the widespread apostasy in Israel. The command itself presents a profound **Paradox**: the act of giving away one's last resource becomes the very means by which unending provision is secured. This defies human logic and underscores the supernatural nature of God's economy. The entire encounter functions as a **Test** of faith, where the widow's obedience to an illogical command is the prerequisite for witnessing God's miraculous power. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as Elijah's seemingly impossible request and the widow's immediate obedience set the stage for the sustained miracle of the unfailing jar of meal and cruse of oil, which is explicitly promised in the very next verse and fulfilled throughout the famine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 17:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power to provide, His demand for radical faith, and the counter-intuitive nature of divine economics. It teaches that true security is found not in the abundance of one's possessions, but in absolute trust in God's word and His ability to sustain. The widow's act of giving her "last" to God's messenger demonstrates a profound understanding that God is the ultimate source of all provision, and that obedience, even when it seems illogical or costly, is the pathway to experiencing His miraculous faithfulness. This narrative challenges believers to re-evaluate their understanding of scarcity and abundance, inviting them to trust God with their "first fruits" and their "last morsels" alike, knowing that His promises are unfailing.

* [Luke 4:25-26](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25-26 - Jesus References the Widow of Zarephath")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-8](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the widow of Zarephath and Elijah's command in 1 Kings 17:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the reality that God often calls us to acts of faith that defy human logic and comfort. In a world that constantly preaches self-preservation and accumulating resources, this passage challenges us to consider what "last meal" we might be clinging to—be it our finances, time, talents, or even our sense of control—that God might be asking us to surrender to Him first. True faith is demonstrated not when we have abundance to spare, but when we are willing to give from our scarcity, trusting that God's economy of multiplication far surpasses our limited human calculations. This story is an invitation to move beyond fear and into a radical trust that God will honor our obedience and provide for our needs, often in ways we could never anticipate, when we prioritize Him above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "last meal" situations are you currently facing in your life, where resources or hope seem to be at their absolute minimum?**
* **How does Elijah's command to the widow challenge your natural inclination to preserve and protect your own resources, especially when you feel vulnerable?**
* **In what specific areas is God asking you to prioritize Him or His work "first," even if it feels counter-intuitive or requires a significant sacrifice on your part?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose a Gentile widow in Zarephath to sustain Elijah, rather than someone in Israel?**

Answer: God's choice of a Gentile widow in Zarephath was highly significant and served multiple purposes. Firstly, it underscored God's sovereignty and His ability to work beyond the geographical and ethnic boundaries of Israel. While Israel, under Ahab and Jezebel, had largely abandoned Yahweh for Baal, God demonstrated that He could find faith and obedience even among those considered outsiders. Secondly, it served as a powerful indictment against apostate Israel, showing that a Gentile widow, in her desperate circumstances, exhibited more faith and obedience to Yahweh's prophet than many within the covenant nation. Jesus Himself later highlighted this point, referencing the widow of Zarephath as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel's borders due to their unbelief ([Luke 4:25-26](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25-26 - Jesus References the Widow of Zarephath")). It emphasized that God's faithfulness is not limited by human unfaithfulness or national boundaries, but by His divine purpose and the presence of genuine faith.

**Was Elijah's request for the widow's last cake selfish or exploitative?**

Answer: From a purely human perspective, Elijah's request might appear selfish or even cruel, asking a starving widow for her last morsel. However, within the divine narrative, it was neither. Firstly, Elijah was acting under direct divine instruction ([1 Kings 17:9](/1_kings/17-9 "1 Kings 17:9 - God's Command to Elijah")). His request was a prophetic test, not a personal demand for sustenance. Secondly, it was a test designed to elicit an act of radical faith from the widow, which would then unlock God's miraculous provision. The "first" portion was a symbolic act of prioritizing God, and her obedience was met with an immediate and sustained miracle ([1 Kings 17:14-16](/1_kings/17-14 "1 Kings 17:14-16 - The Widow's Jar and Jar of Oil Do Not Fail")). Far from being exploitative, it was an invitation into a divine partnership that saved her and her son from starvation and demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. It was a call to trust God with her "all," knowing that He would provide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, offering a rich tapestry of Christ-centered fulfillment. Elijah, as God's prophet and miracle-worker, serves as a type of Christ, bringing life and sustenance in a time of spiritual and physical famine. Just as Elijah called the widow to a radical act of faith—giving her "last" to receive unending provision—Jesus calls His followers to a similar, yet infinitely greater, surrender. He teaches that whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for His sake will find it ([Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing Life for Christ")). The widow's giving of her meager resources prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, though rich, for our sake became poor, so that by His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Self-Impoverishment")). He gave His very life, His "last" and "all," on the cross, not to receive provision, but to be the provision for all humanity, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Jesus identifies Himself as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life") and the source of [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus the Living Water"), offering spiritual nourishment that never fails to those who believe in Him. The widow's trust in Elijah's word, leading to physical sustenance, points to the saving faith required to trust in Christ's words and sacrifice, leading to eternal life and spiritual abundance that will never run out. Her "first" act of giving becomes a powerful metaphor for placing Christ first in our lives, trusting that in Him, all our true needs are met.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Judges 7:5

So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.

Judges 7:7

And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.