1 Kings 17:14

KJV

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, The barrel {H3537} of meal {H7058} shall not waste {H3615}, neither shall the cruse {H6835} of oil {H8081} fail {H2637}, until the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} sendeth {H5414} rain {H1653} upon {H6440} the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what ADONAI the God of Isra'el, says: 'The pot of meal will not get used up, nor will there fail to be oil in the jug, until the day ADONAI sends rain down on the land.'"

Berean Standard Bible

for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’”

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that Jehovah sendeth rain upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:14 serves as a profound divine guarantee given through the prophet Elijah to the widow of Zarephath, promising an unfailing supply of meal and oil for her and her household. This declaration, delivered by "the LORD God of Israel," assures miraculous sustenance during a severe famine, contingent on her initial act of faith and obedience, and is limited only by God's sovereign timing for the end of the drought. It powerfully illustrates God's intimate care and supernatural provision for those who trust Him, even in the direst circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Elijah's ministry during a period of national apostasy in Israel. Immediately preceding this, in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought"), Elijah had declared a severe drought as a divine judgment against King Ahab and Queen Jezebel's promotion of Baal worship. God then directs Elijah to the Wadi Cherith, where ravens miraculously provide for him, before sending him to Zarephath, a town in Sidon. There, he encounters a destitute widow gathering sticks to prepare her last meal for herself and her son, expecting to die afterward. In [1 Kings 17:13](/1_kings/17-13 "1 Kings 17:13 - Elijah's Instruction to the Widow"), Elijah challenges her to make him a small cake first, promising divine provision. Verse 14 is the direct, authoritative word from God, confirming Elijah's promise and setting the stage for the continuous miracle that follows, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word spoken through His prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the reign of King Ahab, a time marked by widespread idolatry, particularly the state-sponsored worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm and fertility god. The drought, lasting three and a half years ([James 5:17](/james/5-17 "James 5:17 - Elijah's Prayer for Drought")), was a direct divine judgment, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over Baal, who was supposedly responsible for rain and fertility. Zarephath, located in Sidon (modern-day Lebanon), was a Gentile territory, making God's provision for a non-Israelite widow through His prophet even more remarkable. Famine in the ancient Near East was a catastrophic event, leading to widespread suffering, starvation, and death. The "barrel of meal" and "cruse of oil" were common, essential household staples, representing the most basic means of survival. The widow's situation—preparing her "last handful of flour and a little oil"—highlights the extreme desperation and the cultural reality of subsistence living, where even small reserves were precious.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes. Firstly, **Divine Provision** is paramount, showcasing God's supernatural ability to sustain life against all natural odds. The continuous supply of meal and oil underscores His meticulous care for the daily needs of His people, even when human resources are exhausted. Secondly, **Faith and Obedience** are intimately linked to the miracle. The widow's willingness to obey Elijah's seemingly illogical command, giving her last to a stranger, was the catalyst for God's intervention, demonstrating that true faith often involves radical trust and action ([Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")). Thirdly, **God's Sovereignty** is evident not only in His control over the famine itself but also in His power to suspend natural laws to fulfill His purposes. The provision lasts "until the day that the LORD sendeth rain," emphasizing God's ultimate control over the duration of the judgment and its end. Finally, **Prophetic Authority** is affirmed, as the promise comes directly from "the LORD God of Israel" through Elijah, validating his role as God's messenger and the reliability of the divine word spoken through him, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Promises a Prophet Like Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Barrel (Hebrew, _kad_):** This refers to a common earthenware jar or pitcher, typically used for storing liquids like water or oil, but here specified for "meal" (flour). Its small, humble size emphasizes the miraculous nature of the continuous supply; it was not a vast storehouse, but a simple, everyday container that never emptied.
* **Cruse (Hebrew, _tsappachat_):** Similar to "barrel," this term denotes a small, narrow-necked flask or jug, specifically for oil. Like the "kad," its small capacity highlights the extraordinary nature of the provision, underscoring that God's abundance can flow from the most meager of vessels.
* **Waste (Hebrew, _yikleh_):** Derived from the root _kalah_, meaning "to be consumed," "to fail," "to come to an end," or "to be finished." In this context, it powerfully conveys that the meal would not diminish, be used up, or run out. It signifies a continuous, non-depleting supply, ensuring sufficiency day after day.
* **Fail (Hebrew, _yechesar_):** From the root _chasar_, meaning "to lack," "to diminish," or "to be wanting." This word reinforces the meaning of "waste," emphasizing that the oil would not be insufficient or lacking at any point. Together, "waste" and "fail" promise an uninterrupted and complete provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD God of Israel,"**: This opening phrase establishes the absolute divine authority and reliability of the promise. It is not Elijah's word, but the direct pronouncement of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, whose word is immutable and powerful enough to defy natural limitations. This divine fiat underscores the certainty of the miracle.
* **"The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail,"**: This is the core of the miraculous promise. It guarantees a continuous, supernatural replenishment of the most basic necessities—flour and oil—which were the staples of life in that culture. The double negative ("shall not waste, neither shall... fail") emphasizes the absolute certainty and non-depleting nature of the provision, ensuring that the widow and her son would not go hungry.
* **"until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."**: This clause defines the duration and ultimate termination of the miraculous provision. It highlights God's sovereign control over the famine itself, indicating that the miracle would last precisely as long as the drought, which was also initiated and controlled by God. This shows that the provision was not an end in itself, but a means to sustain life until God's larger plan of ending the judgment and restoring the land was fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Fiat** is paramount, beginning with "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the pronouncement, elevating the promise beyond human capability or natural law. The use of **Parallelism** in "The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail" creates a rhythmic emphasis, reinforcing the dual, continuous nature of the provision for both staples. **Symbolism** is also at play, as the "barrel of meal" and "cruse of oil" symbolize not just physical sustenance, but God's intimate and daily care for the most vulnerable, demonstrating His ability to provide abundantly from seemingly meager resources. Furthermore, the phrase "until the day that the LORD sendeth rain" functions as a **Temporal Boundary**, setting a clear, divinely ordained limit to the miracle, thereby underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty over both the famine and its resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 17:14 stands as a powerful testament to God's character as a faithful, omnipotent, and compassionate provider. It reveals that God's care extends even to those outside the covenant community of Israel, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and grace. The miracle is not merely about physical sustenance, but about building faith and revealing God's glory in desperate circumstances. It teaches that God often uses unconventional means and seemingly impossible situations to display His power, inviting His people to radical trust and dependence. This divine provision, contingent on the widow's obedience, illustrates a profound theological principle: God often waits for human faith and action before unleashing His supernatural power, transforming scarcity into abundance and despair into hope.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine promise in 1 Kings 17:14 offers profound encouragement and a timeless challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by economic uncertainty, personal anxieties, and a pervasive sense of scarcity, this verse reminds us that our ultimate source of provision is not our income, our savings, or our government, but the unfailing hand of the "LORD God of Israel." It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak and human resources are exhausted. Like the widow, we are invited to step out in obedience, giving our "first fruits" or our "last" in faith, knowing that God's economy operates on principles far beyond our comprehension. This passage also teaches us to live with a daily dependence on God, not hoarding for tomorrow but trusting Him for "daily bread," and to recognize that His provision is always sufficient for the moment, perfectly timed to meet our needs until His larger purposes unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "last handful of flour and a little oil" might God be asking you to offer in faith today, even when it feels like everything is scarce?**
* **How does the promise of God's unfailing provision in this verse challenge your anxieties about the future or your current financial struggles?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's supernatural ability to provide, rather than relying solely on your own efforts?**
* **How can the story of the widow of Zarephath inspire you to practice radical generosity, even when it feels sacrificial?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send Elijah to a Gentile widow in Zarephath, outside of Israel?**

Answer: God's decision to send Elijah to a Gentile widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidon, was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated God's universal sovereignty and compassion, showing that His care extends beyond the boundaries of Israel and His covenant people. While Israel had largely abandoned Him for Baal, God chose to sustain His prophet through a Gentile, highlighting His freedom to work through anyone He chooses. Secondly, it was a profound indictment of apostate Israel, particularly King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who were promoting Baal worship. God's own people were in rebellion, yet a Gentile woman, in her desperate poverty, displayed greater faith and obedience. This act foreshadows God's future inclusion of the Gentiles, a theme later developed in the New Testament ([Luke 4:25-26](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25-26 - Jesus References Elijah and Elisha")).

**Was the widow's obedience truly a "test" of her faith?**

Answer: Yes, the encounter was undoubtedly a profound test of the widow's faith. Elijah's request in [1 Kings 17:13](/1_kings/17-13 "1 Kings 17:13 - Elijah's Instruction to the Widow") to "make me thereof a little cake first" was humanly illogical and incredibly demanding. She was preparing her very last meal, expecting to die afterward. To give a portion of that to a stranger, a prophet of the God she may not have fully known, required immense trust and a willingness to act against all rational self-preservation. Her obedience, born out of a desperate hope and perhaps a recognition of divine authority in Elijah's words, unlocked the miraculous provision, demonstrating that faith often requires a step into the unknown.

**What is the deeper significance of the "barrel of meal" and "cruse of oil" never wasting or failing?**

Answer: The significance lies in the nature of the provision: it was not a one-time abundance, but a continuous, daily supply of basic necessities. This emphasizes God's intimate and ongoing care for His people's daily needs, teaching them to depend on Him day by day rather than hoarding or worrying about the distant future. It symbolizes God's ability to sustain life in the most humble and miraculous ways, transforming scarcity into sufficiency. Furthermore, meal and oil were fundamental staples, representing life itself in that culture, making their unfailing supply a powerful demonstration of God's life-giving power even in the midst of death-dealing famine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision in 1 Kings 17:14, where the barrel of meal and cruse of oil never failed, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and unending provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as God sustained the widow and her son physically, Jesus offers eternal spiritual sustenance. He declares Himself the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")," stating that "he that cometh to me shall never hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and the "[Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")," promising that those who drink of it "shall never thirst" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). His feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and four thousand ([Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Feeding the Four Thousand")) with meager resources echoes the multiplication in Zarephath, demonstrating His divine power over creation and His compassion for the hungry. Ultimately, the unfailing provision of meal and oil points to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which provides an eternal, inexhaustible supply of grace, forgiveness, and spiritual life for all who believe, ensuring that our spiritual "barrel of meal" and "cruse of oil" will never waste or fail. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide, not just for a season of famine, but for all eternity.

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 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:38

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

Matthew 14:17

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

Matthew 14:20

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

2 Kings 4:42

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

2 Kings 4:44

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 3:16

And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.