1 Kings 17:15

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [many] days.

And she went {H3212} and did {H6213} according to the saying {H1697} of Elijah {H452}: and she, and he, and her house {H1004}, did eat {H398} many days {H3117}.

She went and acted according to what Eliyahu had said; and she, he and her household had food to eat for a long time.

So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household.

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

Commentary

Context

First Kings chapter 17 introduces the prophet Elijah the Tishbite, who proclaims a severe drought upon Israel as divine judgment for King Ahab and Jezebel's idolatry. After being miraculously fed by ravens, Elijah is directed by God to Zarephath, a town in Sidonian territory (modern-day Lebanon), where he encounters a widow on the brink of starvation. Her last meal was to be made from a handful of flour and a little oil, enough for herself and her son before they expected to die (1 Kings 17:12). This verse, 1 Kings 17:15, marks the pivotal moment of her obedience to Elijah's seemingly impossible request and God's subsequent miraculous provision.

Key Themes

  • Obedience in Faith: The widow's decision to "do according to the saying of Elijah" demonstrates profound faith. Despite her desperate circumstances, she prioritized the prophet's word, which was God's word, over her perceived reality. This act of obedience unlocked the divine blessing.
  • Divine Provision: The verse highlights God's ability to provide abundantly even in times of extreme scarcity. The promise given by Elijah in 1 Kings 17:14โ€”that the jar of flour would not be empty and the jug of oil would not run dry until the Lord sent rainโ€”is immediately fulfilled. This sustained miracle underscores God's faithfulness to those who trust Him.
  • Sustained Blessing: The phrase "many days" emphasizes that this was not a one-time provision but a continuous miracle that lasted throughout the severe drought, ensuring the survival of the widow, her son, and Elijah. This continuous sustenance foreshadows God's ongoing care for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "many days" (ื™ึธืžึดื™ื ืจึทื‘ึผึดื™ื, yamim rabbim) literally means "days many" or "a multitude of days." This simple phrase powerfully conveys the sustained nature of the miracle. It was not just for a single meal or a few days, but for an extended, undefined period, lasting until the drought was broken (1 Kings 18:1). This reinforces the idea of God's consistent and unfailing provision.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson on trust and obedience for contemporary believers. In moments of scarcity, uncertainty, or fear, God often calls for an act of faith that seems illogical to human reasoning. The widow of Zarephath's story encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Word: Even when circumstances seem dire, God's promises are reliable. Her obedience to Elijah's word, which was God's word, was the key to her deliverance.
  • Obey Promptly: The widow "went and did" without delay, illustrating the importance of immediate obedience to divine instruction.
  • Experience God's Abundance: When we step out in faith, God often provides not just sufficiently, but abundantly, far beyond what we might expect or imagine. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder of God's promise to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 12:43

    And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

  • Genesis 6:22

    ยถ Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

  • Matthew 15:28

    Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

  • Hebrews 11:17

    By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],

  • John 11:40

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
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