1 Kings 17:21

1 Kings 17:21 vividly portrays the prophet Elijah's fervent prayer and miraculous intervention in a time of deep distress. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, showcasing God's power over life and death through His chosen servant.

Context of 1 Kings 17:21

This powerful scene takes place during a severe drought that Elijah had prophesied (1 Kings 17:1), a divine judgment upon Israel for their idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. God had miraculously sustained Elijah first by ravens (1 Kings 17:6), and then by sending him to Zarephath, where he was hosted by a poor widow. God had promised and faithfully provided that her jar of flour and jug of oil would not run dry during the famine (1 Kings 17:14). However, tragedy strikes when the widow's only son falls ill and dies. Overwhelmed with grief and questioning, the widow brings her dead son to Elijah, who then takes the child to his own room.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Power Over Death: This is the first recorded instance of a resurrection in the Bible, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and ability to restore life. It foreshadows later resurrections performed by Elisha, Jesus, and the apostles.
• The Efficacy of Earnest Prayer: Elijah's actions—stretching himself upon the child and crying out to the LORD—underscore the intensity and desperation of his prayer. It highlights the power of a righteous person's fervent prayer.
• Compassion and Identification: Elijah's physical act of stretching himself over the child three times symbolizes deep empathy and identification with the child's plight and the mother's sorrow. It's an act of spiritual and physical engagement in the miracle.
• God's Faithfulness to His Prophet: God answers Elijah's prayer, confirming his prophetic authority and demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants and those connected to them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "soul" in "let this child's soul come into him again" is nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ). While nephesh can refer to the immaterial part of a human, in this context, it primarily signifies "life" or "breath of life." Elijah is praying for the return of the child's vital essence, for life itself to re-enter his body, signifying a complete restoration from death.

Related Scriptures

This miracle sets a precedent for God's power over death throughout Scripture:

• Old Testament Resurrections: The prophet Elisha later raises the Shunammite woman's son through a similar act of prayer and physical contact.
• New Testament Resurrections by Jesus: Jesus Christ demonstrated His divine authority by raising several individuals from the dead, including Jairus's daughter, the widow of Nain's son, and Lazarus of Bethany.
• Apostolic Resurrections: The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, also performed resurrections, such as Peter raising Dorcas and Paul raising Eutychus.

Practical Application

The account in 1 Kings 17:21 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

• Boldness in Prayer: It encourages us to approach God with bold, specific prayers, even in seemingly impossible situations, trusting in His immense power (Jeremiah 32:27).
• God's Compassion: It reminds us of God's deep compassion for human suffering and His willingness to intervene in our lives.
• Faith in the Face of Adversity: Even after experiencing miracles, the widow faced a new, devastating trial. This narrative shows that faith is often tested, but God remains faithful to those who trust in Him.

Elijah's powerful intercession and the subsequent resurrection of the child serve as a profound testament to the living God's ability to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and to confirm His word through His servants.