1 Kings 17:17

¶ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that the son {H1121} of the woman {H802}, the mistress {H1172} of the house {H1004}, fell sick {H2470}; and his sickness {H2483} was so {H3966} sore {H2389}, that there was no breath {H5397} left {H3498} in him.

A while later, the son of the woman whose house it was fell ill; his illness grew increasingly serious until his breathing stopped.

Later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill, and his sickness grew worse and worse, until no breath remained in him.

And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows the miraculous provision of unfailing flour and oil that Elijah had secured for the widow of Zarephath and her son during a severe drought prophesied by Elijah. The setting is Zarephath, a city in Sidonian territory, outside Israel. Just as the family had settled into this miraculous sustenance, a new and devastating crisis emerges, testing their faith and setting the stage for a profound display of God's power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death: The sudden illness and death of the widow's son highlight God's ultimate authority over all life. This event, though tragic, serves as a prelude to demonstrating His power even over death itself.
  • Testing of Faith: The widow, having just experienced God's provision, now faces a deeper trial. This crisis challenges her understanding of God's presence and purpose, particularly with the prophet Elijah residing in her home.
  • Severity of the Crisis: The phrase "no breath left in him" unequivocally signifies death, not just a severe illness. This emphasizes the direness of the situation and underscores the magnitude of the miracle that is to follow.
  • Preparation for God's Glory: This seemingly tragic event is not random but divinely orchestrated to reveal God's glory through Elijah. It prepares the way for one of the most powerful miracles in the Old Testament, solidifying Elijah's prophetic authority.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "no breath left in him" translates the Hebrew "וְלֹא נוֹתְרָה בּוֹ נְשָׁמָה" (v'lo noth'rah bo neshamah), which literally means "and there was no breath/spirit left in him." The word neshamah refers to the breath of life, often associated with the vital animating principle. Its absence here confirms the son's death, distinguishing it from a mere state of unconsciousness or severe illness and setting the stage for a true resurrection.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even when God has provided miraculously in one area of our lives, new challenges and trials may arise. These difficulties are not necessarily a sign of God's absence or displeasure, but can often be opportunities for Him to reveal His power in even greater ways. It encourages us to maintain faith even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances, trusting in God's ultimate control over life and death. The narrative that follows demonstrates God's compassion and power to intervene in the most desperate situations, offering hope for those facing loss or despair. This event foreshadows later instances of resurrection through prophets like Elisha and ultimately, Jesus' own power over the grave.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:29 (2 votes)

    Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

  • Zechariah 12:10 (2 votes)

    And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

  • John 11:3 (2 votes)

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • John 11:4 (2 votes)

    When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

  • 2 Kings 4:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

  • 2 Kings 4:20 (2 votes)

    And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and [then] died.

  • James 1:12 (2 votes)

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.