Read the Passage: 1 Kings 17

Proclaiming a Drought (17:1–7)

1 Kings 17:1 introduces the prophet Elijah the Tishbite. Elijah’s name will appear 65 more times in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, and he is the main character over the next ten chapters of Scripture. The ministry of Elijah, and his successor Elisha, is marked by many miracles, and constitutes one of four intensive periods of miracles recorded in the Bible. Miracles occur: (1) surrounding the exodus event, (2) during the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, (3) throughout Jesus’ ministry, and (4) in the early church. While there are other isolated miracles in Scripture, these four clusters of unusual miracles are important, for they illustrate the fact that God provides for His people during times of suffering and need. As we’ll see through our study of Elijah’s ministry, Elijah was sent primarily to care for God’s people who were scattered throughout the ten northern tribes of Israel.

Recall that Ahab had ascended to the throne during a very turbulent time in the history of Israel. Furthermore, 1 Kings 16:30 reveals, “Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him.” Indeed, during Ahab’s reign knowledge of God was waning, idolatry and pagan worship were rampant, and many of the Levites and priests had fled to Judah. Consequently, God sent Elijah to tell Ahab that there would be a drought. Much later in Scripture, at Jas. 5:17–18 it is reported that Elijah had actually prayed for the drought to occur, perhaps being prompted by God to do so. Moreover, it is noted that the drought lasted for 42 months, until Elijah prayed for it to end (cf. 1 Kings 18:41–46). 1 Kings 17:2–7 records that God supernaturally provided for Elijah during the extended drought by commanding the ravens to bring him bread and meat every day.

Multiplying Food (17:8–16)

One striking aspect of the larger narrative about the prophet Elijah is that he is clearly a type of Christ. For example, consider the following: both Elijah and Jesus appeared suddenly (cf. 1 Kings 17:1; John 2:1–10), exhibited control over nature (cf. 1 Kings 17:1; Mark 4:35–41), raised the only son of a widow (cf. 1 Kings 17:17–24; Luke 7:11–17), multiplied food (cf. 1 Kings 17:8–16; Matt. 14:13–21), confronted corrupt rulers (cf. 1 Kings 18:17–40; John 2:13–25), experienced a mountaintop revelation (cf. 1 Kings 19:11–18; Matt. 17:1–13), and ascended into heaven (cf. 2 Kings 2:11; Acts 1:9–11). Furthermore, it is reported that Jesus’ forerunner, John the Baptist, ministered “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17; cf. Mal. 4:5–6; Matt. 11:14; 17:12–13); while Jesus, the Greater Prophet, lived and ministered in a manner foreshadowed by Elijah.

After the water brook where Elijah was living dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath, a coastal town in the region of Sidon. This location is significant, for this area was ruled by Ahab’s father-in-law, who was a worshiper of Baal. In this town, which was Baal’s home turf, God miraculous provided food for Elijah, a widow, and her son by causing a bin of flour and a small jar of oil not to run dry. Don’t overlook that these resources were in the possession of a widow, who would have been recognized as one of the most marginalized and weakest members of society. Indeed, God’s power and kingdom are hindered neither by human weakness nor by opposition. The text says that Elijah was with the widow’s family “for many days” (1 Kings 17:15). Since the drought lasted for 42 months, it seems likely that God provided food for Elijah and this family for between two and three years.

Raising a Son (17:17–24)

After Elijah had lived with the unnamed widow for many days, and before the drought ended, the son of the widow became sick and died. Observe the interesting response of the widow, as she asked Elijah, “Have you come to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?” (1 Kings 17:18). Evidently, God’s revelation by the lengthy provision of food, as well as through Elijah’s presence and teaching, had convinced the widow of her condition, for she understood that her sin merited death. Yet, God’s mercy was abundant, for rather than giving her what she deserved, in His grace God worked through Elijah to restore the widow’s son to life. Indeed, this is the effect of the gospel, as God brings new life to those who are dead in their trespasses and sins. This miracle was exactly what the widow needed to recognize Elijah’s identity and to confess the truth of the Word of God.

Application Questions:

1. Are the types of miracles, such as those performed by the prophet Elijah, common in Scripture?
2. Should contemporary believers expect unusual miracles to be a regular part of the Christian life?
3. What parallels can you draw between the ministries of Elijah and Jesus? Who else in Scripture foreshadows Christ?
4. What is the difference between asking God to bless your efforts, and relying upon God for guidance and strength?
5. What was Jesus’ purpose in referring to this event at the beginning of His ministry (cf. Luke 4:25)?