1 Kings 17

1. Elijah the Tishbite. There is something appalling in the sudden appearance of this extraordinary prophet of Divine vengeance, just at the time when the wickedness of Ahab and his people had reached its greatest height. But amidst all the stern severity which the sins of the nation required on the part of a preacher of repentance, a tender regard for the rebellious monarch and people is discernible.

Inhabitants. Josephus and the Septuagint take the word translated “inhabitants” as a proper name; and render the clause, “the Tishbite from Thisbe of Gilead.” Gilead was in eastern Palestine between Moab and Hauran.

before whom I stand. That is, whose servant I am.

there shall not be dew nor rain. This terrible visitation was designed to make the people see the evil of forsaking the Lord God for the idols of Egypt and Tyre. It was needful that a nation so deeply sunk in ungodliness should be aroused, even at the expense of suffering. See Jas. v. 17 and Rev. xi. 6.

3 the brook Cherith. This was probably one of the winter torrents flowing into the Jordan from the eastern highlands; but it has not been identified.

4. I have commanded the ravens, etc. Elijah had honoured God by his faith and obedience: now God is pleased to honour him by His extraordinary aid; using for this purpose creatures the most unlikely, and controlling their natural instinct, so as to make the prophet the more conscious of His care.

9. Zarephath. A place between Sidon and Tyre, named in the New Testament “Sarepta” (Luke iv. 26), where there is still a village called Sarafend. The command to go to a place within the territories of Jezebel’s father must have required strong faith on the part of Elijah.

I have commanded a widow. Not by a distinct message from heaven, but by disposing her to supply Elijah with food (4), because he was a prophet of Jehovah. This incident, and the cure of Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings v.), are referred to by our Lord (Luke iv. 25-27) to illustrate God’s sovereignty in bestowing His favours and His mercy on the Gentile world. Elijah was the first “apostle to the Gentiles.”

12 a (the) barrel. This word is elsewhere rendered “pitcher”; an earthen jar.

two sticks. That is, a few sticks.

13 make me thereof a little cake first. When God puts faith and self-denial to a severe test, He designs to follow it with a proportionate blessing.

18 to call my sin to remembrance. Referring probably to the general sinfulness of her heart and life, rather than to any specific sin. From the teaching of the “man of God” she had learned something of the nature and evil of sin; and now this trial awakened conscience.

19 a left. Rather, “the upper chamber.”

24. I know that thou art a man of God. Her faith in his prophetic authority was now fully assured by this fresh and convincing proof. This is, so far as we know, the first instance of any one being raised from the dead.