14 Days in the Company of Elijahნიმუში

Day 3: New Life for the Widow’s Son (1 Kings 17:16–24)

Just as Elijah’s “episode two” threw a giant curve ball into the story of provision in the wilderness, so “episode three” opens with a jolt of unexpected tragedy in the midst of the divine provision in Zarephath. 1 Kings 17:16 sums up the daily proof of God’s care for Elijah, the widow, and her son: “There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah” (NLT). All is well—a Gentile woman’s generous hospitality and active trust in the word of Israel’s God have opened space for a daily miracle.

And then, the unthinkable happens to this woman. “Some time later, the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died” (1 Ki 17:17, NLT). This grieving mother turns on Elijah with speed and ferocity. “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?” (1 Ki 17:18, NLT). Her words reveal a lot. First, she recognizes Elijah’s intimate connection to the God of Israel—if he spoke the promise, he must also be the one who has spoken this terrible thing. She does not doubt that it has come from the hand of God. She has exhibited radical obedience and has experienced the Lord’s gracious provision in return, but she has not yet learned to trust his goodness. She also recognizes her own sinfulness and seems to fear that perhaps she is getting what she deserves, at the cost of her son’s life.

Interestingly, Elijah doesn’t try to defend himself or the Lord. Instead, he makes another audacious demand of her, this one surpassing his initial plea for radical hospitality. “Give me your son,” he says (1 Ki 17:19, NLT). Surprisingly, she complies, and he carries the boy up to his room. Just as the mother had laid the blame at Elijah’s door, now he confronts the Lord with the responsibility for the tragedy: “O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?” (1 Ki 17:20, NLT). Then, with bold faith, he cries out three times, as he stretches his own body over the lifeless boy: “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him!” (1 Ki 17:21, NLT). The Lord responds, Elijah takes the boy back downstairs to his mother, and all her lingering doubts are struck down: “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you” (1 Ki 17:24, NLT). These words, spoken by a Gentile widow, function as a heading for the rest of Elijah’s ministry, forming a sharp contrast with Ahab’s repeated refusal to believe.