Understanding 1 Kings 17:10

Verse: 1 Kings 17:10 - "So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, 'Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.'

Summary of Insights

This verse captures an essential moment in the biblical narrative where the prophet Elijah, following God's command, encounters a widow in Zarephath. This event is significant, not only for Elijah's ministry but also for illustrating themes of divine provision, faith, and the power of God working through the seemingly insignificant.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the obedience of Elijah in responding to God's call, illustrating the importance of faithfulness in ministry. He notes that the choice of a widow reveals God's preference for using the humble and the powerless to enact His will.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes expresses that the act of Elijah asking for water reflects the severe drought affecting the land and underscores the widow's desperate situation. It also serves to highlight the theme of God's provision in times of need, as He often uses unexpected vessels like this widow.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the location of Zarephath, emphasizing that it was in Sidon, an area known for its idolatry. This points to God's universal sovereignty and grace, reaching out even to those outside the covenant community.

Thematic Connections

This passage serves as a narrative pivot, connecting with larger biblical themes such as:

• Divine provision: The widow's eventual miracle of sustenance highlights God's ability to provide in dire circumstances.
• Faith and obedience: Elijah's journey to Zarephath embodies the call to trust in God's direction, paralleling other call narratives in scripture.
• God's outreach: The inclusion of a non-Israelite widow adds depth to God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Testament.

Cross-References

This verse can be connected to several other significant passages in the Bible that resonate with similar themes:

• Luke 4:25-26: Jesus refers to the widow of Zarephath as an example of God's care beyond Israel.
• 2 Kings 4:1-7: The story of another widow receiving miraculous provision from the prophet Elisha.
• 1 Kings 17:1: The introduction to Elijah's ministry and God's promise of sustenance.
• Matthew 6:31-33: Jesus teaches about seeking God's kingdom and trusting Him for daily needs.
• John 4:7-26: Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman at the well, again showing grace to outsiders.
• James 1:27: Emphasizes the importance of caring for widows and orphans, highlighting God's concern for the vulnerable.
• Psalm 146:9: Affirms God's protection and provision for the oppressed, including widows.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Understanding the connections and applications of 1 Kings 17:10 can be enhanced through various resources:

• Bible Concordance: A valuable tool for finding related verses and themes.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Helps in identifying similar scriptures.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Techniques for studying how verses connect.

Final Thoughts

1 Kings 17:10 invites readers to reflect on God's incredible ability to provide and work through unexpected people and situations. The cross-references and thematic connections encourage deeper study, illustrating how one verse can relate to a larger biblical narrative.