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1 Kings 17:4
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have commanded the ravens to feed thee - Thou shalt not lack the necessaries of life; thou shalt be supplied by an especial providence. See more on this subject at the end of the chapter, Kg1 17:24 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook,.... The water of that was to be his drink: and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there; whereby he should be provided with food to eat; by whom are meant not angels in the form of ravens, as some; nor, as others, Arabians, for there were none of that people near him; nor, as others, merchants, the word being sometimes used of them, for this was not a likely method for privacy; nor, as others, the inhabitants of a place called Oreb, or Orbo; so the Arabic version calls them Orabimi; but we read of no such place near Jordan; the Jews (s) speak of a city of this name near Bethshean, from whence these Orebim came; and some of them (t) think they had their name from Oreb, in Jdg 7:25 it seems better to interpret them of ravens, as we do, these creatures delighting to be in solitary places, in valleys, and by brooks; nor need it be any objection that they were unclean creatures by the law, since Elijah did not feed upon them, but was fed by them; and supposing any uncleanness by touch, the ceremonial law might be dispensed with in an extraordinary case, as it sometimes was; though it is very remarkable that such creatures should be employed in this way, which are birds of prey, seize on anything they can, live on carrion, and neglect their own young, and yet feed a prophet of the Lord; which shows the power and providence of God in it. Something like this Jerom (u) relates, of a raven bringing a whole loaf of bread, and laying it before the saints, Paulus and Antonius. (s) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 33. fol. 29. 1. (t) T. Bab. Cholin. fol. 5. 1. Menasseh Ben Israel Conciliat. in Lev. quaest. 3. (u) In Vita Paul Erem. fol. 82. C.
1 Kings 17:4
The Ravens Feed Elijah
3“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.4And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Finn-01 Elijah the Prophet
By Art Katz2.3K45:18Elijah1KI 17:41KI 18:38MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 9:11ROM 10:14HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers and being pursued by God. He emphasizes the power of a word spoken in authority and how it can turn someone's life around. The speaker also discusses the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts our own reasoning. He challenges the church to be a prophetic presence and to speak a word that can bring judgment and transformation. The sermon references the story of Elijah being commanded by God to hide by a brook and be fed by ravens, highlighting the need for trust and obedience in following God's instructions.
Manifest Presence of God - Part 12
By Walter Beuttler01KI 17:4MAT 10:37LUK 21:14PHP 3:8REV 3:20Walter Beuttler delves into Revelation 3:20-21, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness to the Lord's knock on the door of our hearts, signaling His desire for communion with us. Beuttler shares personal experiences of responding to the Lord's call, highlighting the need to prioritize sensitivity to His voice over worldly distractions or obligations. He illustrates the sacrifices and challenges that come with obediently heeding the Lord's promptings, even when it may lead to misunderstandings or loss in the eyes of others. Beuttler stresses the profound rewards and blessings that accompany wholehearted obedience and communion with the Lord, surpassing any worldly gains or approval.
(Secrets of Victory) 11. God Helps Those Who Are Weak
By Zac Poonen0DEU 10:171KI 17:42CH 16:12ISA 42:81CO 1:272CO 12:7Zac Poonen preaches on God's nature of helping the weak and helpless, emphasizing that God is the God of widows, orphans, and strangers. He highlights how God makes us weak to show His power in our lives, as seen in Paul's thorn in the flesh. Poonen stresses the importance of not depending on human resources but solely on God, using examples like King Asa and Elijah to illustrate this point. He encourages trust in God alone for all needs, as God desires our complete dependence on Him.
I Have Commanded the Ravens . .
By F.B. Meyer0Divine ProvisionObedience to God1KI 17:41KI 17:9PSA 23:1ISA 41:10LUK 1:19JHN 10:10ROM 8:282CO 12:9PHP 4:191PE 5:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being where God desires us to be, using the example of Elijah who remained faithful whether in solitude or in the presence of others. He reassures that God will provide for our needs, whether through unexpected means like ravens or through the kindness of others, as long as we are obedient to His call. Meyer highlights that God often teaches us profound lessons in solitude and through life's challenges, preparing us for greater tasks ahead. He also reminds us that through death, whether physical or spiritual, we can find a richer, fuller life in Christ. Ultimately, we should not fear the trials that lead us to deeper faith and understanding.
God Helps Those Who Are Weak
By Zac Poonen0DEU 10:171KI 17:4ISA 42:81CO 1:272CO 12:7Zac Poonen preaches about God's nature of helping the weak and helpless, emphasizing that God is the God of widows, orphans, and strangers. He highlights how God makes us weak to show His power and support in our lives, as seen in Paul's experience with a thorn in the flesh. Poonen stresses the importance of depending solely on God, rather than on human or financial resources, to receive God's best. He uses examples like King Asa and Elijah to illustrate the blessings of trusting in God alone for all needs.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have commanded the ravens to feed thee - Thou shalt not lack the necessaries of life; thou shalt be supplied by an especial providence. See more on this subject at the end of the chapter, Kg1 17:24 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook,.... The water of that was to be his drink: and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there; whereby he should be provided with food to eat; by whom are meant not angels in the form of ravens, as some; nor, as others, Arabians, for there were none of that people near him; nor, as others, merchants, the word being sometimes used of them, for this was not a likely method for privacy; nor, as others, the inhabitants of a place called Oreb, or Orbo; so the Arabic version calls them Orabimi; but we read of no such place near Jordan; the Jews (s) speak of a city of this name near Bethshean, from whence these Orebim came; and some of them (t) think they had their name from Oreb, in Jdg 7:25 it seems better to interpret them of ravens, as we do, these creatures delighting to be in solitary places, in valleys, and by brooks; nor need it be any objection that they were unclean creatures by the law, since Elijah did not feed upon them, but was fed by them; and supposing any uncleanness by touch, the ceremonial law might be dispensed with in an extraordinary case, as it sometimes was; though it is very remarkable that such creatures should be employed in this way, which are birds of prey, seize on anything they can, live on carrion, and neglect their own young, and yet feed a prophet of the Lord; which shows the power and providence of God in it. Something like this Jerom (u) relates, of a raven bringing a whole loaf of bread, and laying it before the saints, Paulus and Antonius. (s) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 33. fol. 29. 1. (t) T. Bab. Cholin. fol. 5. 1. Menasseh Ben Israel Conciliat. in Lev. quaest. 3. (u) In Vita Paul Erem. fol. 82. C.