- Home
- Bible
- 1 Kings
- Chapter 17
- Verse 17
1 Kings 17:9
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Get thee to Zarephath - This was a town between Tyre and Sidon, but nearer to the latter, and is therefore called in the text Zarephath which belongeth to Sidon; or, as the Vulgate and other versions express it, Sarepta of the Sidonians. Sarepta is the name by which it goes in the New Testament; but its present name is Sarphan. Mr. Maundrell, who visited it, describes it as consisting of a few houses only on the tops of the mountains; but supposes that it anciently stood in the plain below, where there are still ruins of a considerable extent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there,.... This might be a trial of the prophet's faith, to be sent to dwell in a place belonging to the Zidonians, among whom Jezebel had an interest, being the daughter of their king, Kg1 16:31, the place is so called, to distinguish it from another Zarephath, Oba 1:20, Kimchi interprets it, near to Zidon, yet not as belonging to it, but of the land of Israel; though it rather seems to be a Gentile city; it is called, in Luk 4:26 Sarepta of Sidon; and also by Pliny (z); according to Josephus (a), it was not far either from Sidon or Tyre, and lay between them; it was three quarters of a mile from Sidon; and so Mr. Maundrell (b) speaks of it as in the way from Sidon to Tyre, and which is now called Sarphan; of which he says, the place shown us for this city consisted only of a few houses, on the tops of the mountains, within about half a mile from the sea; but it is more probable the principal part of the city stood below in the space between the hills and the sea, there being ruins still to be seen in that place of a considerable extent; and a traveller into those parts many years before him says (c), that he saw nothing of any building on the shore, but some small houses in the place where formerly the town of Sarepta did stand; and Bunting says (d), there are at this time but eight houses in all the town, though by the ruins it seems to have been in times past a very fair city; and another (e) observes, that it is about three miles from Berytus: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee; not that this was declared to the woman, or that she had any orders from the Lord to support him; but that he had determined it in his mind, and would take care in his providence that he should be supplied by her: this was another trial of the prophet's faith, that he should be sent to a poor widow woman for his support, and she a Gentile; but he that had been so long fed by ravens, could have no reason to doubt of his being provided for in this way. (z) Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 19. (a) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 8. c. 13. sect. 2.) (b) Journey from Aleppo, &c. p. 48. (c) Rauwolff's Travels, par. 3. ch. 22. p. 326. (d) Ut supra. (Travels, &c. p. 205.) (e) Baumgarten. Peregrinatio, l. 3. c. 9. p. 126.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:9-16 Elijah’s faith was tested further. At Kerith Brook, God had supplied his needs directly. With these supplies cut off, Elijah now had to depend on a foreign woman’s response to a divine test. The account details the setting (17:8-10a), Elijah’s test for the widow (17:10b-14), the woman’s compliance, and God’s reward (17:15-16). 17:9-11 Zarephath was in Phoenician territory about seven miles south of Sidon, away from Ahab’s jurisdiction. Ironically, God provided Elijah a place of refuge in Jezebel’s homeland, which was associated with worship of Baal. • So he went: Elijah again (see 17:5) obeyed the Lord’s command. Obedience (1 Sam 15:22; Ps 40:1-6; Isa 1:10-20), trust (Ps 37:3; Prov 3:5-6), and faithfulness (Ps 18:25; Rev 2:10) are foundational attributes for successful spiritual service. • God’s ongoing provision for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrated God’s concern for all people who put him first. • water . . . bread: Elijah asked for the basic staples of life, but these were in scarce supply as the drought spread into Phoenician territory.
1 Kings 17:9
The Widow of Zarephath
8Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah:9“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jerusalem Conference Address
By Art Katz3.0K1:02:29Jerusalem1KI 17:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being called by God to deliver a message in an unscheduled manner. He expresses the fear and trembling he feels before God, emphasizing the importance of seeking the mind of the Lord in preaching. The speaker then recounts a harrowing story of a train journey where people were terrified and suffocating, symbolizing the world in its last days. He contrasts this with the story of Elijah and the widow, highlighting the obedience and faithfulness of both Elijah and the woman in desperate circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the need for an Elijah people who will cry out and warn others to repent before the day of the Lord.
True Faith
By Albu van Eeden2.8K1:09:08Faith1KI 17:91KI 17:12PRO 28:13MAT 6:331CO 10:13EPH 2:10JAS 2:17In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the mystery of God selecting a vessel to use. He emphasizes that God not only wants to save us but also desires to use us for His purposes. The speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a street performer in New York City and how no one paid attention to him. This serves as a reminder that even if we feel alone or insignificant, God has a purpose for us. The sermon concludes with a call to obedience and trust in God, acknowledging that our problems and difficulties should not distract us from focusing on Him.
God Is Able (Time Square Church)
By David Davis1.2K44:19Limiting God1KI 17:9JER 1:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experiences in Israel during a time of drought and political uncertainty. They emphasize the power of God to provide and sustain His people even in difficult times. The speaker also highlights the importance of generosity and caring for others, as God's economy multiplies when we give. They share personal stories of how God provided for their ministry during the Gulf War and the influx of Russian Jews into Israel. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's ability to break down divisions and create unity among different groups of people.
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.
Beside the Drying Brook
By F.B. Meyer0Trust in GodFaith1KI 17:31KI 17:9PSA 62:5SNG 5:1MAT 6:33JHN 4:13ACT 9:6F.B. Meyer explores the life of Elijah, emphasizing that he was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary feats through faith and obedience to God. He highlights the importance of taking one step at a time in faith, learning the value of a hidden life of prayer, and trusting God absolutely, even when faced with challenges like drying brooks. Meyer encourages believers to recognize that God often leads them through periods of waiting and uncertainty to deepen their faith and reliance on Him. Ultimately, he reassures that God's provision is always present for those who remain faithful and receptive to His guidance.
The True Servant and the Grace of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0ServanthoodGrace Of God1KI 17:9ISA 42:1ISA 61:1ROM 12:12CO 12:9EPH 1:10PHP 4:41TI 1:111TI 2:32TI 3:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a true servant of God, rooted in the grace of God. He explains that the purpose of Christian service is to contribute to the fullness of Christ, and that every believer, regardless of their role, is called to minister to this end. The sermon highlights that true servanthood begins with the individual, who must embody Christ and glorify His grace personally. Sparks also discusses the essential qualities of a servant, including humility, assurance, and joy, all stemming from a deep understanding of God's grace. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize their identity as servants who reflect the grace of God in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Get thee to Zarephath - This was a town between Tyre and Sidon, but nearer to the latter, and is therefore called in the text Zarephath which belongeth to Sidon; or, as the Vulgate and other versions express it, Sarepta of the Sidonians. Sarepta is the name by which it goes in the New Testament; but its present name is Sarphan. Mr. Maundrell, who visited it, describes it as consisting of a few houses only on the tops of the mountains; but supposes that it anciently stood in the plain below, where there are still ruins of a considerable extent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there,.... This might be a trial of the prophet's faith, to be sent to dwell in a place belonging to the Zidonians, among whom Jezebel had an interest, being the daughter of their king, Kg1 16:31, the place is so called, to distinguish it from another Zarephath, Oba 1:20, Kimchi interprets it, near to Zidon, yet not as belonging to it, but of the land of Israel; though it rather seems to be a Gentile city; it is called, in Luk 4:26 Sarepta of Sidon; and also by Pliny (z); according to Josephus (a), it was not far either from Sidon or Tyre, and lay between them; it was three quarters of a mile from Sidon; and so Mr. Maundrell (b) speaks of it as in the way from Sidon to Tyre, and which is now called Sarphan; of which he says, the place shown us for this city consisted only of a few houses, on the tops of the mountains, within about half a mile from the sea; but it is more probable the principal part of the city stood below in the space between the hills and the sea, there being ruins still to be seen in that place of a considerable extent; and a traveller into those parts many years before him says (c), that he saw nothing of any building on the shore, but some small houses in the place where formerly the town of Sarepta did stand; and Bunting says (d), there are at this time but eight houses in all the town, though by the ruins it seems to have been in times past a very fair city; and another (e) observes, that it is about three miles from Berytus: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee; not that this was declared to the woman, or that she had any orders from the Lord to support him; but that he had determined it in his mind, and would take care in his providence that he should be supplied by her: this was another trial of the prophet's faith, that he should be sent to a poor widow woman for his support, and she a Gentile; but he that had been so long fed by ravens, could have no reason to doubt of his being provided for in this way. (z) Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 19. (a) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 8. c. 13. sect. 2.) (b) Journey from Aleppo, &c. p. 48. (c) Rauwolff's Travels, par. 3. ch. 22. p. 326. (d) Ut supra. (Travels, &c. p. 205.) (e) Baumgarten. Peregrinatio, l. 3. c. 9. p. 126.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:9-16 Elijah’s faith was tested further. At Kerith Brook, God had supplied his needs directly. With these supplies cut off, Elijah now had to depend on a foreign woman’s response to a divine test. The account details the setting (17:8-10a), Elijah’s test for the widow (17:10b-14), the woman’s compliance, and God’s reward (17:15-16). 17:9-11 Zarephath was in Phoenician territory about seven miles south of Sidon, away from Ahab’s jurisdiction. Ironically, God provided Elijah a place of refuge in Jezebel’s homeland, which was associated with worship of Baal. • So he went: Elijah again (see 17:5) obeyed the Lord’s command. Obedience (1 Sam 15:22; Ps 40:1-6; Isa 1:10-20), trust (Ps 37:3; Prov 3:5-6), and faithfulness (Ps 18:25; Rev 2:10) are foundational attributes for successful spiritual service. • God’s ongoing provision for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrated God’s concern for all people who put him first. • water . . . bread: Elijah asked for the basic staples of life, but these were in scarce supply as the drought spread into Phoenician territory.