God’s faithfulness extends beyond boundaries and sustains those who trust in Him.
Elijah, the prophet of the Lord who served during the 9th century BC, responds to God’s direction in 1 Kings 17 by traveling to a Gentile region. When the scripture says, “So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, ‘Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink” (v.10), it illustrates Elijah’s immediate obedience. Zarephath was situated between Tyre and Sidon, areas known for extensive trade along the Mediterranean coast. This city was outside the bounds of Israel, indicating that God was already revealing His heart for all people, not only the Israelites.
By noting that a widow was gathering sticks, the verse reveals the dire circumstances of this woman, who had very little to call her own. Widows often represented the marginalized and needy of society, yet God chose her as an instrument of blessing for His prophet. Elijah’s plea, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink” (v.10), underscores the humility of relying on others for sustenance. Like many of God’s chosen messengers, Elijah depended entirely on the Lord’s provision, displaying a faith that finds echoes in Jesus’ teaching on trusting the Father for daily needs (Matt 6:31-32).
Elijah’s request also shows how God’s assignments can stretch both those who go and those who receive. The encounter between Elijah and this Gentile widow prefigures the grace that would be declared to all nations through Christ (Luke 4:25-26). In a larger sense, this moment serves as evidence that God’s Word will go forth beyond cultural and national borders to touch every heart. It sets the stage for a miracle of provision soon to follow, highlighting how obedient faith and humble service become conduits for God’s power.
Set to dark mode
1 Kings 17:10 meaning
Elijah, the prophet of the Lord who served during the 9th century BC, responds to God’s direction in 1 Kings 17 by traveling to a Gentile region. When the scripture says, “So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, ‘Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink” (v.10), it illustrates Elijah’s immediate obedience. Zarephath was situated between Tyre and Sidon, areas known for extensive trade along the Mediterranean coast. This city was outside the bounds of Israel, indicating that God was already revealing His heart for all people, not only the Israelites.
By noting that a widow was gathering sticks, the verse reveals the dire circumstances of this woman, who had very little to call her own. Widows often represented the marginalized and needy of society, yet God chose her as an instrument of blessing for His prophet. Elijah’s plea, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink” (v.10), underscores the humility of relying on others for sustenance. Like many of God’s chosen messengers, Elijah depended entirely on the Lord’s provision, displaying a faith that finds echoes in Jesus’ teaching on trusting the Father for daily needs (Matt 6:31-32).
Elijah’s request also shows how God’s assignments can stretch both those who go and those who receive. The encounter between Elijah and this Gentile widow prefigures the grace that would be declared to all nations through Christ (Luke 4:25-26). In a larger sense, this moment serves as evidence that God’s Word will go forth beyond cultural and national borders to touch every heart. It sets the stage for a miracle of provision soon to follow, highlighting how obedient faith and humble service become conduits for God’s power.