Bible Commentaries
1 Kings 17

Verse 1

Elijah. First mention = GOD ( El ) is JAH (or Jehovah). See App-4 .

Tishbite = sojourner. Probably a priest.

inhabitants = sojourners.

before, &c. Probably a priest. See note above.

dew = night-mist. Compare Deuteronomy 32:2 . 2 Samuel 1:21 .Job 38:28 .

these years (not three years). No definite period stated. "Years" is plural, not dual. In Luke 4:25 and James 5:17 = "three years and six months". These six months must be reckoned before the three years, not added to the end because of "the third year" (1 Kings 18:1 ): i.e. the third full year.

Verse 3

before Jordan: i.e. on the east side.

Verse 4

I have commanded. Elijah miraculously fed three times: (1) by ravens (1 Kings 17:6 ); (2) by a widow (1 Kings 17:9 ); (3) by an angel (1 Kings 19:5 , 1 Kings 19:6 ).

ravens. Note "I have commanded". All things possible when He speaks. Almighty power is a better and easier explanation than all rationalistic inventions.

there. Nowhere else. Note the special lesson. Any-where but in God's appointed place he would have perished.

Verse 9

Zarephath = the Sarepta of Luke 4:26 .

a widow. One of nine widows mentioned. See note on 1 Kings 17:4 and Genesis 38:19 .

Verse 12

a little oil. From Joshua 19:24-28 Zidon fell to Asher. From Deuteronomy 33:24 Asher had abundance of oil, though water was scarce. Compare Genesis 49:20 .

cruse = flask. Compare Matthew 25:4 .

Verse 14

barrel of meal. Figure of speech Hypallage ( App-6 ) = meal in the barrel.

Verse 17

breath. Hebrew. neshamah. App-16 .

Verse 18

What have I. ? See note on 2 Samuel 16:10 .

man of God. See note on Deuteronomy 33:1 , and App-49 .

sin. Hebrew. 'avon. App-44 .

Verse 21

stretched = measured.

soul = life. Compare 1 Kings 17:23 , "liveth". Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 23

liveth. The result of life's being given, making the child "a living soul" (Genesis 2:7 ).