1 kings 17:10 - So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her, and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”
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What does "1 kings 17:10" mean?
This verse (1 Kings 17:10) is part of the story of the prophet Elijah during a severe drought in Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"So he arose and went to Zarephath": Elijah is following God's direction. God has told him to go to Zarephath (a city in Sidon, Phoenicia - outside of Israel) to be sustained. This highlights Elijah's obedience and trust in God's provision, even to go to a foreign, likely non-Israelite, land.
"and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks": The gate of the city would have been a public place, often a central gathering spot. The fact that Elijah finds a widow gathering sticks is significant for a few reasons:
Widows were often among the poorest and most vulnerable in ancient societies. They lacked the support of a husband and often struggled to survive.
Gathering sticks was a task typically done by the poor to collect fuel for cooking or heating. It indicates the woman's impoverished state.
"Behold" This is a signal that something important is about to happen.
"He called to her, and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”": Elijah's request seems simple, but it sets the stage for a test of faith.
Water was scarce and precious during the drought. Asking for water was a significant request, especially from someone who appeared to be a stranger.
The request is a test: Elijah is testing the widow's willingness to help, which will reveal her heart and whether she is open to God's provision. It also sets the stage for the bigger request that will come later.
The request is polite: Elijah asks "Please" and specifies "a little water in a jar," showing consideration.
In summary, this verse establishes the scene: Elijah, following God's command, arrives in Zarephath and encounters a poor widow struggling to survive. His request for water is a test of her faith and generosity, setting the stage for God's miraculous provision in the midst of a famine. It highlights themes of obedience, faith, vulnerability, and divine provision in unlikely places.
1 kings 17:10 - So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her, and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”
What does "1 kings 17:10" mean?
This verse (1 Kings 17:10) is part of the story of the prophet Elijah during a severe drought in Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"So he arose and went to Zarephath": Elijah is following God's direction. God has told him to go to Zarephath (a city in Sidon, Phoenicia - outside of Israel) to be sustained. This highlights Elijah's obedience and trust in God's provision, even to go to a foreign, likely non-Israelite, land.
"and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks": The gate of the city would have been a public place, often a central gathering spot. The fact that Elijah finds a widow gathering sticks is significant for a few reasons:
Widows were often among the poorest and most vulnerable in ancient societies. They lacked the support of a husband and often struggled to survive.
Gathering sticks was a task typically done by the poor to collect fuel for cooking or heating. It indicates the woman's impoverished state.
"Behold" This is a signal that something important is about to happen.
"He called to her, and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.”": Elijah's request seems simple, but it sets the stage for a test of faith.
Water was scarce and precious during the drought. Asking for water was a significant request, especially from someone who appeared to be a stranger.
The request is a test: Elijah is testing the widow's willingness to help, which will reveal her heart and whether she is open to God's provision. It also sets the stage for the bigger request that will come later.
The request is polite: Elijah asks "Please" and specifies "a little water in a jar," showing consideration.
In summary, this verse establishes the scene: Elijah, following God's command, arrives in Zarephath and encounters a poor widow struggling to survive. His request for water is a test of her faith and generosity, setting the stage for God's miraculous provision in the midst of a famine. It highlights themes of obedience, faith, vulnerability, and divine provision in unlikely places.