1 kings 17:17 - After these things, the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became sick; and his sickness was so severe that there was no breath left in him.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 17:17

What does "1 kings 17:17" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 17:17, is a pivotal point in the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. Let's break down what it means:

"After these things": This refers to the events that preceded it. Specifically, Elijah had been living with the widow and her son in Zarephath during a severe famine. Elijah had performed a miracle, ensuring that the widow's jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out. This was a sign of God's provision and blessing on her household due to her hospitality toward Elijah.

"the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became sick": This identifies the subject - the widow's only son. He falls ill. The description "mistress of the house" emphasizes her position and responsibility for the household.

"and his sickness was so severe that there was no breath left in him": This is the crucial part. The sickness wasn't just a cold; it was fatal. The boy died. "No breath left in him" is a clear indication of death. This is a sudden and shocking reversal of fortune for the widow. After experiencing God's provision and protection through Elijah, she now faces the devastating loss of her only child.

The significance of the verse:

Crisis of Faith: The death of her son throws the widow into despair and raises doubts about God's goodness and Elijah's presence. It's a moment of profound crisis, and it sets the stage for the widow's emotional outburst in the next verse. She sees the death as a punishment for her sins and blames Elijah for bringing it upon her.
Test for Elijah: The death is also a test for Elijah. Will his faith hold up in the face of this tragedy? Will God provide an answer to this devastating situation?
Demonstration of God's Power: The verse sets up the next section of the story, where Elijah prays to God and God miraculously restores the boy to life. This event demonstrates God's immense power over life and death and serves as a powerful witness to his divine nature. It will also strengthen the faith of both the widow and Elijah.

In essence, 1 Kings 17:17 marks a turning point in the narrative. It introduces a devastating problem that will be addressed by God's miraculous intervention, further illustrating his power and faithfulness to those who trust in him. It also shows that even in the midst of provision and blessing, hardship and loss can still occur, challenging our faith.

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