1 kings 17:21 - He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, “Yahweh my God, please let this child’s soul come into him again.”
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What does "1 kings 17:21" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 17:21, describes the prophet Elijah's desperate prayer and actions in attempting to revive a widow's son who had died. Let's break it down:
"He stretched himself on the child three times...": This is a physical act of intercession. While the exact meaning is debated, several interpretations are common:
Symbolic Union: Elijah is attempting to connect with the child, to share his own life force or spiritual energy in a way that might transfer back to the boy. It could be a ritualistic act showing deep empathy and a desire to transfer his own life-giving spirit.
Warmth and Contact: The physical contact could be an attempt to warm the child's body and stimulate circulation. While not likely a scientifically informed action, it expresses a basic human instinct to try to restore life.
Symbolic Restoration: The number three is often significant in biblical narratives, representing completeness or divine affirmation. Stretching himself three times could emphasize the thoroughness and seriousness of Elijah's effort.
"...and cried to Yahweh...": Elijah's action wasn't just physical. He understood that the true power to restore life resided with God. His cry indicates an intense, heartfelt supplication.
"...and said, “Yahweh my God, please let this child’s soul come into him again.”": This is the core of the verse:
"Yahweh my God": Elijah emphasizes his personal relationship with God, highlighting his faith and reliance on divine power.
"...please let this child’s soul come into him again": This is the explicit request for the child's nefesh (soul, breath, or life) to return. The understanding is that death involves the departure of the soul or life force from the body. Elijah's prayer is a direct appeal for God to reverse this process.
In essence, the verse describes Elijah's desperate and faith-filled attempt to revive a dead child. It combines a physical act of intercession with a fervent prayer to God, asking for the return of the child's life.
Key takeaways:
The Power of Prayer: The verse underscores the importance of prayer, especially in times of crisis. Elijah's faith in Yahweh is central to the narrative.
Compassion and Empathy: Elijah demonstrates deep compassion for the widow and her loss. He is not a detached observer but actively involved in trying to alleviate her suffering.
Divine Sovereignty: While Elijah's actions are significant, the verse ultimately emphasizes that the power to give and take life rests with God.
Resurrection/Revival Theme: It foreshadows later instances of resurrection and revival in the Bible, highlighting God's power over death.
The scene is a powerful demonstration of faith, compassion, and the belief in a God capable of performing miracles. It highlights the relationship between human action and divine intervention in overcoming death.
1 kings 17:21 - He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, “Yahweh my God, please let this child’s soul come into him again.”
What does "1 kings 17:21" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 17:21, describes the prophet Elijah's desperate prayer and actions in attempting to revive a widow's son who had died. Let's break it down:
"He stretched himself on the child three times...": This is a physical act of intercession. While the exact meaning is debated, several interpretations are common:
Symbolic Union: Elijah is attempting to connect with the child, to share his own life force or spiritual energy in a way that might transfer back to the boy. It could be a ritualistic act showing deep empathy and a desire to transfer his own life-giving spirit.
Warmth and Contact: The physical contact could be an attempt to warm the child's body and stimulate circulation. While not likely a scientifically informed action, it expresses a basic human instinct to try to restore life.
Symbolic Restoration: The number three is often significant in biblical narratives, representing completeness or divine affirmation. Stretching himself three times could emphasize the thoroughness and seriousness of Elijah's effort.
"...and cried to Yahweh...": Elijah's action wasn't just physical. He understood that the true power to restore life resided with God. His cry indicates an intense, heartfelt supplication.
"...and said, “Yahweh my God, please let this child’s soul come into him again.”": This is the core of the verse:
"Yahweh my God": Elijah emphasizes his personal relationship with God, highlighting his faith and reliance on divine power.
"...please let this child’s soul come into him again": This is the explicit request for the child's nefesh (soul, breath, or life) to return. The understanding is that death involves the departure of the soul or life force from the body. Elijah's prayer is a direct appeal for God to reverse this process.
In essence, the verse describes Elijah's desperate and faith-filled attempt to revive a dead child. It combines a physical act of intercession with a fervent prayer to God, asking for the return of the child's life.
Key takeaways:
The Power of Prayer: The verse underscores the importance of prayer, especially in times of crisis. Elijah's faith in Yahweh is central to the narrative.
Compassion and Empathy: Elijah demonstrates deep compassion for the widow and her loss. He is not a detached observer but actively involved in trying to alleviate her suffering.
Divine Sovereignty: While Elijah's actions are significant, the verse ultimately emphasizes that the power to give and take life rests with God.
Resurrection/Revival Theme: It foreshadows later instances of resurrection and revival in the Bible, highlighting God's power over death.
The scene is a powerful demonstration of faith, compassion, and the belief in a God capable of performing miracles. It highlights the relationship between human action and divine intervention in overcoming death.