Why Did God Send Elijah to the Widow of Zarepath?

When Elijah sought refuge in the land of Zarepath, God's sovereign plan came into play. Why did God send Elijah to this destitute widow? Was it purely out of necessity, or was there a deeper, divine purpose behind this action?

The Brooch of Cherith and the Ravens' Provision

God could have easily sustained Elijah during the time when the brook at Cherith dried up, just as the ravens that brought him food could have carried water as well. The God who brought water from a rock to quench the thirst of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:7-11, would have no trouble providing Elijah with water. Nevertheless, Elijah left Cherith voluntarily, instigated by a divinely orchestrated purpose rather than any pressing necessity.

According to the biblical narrative in 1 Kings 17:9, God instructed Elijah to go to Zarepath, where He believed he would find a widow who had been 'commanded' to care for him. This journey led Elijah to “a widow woman, a native of Zarephath, of the tribe of Naphtali” (1 Kings 17:10).

The Encounter at Zarepath

At Zarepath, Elijah encountered a woman struggling with the harsh living conditions of the time. This widow, who lived close to the northern border of Israel within Lebanon, was one of the few remaining faithful individuals amidst widespread apostasy due to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel's influence.

The widow referred to God in her conversation with Elijah, but it seems she held her own beliefs rather than being a follower of the God of Israel. Yet, this encounter was the beginning of a journey that would bring her closer to God, as she was chosen by God to provide for Elijah and her household.

The chapter 1 Kings 17 narrates Elijah's mission to Zarepath, where he would perform two significant miracles to demonstrate divine intervention and sustain the widow and her son through a period of great hardship.

The Miracles and the Turning Point

At Zarepath, Elijah performed two major miracles, demonstrating God's power and providing for their needs during a time of famine. Firstly, he restored the widow's dead son to life, declaring, "Give your son to me" (1 Kings 17:21). Secondly, he ensured a continual supply of food and water for the widow and her son through the use of a jar of flour and a jug of oil, which never ran out (1 Kings 17:14).

As a result of these miracles, the widow became a believer in the God of Elijah. God's purpose was to not only sustain Elijah but also to bring this destitute woman to faith in the true God. Through her response to Elijah and the miracles she witnessed, she was transformed, illustrating the sovereign work of God in the lives of those He touches.

The Sovereignty of God

The story of the widow at Zarepath exemplifies God's sovereignty and His divine purpose in the lives of individuals. The Bible clearly shows that God often chooses to work through unexpected individuals, like the widow at Zarepath, who, prior to their encounter with Elijah, may not have been aware of their significance in the divine plan.

According to Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.” This verse highlights God's sovereign choice and prerogative to choose individuals for His purposes from the beginning of time. In the case of the widow at Zarepath, God's sovereignty is evident in His role as the one who foreordained and chose this woman, crafting her heart to respond positively to Elijah's message and the miracles he performed.

Conclusion

God's sovereign work was manifested in sending Elijah to the widow of Zarepath, not merely to sustain him during a famine, but to work through him to transform the lives of those He chose. The widow's eventual conversion, as evidenced by her belief and gratitude, demonstrates the power of God's sovereign plan to work through unexpected circumstances and individuals to extend His grace and truth. Thus, the story of the widow of Zarepath not only provides insight into the character and works of Elijah but also highlights the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in bringing about His will in the lives of all believers.