1 Kings 17:11
And as shee was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring mee, I pray thee, a morsell of bread in thine hand. 1 Kings 17:11 (KJV)
This verse is part of the narrative about the prophet Elijah and a widow from the town of Zarephath, which belonged to Sidon, during a severe drought in the region. In the previous verses (1 Kings 17:8‑10), Elijah had been directed by God to go to Zarephath, where he would find a widow who would provide him with food and water. When Elijah arrived at the city gate, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He asked her for some water, and as she was going to fetch it, he called out to her, asking for a morsel of bread.
The verse reveals the dire circumstances faced by both Elijah and the widow. The land was experiencing a severe drought, and resources were scarce. The widow herself states in the following verses that she only had a handful of flour and a little oil left to prepare one final meal for herself and her son before they expected to die of starvation. Despite these circumstances, Elijah had the faith to ask for bread from the widow, knowing that God would provide.
The widow’s reaction in the next verse is significant. Even though she was at the point of desperation herself, she did not refuse Elijah’s request. She responded, “As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat, and die” (1 Kings 17:12). Her willingness to share her last meal demonstrated self‑lessness and obedience, acknowledging her limited resources yet trusting God’s plan.
God’s provision is highlighted as He promised through Elijah that the widow’s supplies of flour and oil would not run out until the drought ended (1 Kings 17:14). This miraculous provision sustained the widow, her son, and Elijah throughout the entire period of scarcity.
The story offers several lessons. First, it teaches us to trust in God’s provision even in times of scarcity or difficulty. Like Elijah, we can have faith that God will meet our needs. Second, it reminds us of the importance of obedience and self‑sacrifice; the widow’s willingness to share her last food revealed her faith and trust in God’s plan. Finally, it underscores God’s faithfulness—just as He sustained the widow and Elijah, He continues to provide for His people today, often in unexpected and miraculous ways.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 17:11‑12 reveals the faith and obedience of both Elijah and the widow during a time of scarcity. It calls us to trust in God’s provision, to be obedient and self‑less, and to remember God’s enduring faithfulness in our lives.
