1 Kings 17 begins with the prophet Elijah, who was a Tishbite from Gilead, declaring to King Ahab of Israel that there would be no rain or dew in the land except by his word. As a result, a severe drought ensues.
In verse 2, God directs Elijah to go and hide by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. There, Elijah drinks from the brook, and ravens bring him bread and meat every morning and evening. This miraculous provision sustains him during the drought.
After some time, however, the brook dries up due to the lack of rain. In verse 8, God commands Elijah to go to Zarephath, a city in Sidon, and stay with a widow there. When Elijah meets the widow, he asks her for some water and a morsel of bread. The widow explains that she only has a little flour and oil left, which she plans to use to make a final meal for herself and her son before they die. Elijah tells her not to fear and assures her that her supply of flour and oil will not run out until the drought ends.
The widow obeys Elijah, and true to God's word, her flour jar and oil jug do not run dry. Elijah stays with the widow and her household, and they all eat for many days.