Name Information
The Widow of Zarephath was a poor, non-Israelite woman living in Phoenician territory. During a severe famine, she welcomed the prophet Elijah and shared her last bit of food with him. God miraculously provided for her, sustaining her household throughout the drought. When her son died, Elijah raised him back to life — the first resurrection recorded in Scripture. Her faith and hospitality became a powerful example of trust and obedience.
Roles
Relationships
Story
Elijah arrived at Zarephath during the drought and asked the widow for water and food.
She explained she had only a handful of flour and a little oil — enough for one last meal.
Elijah told her to make him a cake first, and God would keep her supply from running out.
She obeyed, and the flour and oil lasted throughout the famine — a daily miracle.
Later, her son became ill and died. She cried out, and Elijah stretched himself over the boy and prayed.
God restored the boy’s life, and she believed fully in the Lord’s word.
Spiritual Significance
- 1God sent Elijah to a Gentile widow — showing His grace beyond Israel.
- 2She demonstrated great faith by giving Elijah her last meal, trusting God’s word.
- 3Her flour and oil never ran out during the entire drought, just as Elijah promised.
- 4When her son died, she cried out in grief — and Elijah prayed, resulting in the boy’s resurrection.
- 5She recognized the Lord’s power through Elijah and confessed that he was a true man of God.
Christ Connection
Jesus referenced the widow of Zarephath in Luke 4 to show that God’s mercy is not limited to Israel — though there were many widows in Israel, Elijah was sent only to a Gentile widow, revealing that God honors faith over heritage and reaches outsiders who believe.
Her son’s resurrection foreshadows Christ’s victory over death and His power to bring life out of despair.
Just as she gave her last bread in faith, Jesus gave His body as the true Bread of Life to sustain all who trust in Him.
What We Can Learn
- 1Faith often means trusting God with our last and only hope.
- 2God sees and cares for the lowly — even a Gentile widow in a time of crisis.
- 3Hospitality to God’s people brings unexpected blessings.
- 4God’s power to provide and resurrect is not limited by boundaries or status.
Memory Verses
“The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”
“Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”
Key Passages
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