As recounted in the previous lesson (on 1 Kings 17:2-6), Elijah had food and water during a drought, thanks to God’s miraculous provision. However, as the drought wore on, we learn in 1 Kings 17:7 that even the brook to which God had sent Elijah dried up. God hadn’t forgotten about Elijah, though. Perhaps, metaphorically, we also learn here that God hadn’t forgotten about His people Israel, either.
Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
1 Kings 17:8-9 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/1ki.17.8-9.NIV
Although we’re not certain about the specific location of the “Kerith Ravine” [NIV] or the “brook Cherith” [NASB], Sidon appears to have been further north and maybe a little east from where Elijah was before. Being a ways from Israel, it may have been partially or fully spared from the drought that Elijah had prophesied to King Ahab in 1 Kings 17:1.
Sidon was also not in Israel, which was probably part of God’s message. A commentator also pointed out that Jezebel (wife of King Ahab, and a negative influence on the king) was the daughter of the king of Sidon (see 1 Kings 16:31), so God was hiding Elijah in Jezebel’s “home turf” [Long, p.206], we might say.
In fact, let’s consider what Jesus said, years later.
“Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
Luke 4:24-26 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.4.24-26.NIV
Despite the nation of Israel being God’s chosen people (having been previously freed from Egypt and later getting to host the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ), God sending Elijah to another region wasn’t an accident. There was meaning and there was purpose in this choice.
You might be familiar with this account, and know what happens next. However, I guess that I didn’t know – or didn’t remember – that God had apparently already communicated with the “widow of Zarephath” about providing for Elijah.
I’m not sure what form that took, but if we don’t start early enough in this chapter, we might get the impression that the widow was exceptionally generous and trusting. Based on this verse, it seems that she at least had some advance notice. (By the way, note also how God’s message to the widow in verse 9 mirrors his instructions to the ravens in verse 4.)
In the same way, God has given us instructions. Some of them are general (as described in the Bible), like loving our neighbors and doing good. Others are more specific (as communicated to us by God’s Spirit or our circumstances), like a nudge to go talk with someone who needs to hear from you, or inner peace about supporting a particular ministry opportunity.
So, if you feel like God is taking you though a “foreign land” (whether literally being far from your homeland, or just being surrounded by others who don’t share your beliefs), know that He doesn’t make mistakes and there are no accidents with Him. And, if you’ve been called by Him to do something kind for someone else – even someone who feels far from home – don’t fight His guidance. After all, the Great Shepherd knows where every sheep needs to go, and what they need to do.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for May 4, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1 & 2 Kings, by Jesse C. Long, Jr. © 2002 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 