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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 14

17:14
For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Kings, the prophet Elijah is delivering a message from God to a widow in the midst of a severe drought. The widow only has a small amount of flour and oil left to make one last meal for herself and her son before they expect to die of starvation. However, God tells Elijah to assure the widow that her resources will not run out until the drought ends. This miraculous provision of food for the widow and her son demonstrates God's faithfulness and care for His people, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It serves as a reminder that God can provide for our needs in unexpected ways and that we can trust in His provision, even when it seems impossible from a human perspective. The promise of the never-emptying barrel of meal and cruse of oil serves as a powerful example of God's ability to sustain us through any trial, no matter how desperate the situation may seem.

Theological Overview

This verse from 1 Kings 17:14 portrays the faithfulness of God in providing for His people even in times of drought and scarcity. The phrase "The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail" highlights the miraculous provision of sustenance for the widow of Zarephath and her household by the Lord. This verse demonstrates God's ability to meet the needs of His people in unexpected ways, showing His power and sovereignty over all creation. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision and to have faith that He will sustain us through all trials. The word study of "meal" and "oil" in this context reveals the significance of these basic provisions in the life of the widow and how God used them to demonstrate His care and provision. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God towards His people.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that Jehovah sendeth rain upon the earth.
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