Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 16

When Elijah stayed with a widow in Zarephath during a severe famine, he assured her that her barrel of meal and cruse of oil would not run out until the drought ended. This promise was made by the word of the Lord and was fulfilled miraculously. This verse demonstrates the power of God and His ability to provide for His people even in times of scarcity. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to the word of the Lord. The widow's unwavering trust in Elijah's message and her willingness to share with him despite her own dire circumstances resulted in the continuous provision of food for her and her household. This story highlights the faithfulness of God to His promises and His ability to sustain His people in times of need. By following God's word as spoken through His prophets, we too can experience His abundant blessings and provision in our lives.

One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of divine provision and faithfulness. The story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17 demonstrates the miraculous power of God in providing for His people even in times of scarcity. The fact that the barrel of meal wasted not and the cruse of oil did not fail despite the severe drought in the land underscores God's ability to provide for His children in ways that surpass human understanding. This account serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, as spoken through the prophet Elijah.

The word "wasted" in this verse can be further studied to reveal its nuanced meaning in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew word used here is "chalaph," which conveys the idea of to be corrupt, decay, or become obsolete. In the context of this verse, the barrel of meal remaining untouched by decay or spoilage showcases God's supernatural intervention in preserving the widow's meager food supply. Similarly, the term "fail" when describing the cruse of oil in the Hebrew language is "kalah," which denotes to come to an end or be consumed. The fact that the cruse of oil did not come to an end signifies God's ongoing provision and sustenance for those who trust in Him.