Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 17

In this verse from the Bible, we witness a tragic event unfold as the son of a widow falls gravely ill. The phrase "And it came to pass after these things" indicates a shift in the narrative, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the story. The severity of the son's sickness is emphasized by the description that "there was no breath left in him." This suggests that the son's condition was so dire that his life was in imminent danger. The mother's role as the mistress of the house adds to the emotional weight of the situation, as she is faced with the prospect of losing her only child. This verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the hardships that many individuals face, even in the most difficult of circumstances. It highlights the importance of faith, perseverance, and the support of others during times of great distress.

In this verse, the phrase "the son of the woman" refers to the child of the widow that the prophet Elijah was staying with. The child falls seriously ill, to the point where he stops breathing. This emphasizes the severity of the illness and the dire situation that the woman and her son find themselves in. The phrase "the mistress of the house" indicates that the woman was in charge of the household and responsible for caring for her son. This situation highlights the vulnerability of the woman and her family in the face of illness and death.

From a theological perspective, this verse can be interpreted as a test of faith for both the widow and Elijah. The child's illness challenges the widow's trust in God's providence and power to heal. Likewise, Elijah's response to the child's sickness demonstrates his faith in God's ability to perform miracles. This story foreshadows the eventual healing of the child through the intervention of God, showcasing the importance of faith and trust in times of crisis.

A word study of the phrase "his sickness was so sore" reveals that the word "sore" in this context means severe or extreme. The intensity of the child's illness conveys the urgency of the situation and the desperate need for divine intervention. This emphasizes the gravity of the child's condition and the miraculous nature of his eventual healing.