Bible Commentaries

Elijah. First mention = GOD (El) is JAH (or Jehovah). See App-4.

Tishbite = sojourner. Probably a priest.

inhabitants = sojourners.

before, &c. Probably a priest. See note above.

dew = night-mist. Compare Deuteronomy 32:2. 2 Samuel 1:21. Job 38:28.

these years (not three years). No definite period stated. "Years" is plural, not dual. In Luke 4:25 and James 5:17 = "three years and six months". These six months must be reckoned before the three years, not added to the end because of "the third year" (1 Kings 18:1): i.e. the third full year.

before Jordan: i.e. on the east side.

I have commanded. Elijah miraculously fed three times: (1) by ravens (1 Kings 17:6); (2) by a widow (1 Kings 17:9); (3) by an angel (1 Kings 19:5, 1 Kings 19:6).

ravens. Note "I have commanded". All things possible when He speaks. Almighty power is a better and easier explanation than all rationalistic inventions.

there. Nowhere else. Note the special lesson. Any-where but in God's appointed place he would have perished.

Zarephath = the Sarepta of Luke 4:26.

a widow. One of nine widows mentioned. See note on 1 Kings 17:4 and Genesis 38:19.

a little oil. From Joshua 19:24-28 Zidon fell to Asher. From Deuteronomy 33:24 Asher had abundance of oil, though water was scarce. Compare Genesis 49:20.

cruse = flask. Compare Matthew 25:4.

barrel of meal. Figure of speech Hypallage (App-6) = meal in the barrel.

breath. Hebrew. neshamah. App-16.

What have I. ? See note on 2 Samuel 16:10.

man of God. See note on Deuteronomy 33:1, and App-49.

sin. Hebrew. "avon. App-44.

stretched = measured.

soul = life. Compare 1 Kings 17:23, "liveth". Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

liveth. The result of life's being given, making the child "a living soul" (Genesis 2:7).