OF THE INHABITANTS OF GILEAD] RM according to LXX, of Tishbeh of Gilead.' SAID UNTO AHAB] Nothing is related about the reason for the drought which the prophet predicted; but the cause was doubtless Ahab's idolatry (1 Kings 16:31 : cp. Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 11:17). Josephus quotes a Tyrian hi... [ Continue Reading ]
ELIJAH AND THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH The prophet Elijah, who occupies so large a space in the succeeding history, is, like his successor Elisha, conspicuous among the prophetic figures of the OT. as a worker of miracles; and to him belongs the further distinction of having been removed from earth with... [ Continue Reading ]
HIDE THYSELF] The prophets of the Lord were in danger from the anger of Jezebel: cp. 1 Kings 18:13. BROOK] strictly, a ravine or torrent-valley. BEFORE JORDAN] i.e. E. of Jordan, in the Gilead he was familiar with.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RAVENS] The original may possibly mean 'traffickers' (or merchants) or 'Arabians': if this is the real meaning of the word, the command resembles that given in 1 Kings 17:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
ZAREPHATH] The 'Sarepta' of Luke 4:26. The modern Sarafend. It lay between Tyre and Zidon, and, from its nearness to these localities, might be a safe, because unsuspected, hiding-place.... [ Continue Reading ]
_As_ THE LORD.. LIVETH] Elijah was probably recognised by speech or dress as an Israelite. MAY EAT IT, AND DIE] implying that the drought and consequent famine extended to Zarephath: see on Luke 4:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BARREL, etc.] cp. the miracle of Elisha (2 Kings 4:42).... [ Continue Reading ]
TO CALL.. TO REMEMBRANCE] The presence with her of a prophet whom the divine care watched over might (she feared) attract God's attention to herself and to some past sin which seemed to have been overlooked.... [ Continue Reading ]
A LOFT] better, 'the upper chamber': cp. 2 Kings 4:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
HAST THOU.. EVIL] A like despondency is observable in the prophet's language in 1 Kings 19:4. Here he complains that evil dogs his steps wherever he turns and fastens even on those who befriend him.... [ Continue Reading ]
STRETCHED HIMSELF] As though to convey the warmth of life from his own frame to that of the dead child: cp. 2 Kings 4:34; Acts 20:10.... [ Continue Reading ]