1 Kings 17:7-9

The Widow of Zidon.

Towards the close of Elijah's year of seclusion, to use the words of Dr. Macduff, "the brook began to sing less cheerily; once a full rill or cascade, which, night by night, was wont to lull the prophet of Israel to sleep, it becomes gradually attenuated into a silver thread. In s few days it seems to trickle drop by drop from the barren rock, until, where pools of refreshing water were before, there is nothing now left but sand and stones." It is time for the prophet to look to God for further direction; and in response to his prayer, "the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Arise," etc. How different are the resources of the believer from those of the worldling! When the Cherith of the worlding fails he has nothing further to look to, but when from the believer one comfort is withdrawn another is at hand ( Psalms 37:19 ). Let us meditate upon—

I. THE COMMAND OF GOD TO THE WIDOW .

1 . She is to sustain the prophet of the Lord .

2 . But how is she to accomplish this?

II. THE REASONS OF THE COMMAND .

1. Elijah needed succour .

2 . The woman needed succour .

3 . But were thee no widows in Israel?