NOTES for Ki1 17:7-16

Before us is an example of a person facing a difficult choice: to do something for herself or for another (see 1 Kings 17:10-16). It is completely clear to us, as it was clear to the poor widow of Zarephath, that the flour and oil would inevitably run out. And although she understands that the last portion of bread will not save her and her son from hunger, giving it to some stranger is more than strange. Of course, Elijah does not simply say to her, "Give me your last food and I will go." He does promise her that the Lord will not abandon them; he says that the flour will not be exhausted and the oil will not fail. But this, perhaps, is the hardest thing to accept, since it contradicts the laws of the material world. If only he had said that he would later bring bread... Besides, Elijah could simply have been a desperate liar who needed to prolong his own life at any cost...

One way or another, the widow faces a choice, and the Lord gives her strength to make the right decision. Then by His miracle He proves that He is able to care for each of us far better than we ourselves can, we who are forever inclined to "look out for ourselves" (see Matt 6:31-34).