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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 17:4 And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/17-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/11_1Ki_17_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 17:4 - The Ravens Feed Elijah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And it will be <i>that</i> you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be that you will drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide food for you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220It shall be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall be that you shall drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And it will be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to sustain you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to sustain you there [with food].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to drink from the wadi. I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to drink from the wadi. I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can drink water from the creek, and eat the food I've told the ravens to bring you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You can drink from the stream, and I've commanded ravens to feed you there."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The brook will supply you with water to drink, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You will be able to drink from that brook, and I've commanded some crows to sustain you there."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Drink from the stream; I have already told the ravens to bring you food there."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be that you will drink from the wadi. I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall drink from the brook. I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it has been [that] you drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to sustain you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it hath been, from the brook thou dost drink, and the ravens I have commanded to sustain thee there.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And being thou shalt drink from the torrent; and I commanded the ravens to nourish thee there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And there thou shalt drink of the torrent: and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And there you shall drink from the torrent. And I have instructed the ravens to feed you there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall drink of the wadi, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall drink from the wadi, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you shall drink from the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you are to drink from the torrent, and I have commanded the ravens that they will nourish you there.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be <i>that</i> thou shalt drink water of the brook, and I will charge the ravens to feed thee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/17-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=6710" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/17.htm">The Ravens Feed Elijah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: tiš·teh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">you are to drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: mê·han·na·ḥal (Prep-m, Art:: N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">from the brook,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wî·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">and I have commanded</a> <a href="/hebrew/6158.htm" title="6158: hā·‘ō·rə·ḇîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A raven. Or mowreb; from arab; a raven.">the ravens</a> <a href="/hebrew/3557.htm" title="3557: lə·ḵal·kel·ḵā (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 2ms) -- To comprehend, contain. A primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain.">to feed you</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26</a></span><br />Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Luke 12:24</a></span><br />Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Psalm 78:23-25</a></span><br />Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens. / He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Exodus 16:4</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Philippians 4:19</a></span><br />And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/8-7.htm">Genesis 8:7</a></span><br />and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-41.htm">Job 38:41</a></span><br />Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Psalm 34:10</a></span><br />Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-16.htm">Isaiah 33:16</a></span><br />he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a></span><br />But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-31.htm">John 6:31-35</a></span><br />Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” / Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. / For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a></span><br />Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-25.htm">Psalm 37:25</a></span><br />I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a></span><br />He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-10.htm">Acts 10:10-16</a></span><br />He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. / It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.</p><p class="hdg">I have commanded</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">1 Kings 17:9</a></b></br> Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which <i>belongeth</i> to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">1 Kings 19:5-8</a></b></br> And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise <i>and</i> eat… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-8.htm">Numbers 20:8</a></b></br> Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/17-3.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-5.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-22.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-4.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-21.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-5.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Ravens</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-3.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-33.htm">Sustain</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-37.htm">Torrent</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-15.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/17-5.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-6.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-15.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-34.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-6.htm">Ravens</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-5.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">Sustain</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-5.htm">Torrent</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-6.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">Elijah, having prophesied against Ahab, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/17-3.htm">is sent to Cherith where the ravens feed him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">He is sent to the widow of Zarephath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/17-17.htm">He raises the widow's son</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/17-24.htm">The woman believes him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And you are to drink from the brook</b><br>This phrase refers to the brook Cherith, a small stream east of the Jordan River. Elijah is instructed by God to drink from this brook during a time of drought, highlighting God's provision in times of scarcity. The brook's location in a remote area emphasizes Elijah's separation from society, a common theme for prophets who often retreat to wilderness areas for spiritual renewal and divine encounters. This setting also mirrors the Israelites' reliance on God's provision during their wilderness journey in Exodus.<p><b>and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.</b><br>Ravens, considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (<a href="/leviticus/11-15.htm">Leviticus 11:15</a>), are used by God to sustain Elijah, demonstrating His sovereignty and ability to use any means to fulfill His purposes. This act of provision foreshadows God's miraculous feeding of His people, such as the manna in the desert (Exodus 16) and Jesus feeding the 5,000 (<a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Matthew 14:13-21</a>). The use of ravens also symbolizes God's care for His creation, as seen in Jesus' teaching in <a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Luke 12:24</a>, where He mentions ravens to illustrate God's provision. This narrative underscores the theme of divine provision and trust in God's plan, even when it defies human expectations or cultural norms.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a></b><br>A prophet of God, known for his boldness and faithfulness. He is central to this passage as he follows God's command during a time of drought.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_brook_cherith.htm">The Brook Cherith</a></b><br>A small stream east of the Jordan River where God directed Elijah to find water during the drought.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/ravens.htm">Ravens</a></b><br>Birds that God used to miraculously provide food for Elijah. In the Hebrew context, ravens are considered unclean, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's provision.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign provider and director of events, demonstrating His power and care for His prophet.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/drought.htm">Drought</a></b><br>A significant event in Israel, brought about by God as a judgment against the idolatry of King Ahab and the nation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_provision.htm">God's Sovereignty in Provision</a></b><br>God can use any means, even unexpected or unconventional ones, to provide for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_commands.htm">Faith in God's Commands</a></b><br>Elijah's obedience to God's direction, despite the unusual circumstances, is a model of faith and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_in_times_of_need.htm">Dependence on God in Times of Need</a></b><br>In times of scarcity or trial, believers are encouraged to rely on God's provision and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_care_for_his_servants.htm">God's Care for His Servants</a></b><br>Just as God cared for Elijah, He cares for each of His followers, providing for their needs in His perfect way.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_creation_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Creation in God's Plan</a></b><br>The use of ravens highlights how all creation is under God's command and can be used for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_ravens_feed_a_prophet.htm">How can ravens (1 Kings 17:4) realistically supply a prophet with enough food to survive, given the limited carrying capacity of birds? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_kings_17's_miracle_inconsistent.htm">Does the portrayal of supernatural sustenance and miracles in 1 Kings 17 contradict or create inconsistencies with other Old Testament accounts of God's provision?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_elijah_and_elisha_teach.htm">What lessons do Elijah and Elisha teach us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_proverbs_10_3_with_starving_believers.htm">Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry—how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">The ravens.</span>--Of the accuracy of this rendering, which is that of almost all the ancient versions and of Josephus, there can be little doubt. The singularly prosaic interpretations, substituted for this striking and significant record of miracle by some ancient and modern writers (adopting slight variations of the Hebrew vowel points)--such as "Arabs," "merchants," "inhabitants of a city Orbi or the rock Oreb"--seem to have arisen simply from a desire to get rid of what seemed a strange miracle, at the cost (be it observed) of substituting for it a gross improbability; for how can it be supposed that such regular sustenance by human hands of the persecuted prophet could have gone on in the face of the jealous vigilance of the king? But it is idle to seek to explain away one wonder in a life and an epoch teeming with miracles. It is notable, indeed, that the critical period of the great Baal apostasy, and of the struggle of Elijah and Elisha against it, is the second great epoch of recorded miracle in the Old Testament--the still more critical epoch of Moses and Joshua being the first. It is hardly less idle to determine that this or that miracle is so improbable, as to introduce any difficulty of acceptance which does not apply to miracles in general.<span class= "bld"><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And it shall be that thou shalt drink of the brook</span> [There was clearly nothing miraculous about the supply of <span class="accented">water</span>. No miracle was wrought even to continue the supply, ver. 7]; <span class="cmt_word">and I have commanded</span> [cf. ver. 9; <a href="/isaiah/5-6.htm">Isaiah 5:6</a>; <a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Amos 9:3</a>, etc.] <span class="cmt_word">the ravens to feed thee there.</span> [Despite the general agreement of scholars that by <span class="hebrew">ערבים</span> we <span class="accented">must</span> understand "ravens," I think probability favours the meaning <span class="accented">Orbites, i.e.</span>, inhabitants of Orbo. In support of the received rendering is the very powerful consideration, that it is the interpretation of all the versions (except the Arabic) and of Josephus, who, beyond all question, represented the belief current in his own time (Ant. 8:13. 2). It is also certain that elsewhere in Scripture we find some of the inferior animals supernaturally constrained to effect God's purposes, both of mercy and of judgment (<a href="/1_kings/13-24.htm">1 Kings 13:24</a>; <a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a>; <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">2 Peter 2:16</a>), though never it must be said, in so rational and methodical a way. Nor can it rightly be contended that the words "I have commanded," <span class="hebrew">צִוִתִי</span>, imply human agency, for elsewhere we find the Almighty <span class="accented">commanding</span> (same word) the serpent (<a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Amos 9:3</a>) and the clouds (<a href="/isaiah/5-6.htm">Isaiah 5:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Psalm 78:23</a>). It is not, however, a sufficient account of this narrative to say that the prophet merely helped himself to the food which the ravens, whose <span class="accented">habitat</span> was in the Wady Cherith, brought, day by day, to their nests and their young. For, not to insist on the words, <span class="hebrew">מְבִיאִים לו</span> <span class="accented">bringing to him</span> (ver. 6), the expressions '" bread (or <span class="accented">food</span>, <span class="hebrew">לֶחֶם</span>) and flesh," and "morning and evening" certainly point to something more than such a fortuitous supply. Whether the <span class="accented">Orebim</span> were "ravens" or not, they certainly acted in an intelligent and rational way: they brought food, that is to say, to the <span class="accented">prophet</span>, and they brought it for months together with unfailing regularity. But against this view the following considerations may be urged. <p><span class="Text_Heading">1.</span> It is hardly in accord with God's <span class="accented">usual</span> way of working, that he should employ birds of the air and those unclean (<a href="/leviticus/11-15.htm">Leviticus 11:15</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/14-14.htm">Deuteronomy 14:14</a>) and ravenous birds, to feed and succour His saints, rather than men or angels. Of course, no one who does not altogether repudiate the supernatural will deny for a moment that the Almighty <span class="accented">could, had</span> it seemed good to Him, have sustained His prophet by the instrumentality of ravens, just as easily as by any other means. But it appears to be almost a fixed principle of His dealings with men, not to resort to miracles when ordinary means will suffice; or if He does employ miracles, they are never <span class="accented">bizarre</span> or fantastic; they are not such as to suggest the idea of fable or legend; they are invariably the simplest and directest means to the end. And it is submitted that this prolonged and methodical ministry of ravens is altogether unlike God's method of procedure on other occasions. It was an angel succoured Hagar and Ishmael in their need (<a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7</a>). It was an angel fed Elijah himself, a few years later (<a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">1 Kings 19:5, 6</a>). They were angels who ministered to our blessed Lord after His long fast (<a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Matthew 4:11</a>). But God's,' chief means," it is always to be remembered, "is man." And it is to be carefully observed that when, about this very time, not one, but one hundred prophets were threatened, just as Elijah was, with death, <span class="cmt_word">no</span> miracle was wrought to save their lives or to supply their wants, but they were fed by human agency, with bread and water (<a href="/1_kings/18-13.htm">1 Kings 18:13</a>). But it is still more significant that elsewhere in this narrative, which is characterized by the profoundest sobriety and reticence, there is what we may almost call a studied absence of the miraculous element. No miracle is wrought to protect Elijah against Jezebel, but he must consult for his own safety by flight. He is sent to the brook Cherith, because there is <span class="accented">water</span> there; in other words, God chose that hiding place in order to obviate the necessity for a miracle. And when the water of the brook dries up, no miracle is wrought to prolong the supply, but the prophet, at the risk of detection, must go forth and seek it elsewhere. And at Zarephath he is fed, not by ravens, but by human agency - by a widow woman. It is true a miracle appears to have been wrought, but the narrative has so little idea of effect and gives so little prominence to the supernatural that even that is doubted. To put the interpretation of "ravens," consequently, on the word <span class="hebrew">ערבים</span>, provided it will yield any other meaning, appears to be to do violence to the spirit of the context, and to the tenour of Scripture generally. <p><span class="Text_Heading">2.</span> It is somewhat difficult to believe that such a prodigy as this, so altogether unique and irregular, would not have been mentioned, had it really happened, elsewhere in Scripture. The absence of all reference thereto is remarkable, when we consider how constantly the ministry of Elijah and its lessons (<a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25, 26</a>; <a href="/luke/9-54.htm">Luke 9:54</a>; <a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17</a>; <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Revelation 11:5, 6</a>) are referred to in the New Testament; but when we observe what an admirable and unequalled illustration of God's providential care this incident would have supplied to some of our Lord's discourses, and notably to that of <a href="/luke/12-22.htm">Luke 12:22</a> sqq., this silence becomes almost suspicious. <p><span class="Text_Heading">3.</span> Despite the practical unanimity of the versions, the interpretation "ravens" has been disputed from very early times. St. Jerome among Christians, Rabbi Judah Hakkodesh and Kimchi amongst Jews - these are but some of those who have repudiated this rendering. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/17-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are to drink</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁתֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the brook,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהַנַּ֣חַל</span> <span class="translit">(mê·han·na·ḥal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I have commanded</span><br /><span class="heb">צִוִּ֔יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ravens</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֹרְבִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ō·rə·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6158.htm">Strong's 6158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A raven</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to feed you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכַלְכֶּלְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵal·kel·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3557.htm">Strong's 3557: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep in, to measure, to maintain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there.”</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/17-4.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 17:4 It shall be that you shall drink (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/17-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 17:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 17:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/17-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 17:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 17:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>