Luke 4:26
But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Zarephath (Hebrew Tsarephath, meaning "refining") was a Phoenician coastal town between Tyre and Sidon, about 13 miles south of Sidon and 50 miles north of Nazareth. Jesus deliberately chose an example His audience would find scandalous—God blessing a Gentile in Baal-worshiping territory while judging covenant Israel. The widow's faith and obedience, despite being a Gentile, demonstrated that God honors faith wherever He finds it. Her miraculous provision (oil and flour never running out) and her son's resurrection foreshadowed Jesus' own ministry of provision and resurrection power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice to bless a Gentile widow in Baal-worshiping territory challenge ethnic or religious pride?
- What does this account teach about God's freedom to extend grace beyond conventional boundaries?
- How does the widow's faith despite impossible circumstances challenge your own response to God's word?
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Analysis & Commentary
But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. The emphatic construction pros oudemian autōn... ei mē (πρὸς οὐδεμίαν αὐτῶν... εἰ μή, to not one of them... except) stresses God's sovereign choice. Despite numerous needy Israelite widows, God directed Elijah specifically to Zarephath (Sarepta) in Sidon—Gentile territory.
The location is theologically loaded. Sidon was Phoenician territory, home to Baal worship, and Jezebel's homeland. That God sent His prophet to sustain a widow there while Israelite widows starved under covenantal curse demonstrates grace transcending ethnic boundaries. This previews the gospel going to Gentiles when Israel rejects Messiah. The widow's faith (she obeyed Elijah's word despite impossible circumstances, 1 Kings 17:13-15) contrasts with Israel's unbelief.