Old Testament Bible Study
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Liberty University *
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Apr 3, 2024
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BIBL 105
O
LD
T
ESTAMENT
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
T
EMPLATE
Instructions For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of “Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath” found in 1 Kings 17:7–24. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have learned through your reading in Everyday Bible Study
(
EBS
).
I. Observation
A. I have read 1 Kings 17:7–24 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library (
EBS
ch. 16).
o
Yes
o
No
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying (
EBS
chs. 15 & 33).
1.
Main characters: (List Them)
The people involved were Elijah, the Widow of Zarephath, and her son.
2.
Plot: (50–100 words)
Elijah was traveling to Zarephath where he saw a widow. When he approached her, he requested water to drink and some bread. The widow told Elijah of their poor state,
yet he insisted and told her she would be blessed for feeding God’s servant. After this, she had an ever-lasting supply of flour and oil until the rain returned to the land. Her son became ill and soon died. Elijah took the boy into his room and prayed over him. The Lord allowed the boy’s life to be restored and gave the widow faith in God.
3.
Story structure: (50–100 words)
Introduction: Elijah arriving to the Sidon Region of Zarephath, meeting the widow as God commanded.
Inciting Incident: Elijah requesting the woman to supply him with food and water.
Rising Action: The widow uses what she believes to be the last of her oil and flour to prepare bread for Elijah.
Climax: Despite never running out of food, the widow’s son becomes sick and dies.
Resolution: Elijah takes the boy to the upper room and prays for him intensely, and God allows life to return to him. This act helps the widow to understand and believe that the Lord is watching after her.
C. List basic observations about this passage using the Key Questions from EBS
ch. 17.
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BIBL 105
1.
Who:
Elijah
The Widow
The Widow’s Son
The Lord God
2. What: While there was no rain in the land, Elijah was commanded by God to travel to the Kerith Ravine where he was fed meat and bread and had water from the brook. He was then told to go to the Sidon region of Zarephath where he met the widow.
The widow was gathering sticks when she was approached by Elijah. He requested food and water from her. He told her to make the bread for him with what little flour and oil she had, and God would bless her with endless supply of them both until the rain returned. The widow was able to make enough food for Elijah and her son as well as herself.
Soon after, her son became ill and passed away. She went and confronted Elijah about it, asking why she was dealing with such things. He then carried the boy to the upper quarters where he stayed. He prayed over him, and God restored life to the boy. Elijah carried the boy back down to his mother. She rejoiced and praised God for giving her son back. She proclaimed the truth of His Word as well as His messenger.
3. Where:
Gilead
Kerith Ravine, East of Jordan
Zarephath in the Region of Sidon
The Widow’s Home
4.
When:
During a great drought that came over all the land
During the time of the prophet Elijah
During Ahab’s reign as king (1 Kings 16:29-34)
5.
Why: Why was Elijah traveling around various places such as Jordan and Zarephath?
God tells him to announce the drought coming upon the land.
Why did Elijah call upon the widow for food?
He was told by God that she would be there and have the proper ingredients to serve him.
Why did God allow her son to die?
He allowed him to pass so that Elijah could pray and have his life return to
his body showing her the power of God so she may believe in Him.
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BIBL 105
6.
How: How was the widow able to provide food for her and her son as well as Elijah?
Elijah told her to prepare his food first, and once she was done so there would be enough to supply them both until the drought ended.
How did God turn the widow’s heart to Him?
He allowed her son to die and be brought back to life to show her the wonders of God and the blessings only He can provide.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1–2 paragraphs (100–400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember, the Old Testament narratives frequently communicate truth by showing it to us in story form instead of telling it to us by way of teaching or sermon. See EBS
ch. 28.
The story of Elijah and the Widow shows the importance of faith. When in crisis and tragic times, we must know where to look and to Who to place our hope and trust. The widow trusts an unknown man and gives him all she has left for her and her son to eat. She trusts that he is who he claims he is, and that her flour and oil will be restored as long as the land remains dry and barren. Her son dies shortly thereafter, and she carries her son to Elijah, questioning God and why she must suffer in such a way. By God’s grace, the boy is brought back to life and the woman learns of the power and glory that belongs to God.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able to express this principle in 1–3 sentences. See EBS
ch. 33.
God is faithful to those who worship and believe in Him. All it takes is trusting and believing in Him, and He will bless you for the faith you have in Him.
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length. See EBS
chs. 1–6.
I believe this story relates closer to the “New Creation” theme that is within the Bible. God shows his power throughout the story and demonstrates the love He has for the widow. She feels alone and deserted to care for her son, yet God sends Elijah to her. She is rewarded for helping the prophet by no longer having to worry about food until the rain returns. Her son even dies and is brought back to life. After witnessing these things, she trusts God and accepts Him as her Lord as well. Through this situation, her life is made new and becomes a light to represent Him.
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle Page 3 of 5
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BIBL 105
discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length. See EBS
ch. 29.
When reading about the struggles the woman seemed to have before Elijah came along, I found it relating to the story of Job. Job struggled and dealt with many things that
most could not endure. He was essentially tortured and ridiculed for following and trusting God, yet his faith never waivered. He continued to pray without ceasing, and eventually, in His timing, Job was brought out of his suffering and was rewarded for it. In
the same sense, the woman needed help, and when Elijah came along proclaiming the word of the Lord, she trusted him. God provided for her needs when she put her trust in Him and allowed Him to work in her life. She was able to see what all God can do and how He can work through her.
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length. See EBS
ch. 30.
Many people during the time that Jesus walked the earth despised Him, only believing Him to be a false prophet with no proof to be the Son of God. In various circumstances, He proved Himself by performing many miracles, big or small. Many eyes were opened and many souls were saved by Jesus Christ showing to all the power bestowed upon Him by His Father in heaven. Not many believe based on faith alone, rather, they need to see to believe, just as the widow. Jesus performed many miracles that
would lead to the softening of hearts leading them to accept to the Word of God.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application (
EBS ch. 31)? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation
for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
It is important to follow the will of God and always listen and obey His commands. Elijah wandered throughout the land, listening and waiting on God to know where to go next. Since he was in position where God wanted him to be, Elijah was able to go and meet the widow where she was and help her provide for her son. Through him, God performed two miracles that changed the widow’s heart to follow the will of God. Obedience is better than sacrifice, so we must always stand firm in our faith, growing closer to Him each and every day.
B. The question of character
Having an open heart and mind just like the widow can help any Christian in their
walk with God. Learning to be more accepting and willing to listen to the call of God may give us the opportunity to witness to someone else. Being able to know and understand someone else’s standpoint on an issue or their religion may also help us to develop ways to impact non-believers lives and point them to the direction of eternal life Page 4 of 5
BIBL 105
with Jesus Christ. By understanding what it means to make ourselves a willing vessel, we
give ourselves the chance to reach others and use what the Bible says to explain the Truth
that will forever change their lives.
C. The question of goals
D. The question of discernment
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