Elijah and Ravens 1 Kings 17:4, “And it shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” I have commanded the ravens to feed thee (prophetic past tense):meaning “I shall command.” When God causes them to do what he intends to effect by them. The ravens being birds of prey, and very voracious, were more likely to rob the prophet than to bring him food; but God’s command suspended their natural instincts and made them act contrary to it. God could have sent angels to minister to Elijah; but he chose winged messengers of another kind. God controlled their natural inclinations while he employed them; and the greater encouragement was given to his prophet to rely on that power, thus man of God was able to manage his greatest straits and dangers. As you know, the ravens, belong to unclean birds(Leviticus 11:15), so they might defile and render unclean the food they brought. The flesh of unclean animals was not to be eaten by the Israelites; but their touch, while living, might be allowed either to food or anything else: for asses and camels were also unclean, and yet the Jews constantly used them for carrying provisions, as well as for other purposes (Benson) In this episode, we are aware of some exceptional understanding what the Law says. For instance, eagles also belong to the unclean birds, so God’s people must not eat their flesh as food according to Leviticus (11:13-19). But one of the figure of cherubim angels is looking like eagles (Ezekiel 1:10). The nickname of Judah tribe is lion, even though its flesh is forbidden to eat. Spiritual lessen of it is this: As big size or so-called clean animals or high kings make the Lord disappointed, God is ready to use mean creatures like ravens to replace them for fulfilling God’s plan. Elijah made wicked king Ahab know that God was displeased with the idolaters and would chastise them by the want of rain. Elijah was commanded to hide himself as God withdrew his favor on His people. The ravens were appointed to bring him food and did so. God could have sent angels to minister to him; but he chose to show that he can serve his own purposes by the meanest creatures (Henry). God can use the worst and wicked men to serve His kingdom ministry instead of hypocrite church leaders. As the natural supply of food failed, the miraculous supply of food made sure to him by God’s administration. Lord! Use my mean life for your holy plan in this pandemic time. The river of God makes glad the city of God, that never runs dry. Lord, give us your living water and heavenly manna today! (Henry).
. Brook 시내(물) . Ravens 까마귀
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