17:9-16 Elijah’s faith was tested further. At Kerith Brook, God had supplied his needs directly. With these supplies cut off, Elijah now had to depend on a foreign woman’s response to a divine test. The account details the setting (17:8-10a), Elijah’s test for the widow (17:10b-14), the woman’s compliance, and God’s reward (17:15-16). 17:9-11 Zarephath was in Phoenician territory about seven miles south of Sidon, away from Ahab’s jurisdiction. Ironically, God provided Elijah a place of refuge in Jezebel’s homeland, which was associated with worship of Baal. • So he went: Elijah again (see 17:5) obeyed the Lord’s command. Obedience (1 Sam 15:22; Ps 40:1-6; Isa 1:10-20), trust (Ps 37:3; Prov 3:5-6), and faithfulness (Ps 18:25; Rev 2:10) are foundational attributes for successful spiritual service. • God’s ongoing provision for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrated God’s concern for all people who put him first. • water . . . bread: Elijah asked for the basic staples of life, but these were in scarce supply as the drought spread into Phoenician territory.