Congregation Bible Study for the Week of March 15-21, 2027

Chapter 30: She Was Courageous Despite Despair

In what ways did the widow of Zarephath show courage?

Comment 1: The widow showed courage by preparing food for Elijah first, even though she had only a little flour and oil left for herself and her son. She was not sharing something she had in excess; she was placing her very survival in Jehovah’s hands. In addition, she obeyed before seeing the miracle. That is what makes her example so special: She trusted the promise Jehovah conveyed through the prophet and allowed that trust to guide her decision.

Comment 2: She also showed courage by believing in Jehovah in a place where false worship predominated. She lived in a city of Sidon, surrounded by very bad religious practices, but she did not allow that environment to determine her attitude toward the true God. The chapter explains that she believed in him. Her example reminds us that our circumstances or the environment in which we live do not have to prevent us from developing faith and acting in a way that pleases Jehovah.

Comment 3: I am struck by the fact that her courage did not consist in hiding how serious her situation was. She explained to Elijah that she had barely any food and expected to die along with her son. Even so, she continued listening and accepted the direction she received. We can learn that being courageous does not mean that problems stop worrying us. It means that, even when we are afraid and see no way out, we are willing to listen to Jehovah and obey him.

1. What was the religion of Sidon—the principal city of Phoenicia—like, and how did it influence the Israelites?

Comment 1: Sidonian religion was depraved. The worship of Ashtoreth involved orgies and other forms of sexual immorality. So it was not simply that the Sidonians had different names for their gods. Their beliefs promoted conduct contrary to Jehovah’s standards. This detail helps us understand the environment in which the widow of Zarephath lived and why it is so significant that she had faith in the true God.

Comment 2: The Israelites allowed the Sidonians to remain among them and eventually adopted the worship of their gods. Judges chapter 10 shows that they came to abandon Jehovah, even though he had rescued them repeatedly. The influence of that religion was not superficial; it directly affected their loyalty. This teaches us that we should not assume that our faith will remain strong if we allow practices contrary to Jehovah to become normal for us.

1 Kings 11:1,4-6 — But King Solomon loved many foreign women besides the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women. In Solomon’s old age, his wives inclined his heart to follow other gods, and his heart was not complete with Jehovah his God like the heart of David his father. And Solomon followed after Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom, the disgusting god of the Ammonites. And Solomon did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and he did not follow Jehovah completely as David his father had done.

Comment 3: Solomon’s case shows how far that influence reached. Some of his wives were Sidonian, and they contributed to turning his heart away from Jehovah. He eventually followed Ashtoreth and stopped serving God with a complete heart. It was not enough that he had been faithful in the past. For us, this is a warning about the importance of guarding our closest relationships and protecting our love for Jehovah every day.

2. What relationship did Ethbaal have with King Ahab of Israel?

1 Kings 16:31 — As if it were a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he also took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, the king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and to bow down to him.

Comment 1: Ethbaal was Ahab’s father-in-law, because he was Jezebel’s father. The verse identifies Ethbaal as king of the Sidonians and links Ahab’s marriage with his worship of Baal. Thus, this family relationship helps us understand how Israel’s royal family became connected with a royal house that practiced false worship.

Comment 2: The information about Ethbaal explains that, by giving his daughter in marriage to Ahab, he established a political alliance with him. So that marriage did not merely unite two people; it also linked two royal houses. In this case, that union was accompanied by a very harmful religious influence on Israel. It helps us understand that a relationship that might seem advantageous from a human point of view could have serious consequences for faithfulness to Jehovah.

Comment 3: It seems that Ethbaal had been a priest of Ashtoreth before becoming king. The chapter presents that detail cautiously, and we should preserve that same caution when commenting on it. What is clear is that Jezebel came from a Sidonian royal house and later promoted false worship in Israel. This background helps us better understand both the influence Ahab received and the religious environment of the region where the widow of Zarephath lived.

3. The Phoenicians worshipped the goddess Astarte. What customs related to their religion still exist today?

Comment 1: Among the customs mentioned in the material are colored eggs and rabbit figures used at Easter. The egg and the hare were symbols associated with the fertility goddess Astarte. Although many people today may view them as simple family decorations, the article explains their connection with that ancient worship. Therefore, when deciding whether a custom is appropriate, it is not enough to focus on its pleasant appearance.

Comment 2: The material also mentions the custom of rising early to reverently greet the rising Sun during that celebration. In addition, it explains that spring was a sacred time for Phoenician worshippers. This helps us see that the connection with ancient religion is not limited to certain decorative objects; it also includes celebration practices. We do well to learn what religious meaning traditions have instead of accepting them simply because they are popular.

Comment 3: An important lesson is to distinguish between what a celebration claims to honor and the practices it actually includes. The article asks whether customs connected with that pagan worship are an appropriate way to honor the Son of God. That question helps us examine our own decisions. At the same time, we can explain our position respectfully, without attributing bad motives to those who participate in such traditions and may be unaware of their religious background.

4. When the widow’s son died, she asked Elijah: “Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to put my son to death?” Why might she have said that?

1 Kings 17:17-18 — After these things, the son of the woman who owned the house fell sick, and his sickness became so severe that he stopped breathing. At this she said to Elijah: “What do you have against me, O man of the true God? Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to put my son to death?”

Comment 1: The widow had just lost her son and was trying to find an explanation for what had happened. Perhaps she remembered some sin that weighed on her conscience and thought that the death was a punishment. But the material presents that as a possibility, not as a confirmed fact. The Bible does not explain what guilt she had in mind. Therefore, we can understand her anguish without asserting more than the account really allows us to know.

Comment 2: She may have associated Elijah’s presence with what had happened to her and viewed him as a messenger of death. However, the official explanation highlights something important: She was not accusing God of being unjust. Her words were those of a deeply grief-stricken mother trying to understand her loss. This detail helps us listen compassionately to those who suffer, without jumping to conclusions about their attitude toward Jehovah.

Comment 3: The child’s death was a new test of faith after the miracle of the flour and oil. Having received help from Jehovah did not prevent the widow from going through an extremely painful experience. This reminds us that a person with faith may also feel bewildered in the face of tragedy. It would not be fair to measure all her trust in Jehovah by words spoken in the midst of pain. We should take into account what she is experiencing and treat her tenderly.

Jehovah noticed the widow even though she lived in a city where Baal was worshipped. What does this teach us about Jehovah and about how we should view people in the territory?

Acts 10:35 — but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Comment 1: Jehovah does not determine a person’s value by nationality. As Acts 10:35 indicates, he looks at the person’s attitude toward him and conduct. The widow lived among people who worshipped false gods, but Jehovah saw something different in her. This teaches us not to dismiss anyone in the territory because of his or her country of origin or family religion. Each person deserves the opportunity to learn about the true God.

Comment 2: Jesus recalled that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s days, but the prophet was sent to a widow in Zarephath. That detail shows that Jehovah did not overlook a woman living outside Israel. In our ministry, we can imitate him by taking an interest in people individually. Even if an area has a deeply rooted religion, we do not know who may be willing to listen. The general environment does not tell us how each heart will respond.

Comment 3: It also teaches me to approach others kindly, not with prejudice. Elijah spoke respectfully to that woman and began by asking her for something simple. She responded generously, although she was going through a very difficult situation. In the territory, we may also meet people whose concerns we do not know. A kind conversation and sincere interest can help us listen to them better and discover what aspect of the Bible’s message might comfort them.

What can Christians who have financial problems learn from the faith and courage shown by the widow of Zarephath?

Comment 1: They can learn that financial difficulties do not mean that Jehovah has forgotten them. The widow had very little, yet to him she was a special and valuable person. Jehovah knew her situation before Elijah arrived. If we are worried about providing for our family, this account can help us remember that our value before God does not depend on what we possess. We can turn to him with confidence and continue seeking his direction.

Comment 2: The widow acted on the basis of a specific promise from Jehovah, not on the idea that any financial risk would work out well. That distinction is important. We have not received the promise of having flour and oil provided miraculously, but we can imitate her willingness to obey Jehovah. When money is scarce, we need courage not to set aside Bible principles for a solution that seems quick. Her example encourages us to trust without acting imprudently.

Comment 3: The images related to the question show a young man examining his future options and reasoning with his parents using the Bible. Later he is shown serving at Bethel. The emphasis is on making decisions with Jehovah’s direction in mind, not merely material possibilities. Someone facing financial concerns can likewise stop to examine his options with the Bible and seek counsel. In this way he can decide more balancedly, without allowing fear to be the only thing guiding him.

In what other ways can you imitate the courage of the widow of Zarephath?

Comment 1: I can imitate her generosity. When Elijah asked her for water, she went to get it, although she lived in a region affected by drought. Her own need did not prevent her from taking an interest in someone else. At times I may think that I will help when I have more time or better circumstances. The widow’s example encourages me to consider what help I can offer now, within my means, instead of waiting for all my difficulties to disappear.

Comment 2: I can imitate her willingness to listen when I am worried. The widow had already explained that she expected to prepare her last meal, but she did not reject Elijah’s words. She continued listening and then acted. If I am going through a difficult situation, I might shut myself away in my own way of viewing it. Her example encourages me to remain receptive to Bible-based direction, even if at first I do not see how it will help me. Listening humbly may also require great courage.

Comment 3: Another way is not to let the environment decide for me. The widow believed in Jehovah although she lived where false gods were worshipped. I too may find myself surrounded by customs or ideas that do not agree with the Bible. Her example encourages me to maintain my convictions respectfully and firmly. I do not need to treat those who think differently badly, but I do need the courage to act in harmony with what I know pleases Jehovah.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah is interested in people who might go unnoticed by others. The main character was a foreign widow struggling to feed her son, but Jehovah considered her very valuable and sent Elijah to where she lived. She was not invisible to him. This detail comforts me because it shows that Jehovah does not limit his attention to prominent people. He knows the circumstances of those who suffer and appreciates the faith they show in the midst of their difficulties.

Comment 2: It also teaches me that Jehovah fulfills what he promises. Elijah announced to the widow that the flour and oil would not run out during the drought, and that is exactly what happened. The help was not limited to one meal; there was food throughout the period Jehovah had indicated. When I think about this detail, my confidence can rest on more than a desire for everything to turn out well. It rests on the faithfulness Jehovah has already demonstrated.

Comment 3: The child’s resurrection teaches me that Jehovah has the power to restore life and that he listens to the pleas of his servants. Elijah pleaded for the boy, and Jehovah responded. The account does not present God as distant from the suffering of that family. In addition to sustaining them during the famine, he made it possible for mother and son to be together again. That combination of power and compassion is a very strong reason to trust in him.

How is this account related to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Comment 1: The account helps us to know and honor Jehovah’s name. In a region where false gods were worshipped, he demonstrated that he was the living God: He sustained a family and restored a child’s life. In the end, the widow acknowledged that Jehovah’s message conveyed through Elijah was true. These events help show who Jehovah really is and why he deserves our trust and worship, something fundamental to the Bible’s message.

Comment 2: The resurrection of the widow’s son is the first one mentioned in the Bible. For that reason, it occupies a very special place in the way Jehovah has made his power over death known. It was not merely a comfort for that mother; it is also a basis for our confidence in the resurrection hope. When we think about Jehovah’s purpose, this event helps us see that death is not beyond the reach of his power.

Comment 3: Jeremiah 10:10 presents Jehovah as the true God and the eternal King. What he did for this family allows us to see how he uses his power: He not only can act, but he is interested in those who trust in him. This helps us understand why his rulership deserves our trust. Rather than separating his authority from his qualities, the account unites them: The God who has the power to sustain life also shows compassion for a widow and her son.

What would I like to ask the widow of Zarephath when she is resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask her how she came to know Jehovah before meeting Elijah. The chapter says that she apparently had heard about him, but it does not explain who spoke to her or what information she received. It would be very interesting to hear from her what awakened her trust in the God of Israel. That question also makes me appreciate conversations about Jehovah: We do not always know how much what we tell someone about him may mean to that person.

Comment 2: I would ask her what helped her prepare the bread for Elijah first when she had so little food left. We know what she did and know the promise she received, but I would like to hear how she experienced that moment. I would not want to take for granted what she thought or felt. Hearing her own explanation would help me appreciate even more the courage she showed by obeying before seeing how Jehovah would sustain them.

Comment 3: I would like to ask her how receiving her son back affected her life. The Bible preserves her acknowledgment that Elijah was a man of God and that Jehovah’s message was true, but it does not tell us about all the years that followed. It would be beautiful to hear what remembering that miracle meant to her. Thinking about that conversation also helps me view the resurrection as a real hope involving people whom we will be able to know.

More posts for this week

Week of March 15–21, 2027

Treasures Treasures From God’s Word for the Week of March 15-21, 2027 View post →

Gems Spiritual Gems for the Week of March 15-21, 2027 View post →

Be Better Teachers Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry for the Week of March 15-21, 2027 View post →

The Watchtower Watchtower Study for the Week of March 15-21, 2027 View post →