And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here's a thought on that verse: Notice that it says "the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah," not just that he heard him. This implies a deep, responsive attention, as if God was leaning in, moved by Elijah's desperate plea. It highlights how our earnest prayers, even in moments of utter despair, can truly capture God's heart.
And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elijah has just brought a dead child back to life after God heard his desperate prayer on behalf of the widow. This astonishing event, occurring in the midst of a devastating famine, serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and Elijah's prophetic authority. The narrative continues to show how this miracle impacts the widow, leading her to a profound belief in God's word spoken through Elijah.
Elijah's desperate cry pierced the heavens. What does this moment reveal about how God listens to us?
The Divine Ear:
This verse isn't just a narrative highlight; it's a profound glimpse into God's responsiveness. 'The LORD listened' isn't a passive observation. It signifies God attending to Elijah's plea, choosing to act. In a moment of intense grief and apparent failure, Elijah's prayer wasn't ignored. It was heard, and it was answered. This assures us that our own earnest prayers, especially in times of crisis, are not lost in the void. God's ear is tuned to the voices of His people.
The child was lifeless, yet miraculously revived. What does this resurrection point to about God's ultimate power?
The Breath of Life:
'And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.' This is more than just a resuscitation; it's a demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. Elijah, empowered by God, becomes the conduit for this divine intervention. The child, who had no breath, no pulse, was fully restored. This act foreshadows a greater resurrection power, ultimately displayed in Jesus Christ, who conquered death itself. It reminds us that the God who restores breath can bring life where there seems to be none.
Understand the original words
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chayah · Hebrew Verb
To be restored to physical life or vitality after being dead or in a state of mortal decline. It implies a reversal of death and the return of the breath of life.
This miracle, occurring during a devastating drought and amidst rampant idolatry, wasn't just about saving a child; it was a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and life-giving power, even in a foreign land, directly challenging the fertility claims of the Baal cult.
c. 875 BC
Ahab becomes King of Israel
Ahab, son of Omri, takes the throne in the northern kingdom of Israel. He marries Jezebel and deeply embraces Baal worship, leading Israel further into spiritual corruption.
c. 874 BC
Elijah's first prophecy of drought
Elijah confronts King Ahab with a divine pronouncement: there will be no dew or rain except by his word, initiating a severe famine across the land.
c. 874-871 BC
Elijah at the Brook Cherith
Following God's command, Elijah hides by the Brook Cherith, where he is miraculously fed by ravens. This period of isolation prepares him for his next confrontation.
c. 873 BC— this verse
Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
The drought forces Elijah to travel to Zarephath, a Gentile town. Here, he encounters a widow who, despite famine, shares her last meal with him, demonstrating faith.
c. 873 BC
The child of the widow dies
Tragically, the widow's only son falls gravely ill and dies. In her deep grief, she confronts Elijah, blaming him for her misfortune.
c. 873 BC
Elijah raises the child
Heartbroken, Elijah takes the child to an upper room and prays fervently to the LORD, asking for the child's life to be restored. God answers his prayer, and the child is revived.
c. 872 BC
Confrontation on Mount Carmel
After the drought persists, Elijah arranges a dramatic showdown between God and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where God proves His power by sending fire and ending the drought.
This passage also describes a resurrection miracle performed by Jesus, showing God's power over death through His prophet, just as He did through Elijah.
John 11:43-44Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb mirrors Elijah's prayer to God to bring life back into the child, demonstrating the divine authority over life and death.
2 Kings 4:32-37This account shows Elisha, Elijah's successor, performing a similar miracle of raising a child from the dead, highlighting a continuing pattern of God's life-giving power through His prophets.
Romans 4:17This verse speaks of God as the one 'who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist,' which directly relates to Elijah's prayer being answered by God breathing life back into the child.
Here's a thought on that verse:
Notice that it says "the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah," not just that he heard him. This implies a deep, responsive attention, as if God was leaning in, moved by Elijah's desperate plea. It highlights how our earnest prayers, even in moments of utter despair, can truly capture God's heart.
Elijah has just brought a dead child back to life after God heard his desperate prayer on behalf of the widow. This astonishing event, occurring in the midst of a devastating famine, serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and Elijah's prophetic authority. The narrative continues to show how this miracle impacts the widow, leading her to a profound belief in God's word spoken through Elijah.
Elijah has just brought a dead child back to life after God heard his desperate prayer on behalf of the widow. This astonishing event, occurring in the midst of a devastating famine, serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and Elijah's prophetic authority. The narrative continues to show how this miracle impacts the widow, leading her to a profound belief in God's word spoken through Elijah.
"And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived." — Here's a thought on that verse:
Notice that it says "the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah," not just that he heard him. This implies a deep, responsive attention, as if God was leaning in, mov…
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Last reviewed October 2026