1 Kings 17:9

Arise, get thee to Zarephath [Cf. Obadiah 1:20 . The name points to furnaces or workshops for the refining of metals, צָרַף , liquavit . LXX . σαρεπτὰ ; cf. Luke 4:26 . It is now represented by an insignificant village, Surafend, which, however, preserves the original name. It lies still, as no doubt it did then, on the high road between Tyre and Sidon, and on the shore. The prophet would thus be in the lion's den, in the very heart of the dominions of Ethbaal. See Porter, 2:397. Stanley shows how the memory of this visit still lingers in the traditions of the neighbourhood], which belongeth to Zidon [Sidon is visible from a spot a quarter of an hour distant. "The dependence of Sarepta on Sidon is indicated in the inscriptions of Sennacherib, where it is mentioned as belonging to Luliya, king of Sidon," Rawlinson], and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee [In considering these words the generally destitute condition of the widow of the East should be borne in mind ( Acts 6:1 ; 1 Timothy 5:3-5 , etc.) We gather from Luke 4:25 , Luke 4:26 , that it was for her sake as well as his that the prophet was sent thither. Matthew 15:21-28 tells of another Syro-Phoenician woman.]