"In this poverty-stricken home the famine pressed sore, and the pitifully meager fare seemed about to fail. The coming of Elijah on the very day when the widow feared that she must give up the struggle to sustain life tested to the utmost her faith in the power of the living God to provide for her necessities. But even in her dire extremity she bore witness to her faith by a compliance with the request of the stranger who was asking her to share her last morsel with him. PK 130.1"
"And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
The EGW passage elaborates on the context and circumstances described in 1 Kings 17:12, highlighting the widow's dire situation and her faith in God's provision. It's more than just a thematic parallel; it's a direct commentary on the biblical narrative.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of trusting God to provide for one's needs when prioritizing obedience to Him, which aligns with the principle in Matthew 6:33 of seeking God's kingdom first and trusting that other needs will be met.
"In response to Elijah's request for food and drink, the widow said, “As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” Elijah said to her, “Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.” PK 130.2"
"And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
EGW is directly quoting 1 Kings 17:12, making this an explicit allusion.
"No greater test of faith than this could have been required. The widow had hitherto treated all strangers with kindness and liberality. Now, regardless of the suffering that might result to herself and child, and trusting in the God of Israel to supply her every need, she met this supreme test of hospitality by doing “according to the saying of Elijah.” PK 130.3"
"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Both passages highlight the importance of showing kindness and hospitality, even when it requires sacrifice. The widow's act mirrors the spirit of generosity encouraged by Jesus.