(5) So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. (6) And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
Besides the providence of God in this, as far as related to the supplying of the necessities of the body, there was much of a gracious, spiritual ordinance in it, if I mistake not. How doth the Lord Jesus hand his bread and flesh to his people in secret! How doth he give them to eat of the hidden manna! Whatever messengers he makes use of, as the ravens were here, ministering to his servant; yet, blessed be his name, it is he himself which gives to them of his flesh and blood, by which they live in him, and to him. John 6:51; Revelation 2:17. I must detain the Reader for one observation more, on this interesting passage. In all this gracious process for the maintenance and preservation of his servant, it is beautiful to remark how the Lord acted by the very contrary means to the common course of things; nay, even contrary to the common course of nature. Of all creatures in the creation, none so unpromising as ravens, to bring flesh to the prophet. For it is well known that ravens are carnivorous creatures; that is, I mean, they live on flesh and carrion. And, as they are very voracious; what but an overruling power, could have inclined those creatures to carry food, which they themselves would rather gorge upon forever, than desist from eating. Moreover: Ravens are said to neglect their own young. And hence the Lord himself demanded of Job; Who provideth for the raven his food, when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat! Job 38:41 The Psalmist also expresseth the same, when be saith, He giveth to the young ravens when they cry. Psalms 147:9. Hence, therefore, to make creatures void of the natural instinct of affection to their own young, to carry flesh to the prophet; how supernatural was this act? And is there anyone, after this, disposed to cavil with the divine authority, and impiously enquire where those ravens could get their supplies for the prophet? Is not the earth the Lord's; and the fulness thereof! But, Reader! think what a strengthening this must have been to the faith of Elijah! Lord Jesus! art not thou daily supplying thy people with the sweet morsels of thy grace! And shall not our faith in thee, be equally strengthened as the prophet's! That a life of grace is kept and preserved in the souls of thy people, what, but thy seasonable supplies could accomplish it, amidst all our famine and need? And being thus kept and preserved, shall we any longer doubt? Oh! for faith, like the prophet, to live upon Jesus!