He stretched himself upon the child; not as if he thought this could contribute any warmth or life to the child; but partly to express, and withal to increase, his grief for the child's death, and his desire of its reviving; that thereby his prayers might be more fervent, and consequently more prevalent with God; and partly that it might appear that this miracle, though wrought by God alone, yet was done for the sake of Elijah, and in answer to his prayers. Compare 2 Kings 4:34 1 Thessalonians 9:6 Acts 20:10. And cried unto the Lord: first he stretched himself, then he prayed, and that for three times successively. Let this child's soul come into him again; by which it is evident that the soul was gone out of his body, and therefore doth subsist without it after death. Compare Genesis 35:18. This was a great request; but Elijah was encouraged to make it; partly, by his zeal for God's honour, which he thought was concerned in it, and would be eclipsed by it; partly, by the experience which he had of his prevailing power with God in prayer; and partly, by a Divine impulse moving him to desire it.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 17:21
1 Kings 17:21
21 And he stretchedf himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.