Definition: For thus saith the LORD God 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 17:14. It’s a really important and hopeful passage about God’s provision for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is saying: “God promises to keep the Israelites fed and supplied, even when things are tough. He will ensure they have enough food and oil to last until He decides to send rain.” Let's unpack it a little further: "For thus saith the LORD God of Israel..." – This is just a way for God to introduce himself and give us confidence. It’s a formal, authoritative statement. "...The barrel of meal shall not waste..." – Think of a barrel as a container holding food. “Waste” means to go bad or be lost. So this means the Israelites' stores of food will not spoil or run out. God is guaranteeing they’ll have enough to eat. "...nor shall the cruse of oil fail..." – A cruse is a container for oil, and it’s used for lighting candles or other purposes. “Fail” means to not work properly or be lost. This guarantees the Israelites will always have enough oil to keep their lamps burning, which was important for rituals and guidance. "...until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth." – This is the big promise! "Sendeth rain" means God will bring down rain – a crucial source of water for agriculture, survival, and even spiritual renewal. “Until the day” indicates this blessing is ongoing – it won’t just happen one time, but will continue until He decides. The Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of God’s unwavering care for His people. He's guaranteeing their sustenance and protection, even in times of hardship or uncertainty. It’s a message of hope and assurance – that God is on our side and will provide for us. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that God is faithful and reliable. It speaks to the importance of trusting in Him, especially during difficult periods. It's about knowing that even when things seem bleak, God's plans are good and He will ultimately fulfill His promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Discuss its connection to other parts of 1 Kings? Give you a different example of a similar promise from scripture?