Definition: And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 17:17. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is Sending Rain: The verse tells us that God was sending rain to water the land of Israel. This was a significant event, as it was a time of drought. A Woman's Child Falls Ill: It then says that one of the women who had been with King Solomon was sick. This wasn’t just any illness; it was incredibly severe and debilitating. No Breath Left: The key part is this: “there was no breath left in him.” This means the woman died. Putting It Together – A Symbolic Meaning This verse isn't about a literal death; it’s a powerful metaphor. It represents a profound spiritual crisis for Israel. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Love is Strong: The rain, and ultimately the woman's death, was a sign of God’s immense love and concern for his people. He wanted to bring them back to him. A Test of Faith: It’s often interpreted as a test of Israel’s faith in God. They were facing a crisis, and their reliance on the divine was put to the ultimate test. The Promise of Renewal: The rain that followed represents renewal and restoration – a new beginning for Israel. It signifies that God is working to heal and restore his people. In short, it’s a story about God’s love being tested, and ultimately answered through a devastating loss. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the context of the verse in the Bible? Would you like to know how it relates to other stories or events?