1 Kings 17:21
And he stretched 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.
1 Kings 17:21 · King James Version
Meaning
When the prophet Elisha found the child he had earlier raised from the dead lying lifeless on his bed, he performed a miraculous act. By stretching himself upon the child three times, he demonstrated a powerful act of intercession before the Lord. The repetition of the action symbolized Elisha's persistence and urgency in seeking God's intervention. Through fervent prayer, Elisha called upon the Lord, addressing Him as his God, demonstrating his intimate relationship with the Almighty. By pleading for the child's soul to return, Elisha exhibited his unwavering faith in the power of God to restore life. This verse highlights the prophet's deep faith and reliance on God's sovereign will, showing believers the importance of persistently seeking God in times of need. Elisha's actions remind us of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to answer the cries of His children.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a powerful act of faith and intercession by the prophet Elisha. The act of stretching himself upon the child three times can be interpreted as a symbolic gesture representing Elisha's earnest pleading before the Lord for the child's life to be restored. This action demonstrates Elisha's belief in the power of God to bring about a miracle and his willingness to go to great lengths to see it accomplished. The words spoken by Elisha, "O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again," reveal his deep trust in the Lord's ability to bring about resurrection and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over life and death. Through this prayer, Elisha shows not only his compassion for the child but also his unwavering faith in the God of life. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and persistence in seeking God's intervention in moments of crisis and despair.
1 Kings 17:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.
World English Bible
He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, “Yahweh my God, please let this child’s soul come into him again.”
Douay-Rheims
And he stretched, and measured himself upon the child three times, and cried to the Lord, and said: O Lord, my God, let the soul of this child, I beseech thee, return into his body.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he stretched himselfe vpon the childe three times, and called vnto the Lord, and saide, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this childes soule come into him againe.