What was Cherith in the Bible?
The Significance of Cherith in the Bible
Cherith, or “Kerith” in some translations, holds a profound place in biblical history. Found in 1 Kings 17:3, Cherith is where the prophet Elijah sought refuge during a severe drought and famine. This event offers rich lessons and connections for modern Christians.
Cherith Near Jordan Valley
The name Cherith (Hebrew: כְּרִית, Kərīt) means “cutting” or “separation,” which is fitting given its role in Elijah’s story. God instructed Elijah to hide by the brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan River, ensuring his safety and sustenance during the drought.
1 Kings 17:3-4 states, “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” This passage highlights God’s protective and providential nature.
Elijah’s Experience at Cherith
Elijah’s time at Cherith was marked by divine provision. In 1 Kings 17:5-6, we read, “So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” This miraculous provision underscores God’s ability to meet the needs of His servants even in the most trying circumstances.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Trust in God’s Guidance
Elijah’s obedience to God’s command to go to Cherith is a powerful example for believers. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, even when His plans lead us to places of isolation or challenge. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Dependence on God’s Provision
Elijah’s sustenance through the ravens at Cherith teaches us about relying on God’s provision. In a world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency, Elijah’s story is a reminder that our true source of sustenance and security is God Himself. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Sovereignty
Cherith symbolizes God’s sovereignty and His active involvement in the lives of His people. Elijah’s journey to Cherith was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated plan. Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God’s Faithfulness
God’s provision for Elijah at Cherith exemplifies His faithfulness. Despite the drought and famine, God ensured that Elijah lacked nothing. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Provision
Elijah’s experience at Cherith foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided for Elijah’s physical needs, Christ provides for our spiritual needs. John 6:35 records Jesus saying, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
The Brook of Living Water
The brook at Cherith can be seen as a symbol of the living water that Christ offers. In John 4:14, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Conclusion
Cherith, a seemingly obscure location, carries profound theological significance. It represents a place of divine separation, provision, and trust. Elijah’s story at Cherith is a timeless reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to provide for His people in miraculous ways. For modern Christians, Cherith encourages us to trust in God’s guidance, depend on His provision, and connect deeply with His loving and faithful nature through Jesus Christ. As we navigate our own journeys, may we find solace and strength in the God who sustained Elijah by the brook Cherith.
References:
- 1 Kings 17:3 – Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.
- 1 Kings 17:5 – So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there.