Zarephath] Called Sarepta; A citie which the Zidonians inhabited, of which countrey this widow was, Luke 4:26. It bordered upon the land of Israel; and as Israel was infected with their sin (chap. 16. 31.) so they did partake of Israels punishment.
dwell there] There continue as in thine own house, v. 5.
commanded] By my over-ruling powerfull providence I have, as by a command, moved her. For the certainty of the thing, the time past is put for the future. Here are instances given of senselesse creatures (dew and rain, vers. 1.) of unreasonable (ravens, vers. 4.) and of the heathen, to be at Gods command.