Cherith, The Brook
LocationsGeographical Setting
A brook or wadi east of the Jordan River where the prophet Elijah sought refuge during the reign of King Ahab.
What is the meaning of Cherith, The Brook in the Bible?
Elijah hid at the Brook Cherith, located east of the Jordan River, where he was sustained by ravens during the drought announced to Ahab. While historically linked to the region of Gilead, the exact site cannot be definitively identified with Wady el-Kelt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Cherith clarifies the narrative context of Elijah's isolation and divine provision, illustrating the harsh conditions of the wilderness and the specific historical setting of the conflict between the prophet and the royal house of Ahab.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Cherith, The Brook in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cherith, The Brook clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.