Cherith
LocationsGeographical Setting
A dry riverbed or wadi in the region of Gilead, identified in biblical texts as the hiding place of the prophet Elijah.
What is the meaning of Cherith in the Bible?
Cherith is a seasonal stream located in Gilead, serving as the refuge for the prophet Elijah during the drought described in the First Book of Kings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of wadis clarifies how Elijah sustained himself through divine provision of ravens and water from the brook, grounding the narrative in the environmental realities of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Cherith (located near modern Wadi Kishon, near the Jabbok River, Jordan) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cherith in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cherith clarify?
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Cherith." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cherith/