the boy’s death falls upon the one who has been sustaining life: the widow blames Elijah, and Elijah blames Yahweh. As a result, Elijah’s character undergoes a further development. He takes the initiative to confront Yahweh and ask that the boy be restored. When Elijah’s prayer is answered, the development of these motifs reaches its fulfillment. Food and drink are assured, even in the midst of drought and famine, and life is victorious over death. The inclusion in verses 1 and