In the book of 1 Kings, we encounter a remarkable account of God's provision for His prophet Elijah during a time of severe famine in the land. God commanded Elijah to hide by the brook Cherith, where he would receive a steady supply of food and water in an unusual way.

In this incredible account, we see God using ravens, creatures not known for their generous nature, to provide sustenance for His prophet. The Bible does not specify where exactly the ravens obtained this food from, but some biblical scholars suggest they may have taken it from the king's table or other sources of provisions. This would align with God's sovereign power to command even the animals to provide for His prophet.

The specificity of the ravens bringing Elijah bread and meat in the morning and evening has led some biblical scholars to suggest that this unusual feeding schedule could be interpreted as God's recommended "eating plan" or meal timings for His people.

The reasoning is that since God sovereignly ordained these specific times for the ravens to bring Elijah's food, it sets a divine precedent for when humans should eat - first thing in the morning after waking up, and then again in the evening before sleep. This aligns with the natural cycles of activity and rest.

It is also noteworthy that the food provided consisted of "bread and flesh", which can be viewed as a well-balanced diet of carbohydrates and protein. This choice of nourishment from God displays His care for Elijah's physical needs, providing him with the necessary sustenance to maintain his strength and health during this challenging time in the wilderness.

This theme of God's provision of food is also seen in a less-cited scripture from the KJV:

Just as God provided for the ravens to feed Elijah, this verse reminds us that God also cares for the basic needs of His creation, including the birds of the air. How much more then will He provide for His own children who follow Him?

Another uncommon biblical story that demonstrates God's miraculous provision of food is found in 2 Kings 4:42-44, where the prophet Elisha was able to feed 100 people with just 20 small loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. Despite the scarcity of resources, Elisha trusted God's word and the food was multiplied, with some left over. This story echoes the accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes with a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39), further emphasizing God's ability to provide abundantly for His people's needs.

While the Bible does not explicitly state this was a prescribed eating schedule, some view it as a pattern to emulate for one's dietary habits, eating soon after sunrise and then again at sunset, with the nourishment coming ultimately from God's own provision.

Whether one chooses to adopt this interpretation or not, the raven feeding narrative in 1 Kings 17 remains an inspiring example of God's ability to sustain His people in creative and miraculous ways according to His perfect timing and will. Elijah's obedience and trust in God's Word were rewarded with a constant supply of food, even in the midst of a famine, reminding us of God's faithfulness to those who follow Him wholeheartedly.