The preferential conditions that Eliyau has enjoyed for the last year have now expired - and therefore the widow and her son are no longer different from anyone else suffering the effects of the drought. Eliyahu’s decree is the cause - directly or indirectly - of famine and death. Against his will, Eliyahu is becoming party to the suffering of the drought. Eliyahu's call to God testifies that he is not ready to recognize the claim represented by the death of the widow's son as a continuation of God's argument with him. He maintains his regular position, requesting for himself and those around him the right to a preferential existence. His request is therefore not accepted. His initial call to God is not heard, and the widow's son is not revived.

Eliyahu
Decree of Drought
Suffering
Identification with Suffering
Widow
Orphan
Miracles
Drought
Resurrecting the Dead
Prayer
Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion