Elijah Fed by Ravens

Elijah’s example declares, Whatever distress may betide, The saints may commit all their cares To Him who will surely provide: When rain long withheld from the earth Occasion’d a famine of bread, The prophet, secured from the dearth, By ravens was constantly fed.

More likely to rob than to feed Were ravens, who live upon prey; But when the Lord’s people have need, His goodness will find out a way. This instance to those may be strange Who know not how faith can prevail; But sooner all nature shall change Than one of God’s promises fail.

Nor is it a singular case The wonder is often renew’d; And many can say to his praise, He sends them by ravens their food. Thus worldlings, though ravens indeed, Though greedy and selfish their mind, If God has a servant to feed, Against their own wills can be kind.

Thus Satan, that raven unclean, Who croaks in the ears of the saints, Compell’d by a Power unseen, Administers oft to their wants: God teaches them how to find food From all the temptations they feel; This raven, who thirsts for my blood, Has help’d me to many a meal.

How safe and how happy are they Who on the good Shepherd rely! He gives them out strength for their day, Their wants he will surely supply: He ravens and lions can tame— All creatures obey his command; Then let me rejoice in his name, And leave all my cares in his hand.