מלכים א, פרק י״ז, פסוק ו׳

While hiding from the public eye, Elijah the Prophet experiences close divine care, receiving his daily food far from human civilization. The identity of those supplying these meals is a subject of discussion. One approach understands them to be actual ravens, which are unclean birds. God specifically chose these animals to ensure that no person would discover the prophet's secret location [אברבנאל, חומת אנך]. Alternatively, others suggest that these providers were not birds at all, but human beings. They might have been residents of a town named Orev [חומת אנך], or perhaps merchants known by that name, who were aware of where Elijah was staying and took care to supply him with daily meals [אברבנאל].

If the food was indeed brought by unclean birds, the question arises as to how the meat could be considered fit for consumption. One perspective focuses on absolute obedience to God. Since God directly commanded Elijah to eat what was provided, the prophet had absolute certainty that the food was proper to eat [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, a prophet is permitted to temporarily bypass standard laws when acting under a direct command from God [אברבנאל].

Another explanation resolves the issue by looking at the source of the food itself. Traditions teach that God arranged for the birds to take kosher meat directly from royal dining rooms. According to different views, this meat was taken either from the table of King Ahab or from the table of King Jehoshaphat [אברבנאל].