The answer is: Three

1 Ki 17:21

Elijah's dramatic encounter with the widow's son is filled with emotion and significance. When he stretched himself over the boy three times—symbolizing earnest prayer and determination—he was not just performing an act; he was passionately invoking divine intervention. The number three often carries profound implications in the Bible, suggesting completeness or wholeness, which is fitting for this intense narrative of life and resurrection.

Elijah, a towering figure of faith, stands at a critical point in biblical history. He was a prophet during a period when Israel was entrenched in idolatry. This excellent encounter emphasizes Elijah's essential role in turning people’s eyes back to God. He spoke powerfully against the worship of Baal, offering a counter-narrative to a culture inundated with false gods.

Interesting to note, when we think of rebirth and revitalization, it echoes other significant moments in scripture—including Jesus' own act of raising Lazarus and the most famous resurrection of all, his own. Each of these instances adds layers to the understanding of life after death, illustrating a common theological thread.

The mother's grief, matched with Elijah's fervent prayers, portrays a deep relationship between humans and the divine—a blend of intimacy and faith where existence is treasured and death is fervidly contested. In the end, this story reminds us of the breath of hope amidst despair, a powerful theme still resonating extensively today.