The answer is: Three

1 Ki 17:21

In the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath, we witness an extraordinary miracle. The backdrop is rich with themes of prophecy, hardship, and divine intervention. When Elijah stretched himself over the widow's son three times, it wasn't just a display of desperation; it was an act laden with meaning. The number three in ancient cultures often represents completeness or wholeness, echoing other biblical stories, like how Jesus would rise on the third day.

Elijah first prays to God for the child's life, demonstrating faith in life's power. Each stretch might signify a deepening commitment through prayer, overlapping with historical rituals of Israelite leaders representing sacrifice, like when King Solomon dedicated the temple with fervent supplication (1 Kings 8). This biblical echo serves as a reminder of collective faith and God's mercy.

Interestingly, Zarephath itself isn’t just a place; it’s steeped in symbolism, as it means "to smelt," hinting at the refining of faith—much like how metal is purified through fire. When the miracle occurs and the boy revives, it symbolizes hope not just for the mother but the entire community facing scarcity during a time of drought. Elijah's actions affirm the belief in a compassionate God—one who responds to human sorrow and intervenes to restore life, connecting us with layers of meaning that inspire and enrich our understanding.