1 Kings 19
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19 Meaning
1 Kings 19 depict the prophet Elijah experiencing a period of discouragement and vulnerability after a great victory over the prophets of Baal. This chapter reveals the natural struggle we sometimes face as believers, even after experiencing triumphs in our faith. It teaches us that it is in these moments of weakness that God shows up and provides comfort, encouragement, and direction.
1 Kings 19 Commentary and Explanation
Chapter 19 of 1 Kings is a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Elijah, and it offers us profound insights into the complexities of faith, the nature of God, and the challenges of the prophetic ministry.
In this chapter, we find Elijah fleeing for his life after the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel in the previous chapter. He had just witnessed the power of God in consuming the sacrifice with fire, defeating the prophets of Baal, and bringing rain to end a severe drought. It’s a reminder that even in moments of great victory and faith, we can still face moments of fear and weakness.
Elijah’s flight to Beersheba, followed by his journey into the wilderness, reflects his exhaustion, both physically and spiritually. We can relate to times in our lives when we’ve felt overwhelmed and sought solitude, perhaps mirroring Jesus’ own retreat into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Elijah’s plea to God to take his life reveals the depth of his despair. Even a mighty prophet like him struggled with discouragement and despondency, reminding us that no one is immune to moments of weakness (James 5:17). Elijah’s feelings echo those of the psalmist who cried out, “I am in great distress; let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great” (2 Samuel 24:14).
The angel’s visit and provision of food and water to Elijah in the wilderness demonstrate God’s care for His servants in times of need. It reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-33, where He encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first, knowing that our Heavenly Father will provide for our needs.
Elijah’s journey to Horeb, the mountain of God, is significant. It harkens back to Moses’ encounter with God on the same mountain (Exodus 3:1-6). It’s a place where God often reveals Himself, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s presence in moments of crisis.
The powerful manifestations of nature—a great wind, an earthquake, and fire—all capture our attention. However, God was not in any of these spectacular displays. Instead, He revealed Himself in a gentle whisper, highlighting the importance of listening for God’s still, small voice in the midst of life’s storms (Psalm 46:10).
God’s question to Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” prompts reflection. It encourages us to examine our own lives and consider if we are where God wants us to be, serving His purposes faithfully.
Elijah’s response reveals his feeling of isolation, believing he was the only faithful servant left. God, however, reassures him that there are others who remain faithful, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our faith journey (Romans 11:2-4).
God’s instructions to Elijah to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha as his successors highlight the importance of passing on the prophetic mantle to the next generation. It underscores the idea that our faith and ministry should have a lasting impact on others (2 Timothy 2:2).
1 Kings 19 invites us to reflect on the complexities of faith and the importance of seeking God’s presence even in the darkest moments of our lives. It reminds us that God cares for us in our weakness, speaks to us in the quiet moments, and calls us to serve faithfully in His name, leaving a lasting legacy for those who follow.
Also Read: Revelation 1:14-15 Meaning and Commentary
Context of 1 Kings 19
To fully understand the context of 1 Kings 19, it is important to consider the events leading up to this chapter. Prior to this, Elijah performed a remarkable miracle on Mount Carmel by showing God’s supremacy over the prophets of Baal. However, instead of repenting, Queen Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life. This caused him to flee and led him to experience discouragement and doubt.
Lessons From 1 Kings 19
In studying these verses, we can learn several important lessons. Firstly, it is normal for even the most faithful believers to experience moments of weakness and doubt. Secondly, we can trust that God will provide for and sustain us in these times of vulnerability.
Thirdly, God speaks to us in various ways, and we need to be still and attentive to hear His voice. Lastly, even in challenging seasons, God has a purpose and plan for our lives, and we can find encouragement in knowing that we are not alone.
Final Thoughts
1 Kings 19 serves as a reminder that we, as believers, are not exempt from moments of weakness, doubt, and discouragement. However, we can find solace in the fact that God is with us in these times.
Just as He provided for and guided Elijah, He will also sustain and direct us. Let us be encouraged by this passage and trust in God’s faithful presence throughout every season of our lives.