1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?
21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.
The 19th chapter of the book of 1 Kings in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a pivotal chapter in the story of the prophet Elijah. It begins with Elijah fleeing from Queen Jezebel, who has threatened to kill him after he defeated the prophets of the false god Baal in a dramatic showdown. This chapter is filled with important themes such as fear, doubt, and faith, and it ultimately teaches us about the power and faithfulness of God in the face of adversity. In this essay, we will explore the events of chapter 19 and the deeper meaning behind them.
The chapter opens with Elijah fleeing from Queen Jezebel, who has vowed to kill him after he killed the prophets of Baal. Despite the miraculous display of God's power in the previous chapter, Elijah is filled with fear and doubts his own abilities. He runs away to Beersheba, a city in the southern kingdom of Judah, and leaves his servant there while he continues on into the wilderness.
This scene is a powerful reminder of the human tendency to doubt and fear in the face of danger. Despite witnessing God's power firsthand, Elijah allows the threats of one woman to cause him to run away. This is a common theme throughout the Bible, as many people, including some of the greatest figures of faith, struggle with fear and doubt. However, it also serves as a reminder that God's power and protection are always with us, even when we are faced with difficult and dangerous situations.
As Elijah continues on into the wilderness, he becomes tired and discouraged. He sits under a broom tree and asks God to take his life, feeling that he is no better than his ancestors who have also failed in their service to God. However, God sends an angel to provide him with food and water, and Elijah is able to continue on for forty days and forty nights until he reaches Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai.
This encounter with God at Mount Horeb is a turning point in the chapter and in Elijah's journey. It is here that he experiences a powerful display of God's presence, as He speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper. This is a significant contrast to the powerful wind, earthquake, and fire that Elijah witnesses before the whisper. This serves as a reminder that God's voice is not always loud and dramatic, but can also be found in the quiet moments of our lives.
During his encounter with God, Elijah expresses his feelings of being alone and the only remaining prophet of the Lord. However, God reveals to him that there are still seven thousand faithful Israelites who have not turned to false gods. This reassurance and reminder of his purpose give Elijah renewed strength and determination. God also gives him specific instructions to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his successor.
This part of the chapter highlights the importance of community and the fact that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest moments. God reminds Elijah that he is not the only faithful servant and that there are others who share his beliefs. This is a message that is still relevant today, as we often feel isolated and alone in our faith. It is also a reminder that God has a purpose for each of us and that we must trust in His plan, even when it may seem difficult or confusing.
After receiving his instructions from God, Elijah goes to find Elisha, who is plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing his calling as a prophet and successor to Elijah. Elisha immediately leaves his oxen and follows Elijah, asking only to say goodbye to his family first. Elijah allows him to do so, and Elisha then sacrifices his oxen and uses the equipment to cook a meal for the people before following Elijah.
This encounter between Elijah and Elisha is significant for several reasons. It shows the passing of the torch from Elijah to his successor, as well as the importance of obedience and leaving behind worldly possessions for the sake of following God's calling. Elisha's willingness to leave everything behind and follow Elijah is a powerful example of faith and trust in God.
The 19th chapter of 1 Kings is a powerful chapter that teaches us important lessons about fear, doubt, faith, and God's faithfulness. It shows us that even the strongest and most faithful of God's servants can struggle with fear and doubt, but that God is always with us and will never leave us. It also reminds us of the importance of community and our purpose in God's plan.
This chapter also highlights the power of God's presence and the fact that His voice is not always loud and dramatic, but can also be found in the quiet moments of our lives. It teaches us the importance of obedience and leaving behind worldly possessions for the sake of following God's calling.
Overall, the 19th chapter of 1 Kings is a powerful reminder of God's love, faithfulness, and power. It shows us that even in our moments of weakness and doubt, He is always with us, guiding us and leading us towards our purpose. It is a chapter that continues to inspire and teach us important lessons about faith and trust in God, even thousands of years after it was written.
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