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1 Kings 19

21 verses

TL;DR

Elijah, after fleeing Jezebel’s threat, is sustained by God in the wilderness, encounters the Lord’s presence at Horeb, and receives a new mission and anointing of future leaders.

Summary

After Ahab reports Elijah’s victories to Jezebel, she threatens him with death, prompting Elijah to flee to Beersheba and then into the wilderness. Exhausted and despondent, he sits beneath a juniper tree and wishes for death, but an angel provides food and water and urges him to eat. Sustained for forty days, Elijah travels to Mount Horeb, where the Lord appears in a powerful wind, earthquake, and fire, yet is ultimately heard only in a still, small voice. Elijah confesses his zeal for God amid Israel’s apostasy, and God commissions him to return to Damascus to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. The chapter concludes with Elijah encountering Elisha, who demonstrates devotion by sacrificing oxen for him.

Outline
  1. Elijah’s flight and divine sustenance in the wilderness
  2. Encounter with God at Horeb and the still small voice
  3. God’s commissioning of future leaders and Elijah’s meeting with Elisha
Themes
God’s faithfulness amid human threatsThe power of the divine presence beyond natural phenomenaThe continuity of prophetic ministry and leadership
Keywords
ElijahJezebelHazaelJehuElishaHorebstill small voiceprophetanointingfaithfulness
People
AhabJezebelElijahHazaelJehuElishaNimshithe angel of the Lord
Places
Beershebathe wildernessMount Horeb (Horeb the mount of God)DamascusIsraelSyria
Things
juniper treecake on the coalscruse of waterthe angel of the Lordthe mantleyoke of oxenstill small voice
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 19:4: Elijah’s despair and request for death
  • 1 Kings 19:8-9: Divine sustenance in the wilderness
  • 1 Kings 19:12-13: The still small voice that reveals God’s presence
  • 1 Kings 19:15-17: God’s commissioning of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha
  • 1 Kings 19:19: Elijah’s encounter and anointing of Elisha
Questions
  • What motivates Elijah to seek death in the wilderness?
  • How does the portrayal of God’s presence at Horeb challenge human perceptions of power?
  • What does the anointing of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha signify for Israel’s future?
  • In what ways does the episode with Elisha reflect loyalty and divine endorsement?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter juxtaposes peril and threat with divine provision, comfort, and future hope.