By Jay T. Robertson, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
HOPE
1 Kings 19:9–18
Elijah’s victory on Mount Carmel was one of the glorious moments in Israel’s history. The Lord had revealed Himself dramatically in the fire and the rain. The people assembled on Mount Carmel repented and confessed their faith in the Lord, and then Elijah had the prophets of Baal slaughtered. Upon hearing of the death of the prophets of Baal, Jezebel swore to have Elijah killed. Her track record of killing the prophets of God made clear these were not idle words. God’s prophet Elijah was terrified.
Alone? (9–10)
Elijah ran to Beer-sheba, about 100 miles south of Mount Carmel. He abandoned his assistant, went out into the wilderness and prayed he might die. Two times an angel of the Lord gave him food and water and then told him to get up and get going on his journey. After 40 days, Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb.
He went into a cave and spent the night. He had traveled 200 miles farther south from Beer-sheba to the mountain of God. He had fled as far as he could from Jezebel and her influence. Then the word of the Lord came to him and asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” The Lord was not seeking information from Elijah. God knew Elijah’s heart better than Elijah himself did. God was challenging Elijah to speak his mind and to make his case.
Elijah replied Israel was apostate, they killed the prophets of God and he alone stood for covenant faith. Elijah saw no real reason to continue. Apparently he had hoped the showdown on Mount Carmel would have led to ultimate victory over Baal worship. He felt like a failure.
The Whisper (11–14)
The Lord commanded Elijah to go out of the cave and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence. This theophany reminds readers of Exodus 33:18–22, where Moses had desired to see God’s glory and was allowed to view the “back” of the Lord’s splendor. God placed Moses in the rock and covered him with a divine hand to protect him.
Here, Elijah waited for God’s word through the tearing wind, ground-shaking earthquake and roaring flame. The Lord, however, did not speak through any of these natural phenomena. In the past, Elijah had experienced God’s sovereignty over nature, and he had benefited from miraculous fire, but what he needed at this moment of despair was a definitive word from the Lord.
He received this word in a soft whisper. Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. He covered his face with his mantle as a sign of reverence in the presence of God. God asked Elijah the same question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” The prophet responded by restating his previous protests word for word. He stressed his zeal for God and how everyone else had rejected the Lord and had killed the prophets of God. He declared he was alone and was being hunted in order to be killed. He seemed to be stuck in his gloom.
Reality Defined (15–18)
The Lord’s word to Elijah reaffirmed God’s sovereignty over all nations and the importance of the prophetic word. God commanded him to return the way he had come. The Lord was sending Elijah back into active service. First, he was to anoint Hazael king of Syria, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over this country. Second, he was to anoint Jehu king of Israel, reestablishing God’s rule over the northern kingdom. Third, he was to anoint Elisha to take his place as prophet. God also told Elijah there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal.
Elijah learned God’s plan involved a pagan king, a new dynasty in Israel and his successor prophet. God dealt with Elijah’s discouragement by giving him a new perspective on ministry. Elijah needed to know that although he was a part of God’s plan, he was not the plan itself. He was important, but he was not indispensable.
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