1 Kings 19
Meaning of 1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter continues the story of the prophet Elijah, who is facing significant trials and challenges.
The chapter begins with a death threat against Elijah from Queen Jezebel, after Elijah had killed the prophets of the god Baal in the previous chapter. Elijah flees in fear to the desert, where he asks God to take his life but is instead fed and comforted by an angel. Twice, he is strengthened by food and drink provided by an angel, and he travels for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
At the mountain, Elijah complains to God about the Israelites’ unfaithfulness, revealing his feelings of despair and isolation. God does not answer Elijah’s complaints directly; instead, He reveals Himself to Elijah in a very personal and symbolic way. God is not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, revealing His presence in subtlety, tranquility, and peace.
After this divine encounter, Elijah is reassured and receives his orders from God. He is instructed to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha to succeed him as prophet. The chapter concludes with Elijah finding Elisha and throwing his cloak over him, symbolizing the passing of his prophetic role.
To sum it up, 1 Kings 19 shows a time in Elijah’s life where he feels threatened, alone, and defeated. However, it also underscores God’s provision, presence, and revelation, providing Elijah renewed resolve to continue God’s work.
1 Kings 19 kjv
In 1 Kings 19, King Ahab tells his wife Jezebel about how the prophet Elijah has killed all the prophets of the Baal. Jezebel sends a message to Elijah, threatening to kill him, which frightens him and prompts him to run away to Beersheba in Judah.
Elijah then takes a day’s journey into the wilderness, sits under a broom tree and prays to God that he might die. However, an angel comes to him, touches him, and tells him to get up and eat. In front of him, he finds a jar of water and some baked bread. This happens a second time after which Elijah travels for forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.
There, he stays in a cave, and the word of the Lord asks him what he’s doing there. Elijah replies that he has been zealous for the Lord, but the Israelites have forsaken God’s covenant, killed his prophets, and now seek to kill him too.
God then shows His power to Elijah not through a great and strong wind, nor in an earthquake, nor in a fire, but in a still small voice. After witnessing God’s manifestation, Elijah covers his face and stands at the entrance of the cave. Again, God asks him what he’s doing, and he gives the same reply.
God then gives Elijah new instructions: to return to the wilderness of Damascus, to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to succeed him as a prophet. God reassures him that he has reserved seven thousand in Israel who have not worshiped Baal.
Following God’s directive, Elijah finds Elisha, who’s plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Elijah passes by him and throws his mantle on Elisha, metaphorically indicating Elisha’s call to a prophetic mission. Elisha then leaves his oxen, runs after Elijah, asks to kiss his parents goodbye, and then follows him. Elisha accepts his calling by preparing a meal from his oxen to share with his people before departing with Elijah, thus signifying the end of his old life and the beginning of his new one as an apprentice to the prophet Elijah.
1 Kings 19 nkjv
1 Kings 19 is a chapter of the Bible that resides in the Old Testament. This chapter continues the story of the prophet Elijah, following a major confrontation with false prophets in chapter 18.
The chapter begins with Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, swearing to kill Elijah for having had the prophets of Baal killed. Fearing for his life, Elijah flees to Beersheba in Judah, leaving his servant behind. He travels a day into the wilderness and, in despair, asks God to take his life. He then falls asleep under a bush.
An angel wakes Elijah and provides him with food and water. Strengthened by this food, he travels for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. Here, Elijah takes shelter in a cave, where the word of the Lord comes to him, asking what he is doing at Horeb. Elijah answers that he is the only prophet left and that the people seek to take his life.
Then the Lord tells Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain, for He is about to pass by. There are powerful displays of a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord is not in any of them. Instead, He comes in a “still small voice”. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and stood in the entrance of the cave to speak with God.
God instructs Elijah to return on his way to the wilderness of Damascus and to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as a prophet in his own place. He reassures Elijah that he is not alone, and that there are seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed to Baal.
Elijah then departs and finds Elisha, who is plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. He throws his mantle on Elisha, signalling his call to become a prophet. Elisha asks to kiss his parents goodbye and then follows Elijah and becomes his servant.
This chapter depicts a range of human emotion and divine intervention, highlighting themes of despair, rejuvenation, divine revelation, and continuance of prophetic mission.
1 Kings 19 niv
1 Kings 19 is a chapter of the Bible in the Old Testament. The specific version of the Bible referenced here is the New International Version (NIV), which uses language that is more contemporary and simple than traditional versions of the Bible.
The chapter begins with the prophet Elijah fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel, who has threatened to kill him because he has been instrumental in a great defeat for the prophets of Baal, a false god that Jezebel and others worship. Elijah is exhausted and tells God that he is ready to die. But God sends an angel to feed him and tell him to continue on his journey.
With renewed strength, Elijah travels for forty days and nights until he reaches Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. Here he takes shelter in a cave, and the Lord appears to him and asks him why he is there. Elijah replies that he has been zealous for the Lord, but the Israelites have abandoned God, killed his prophets, and now seek to kill him too.
In response, God tells Elijah to step outside, where He passes by. There is a great wind, then an earthquake, then a fire, but God is not in any of these. After these, there is a the gentle whisper in which Elijah hears the voice of God.
God gives Elijah new instructions: to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his own successor.
When Elijah finds Elisha, he is plowing a field. Elijah places his cloak on Elisha, symbolizing the passing of his prophetic role. Elisha then leaves his oxen, runs after Elijah, and becomes his attendant and future successor, as God instructed.
The chapter demonstrates that even when His faithful servants are in despair, God doesn’t abandon them, instead, He provides, restores and gives them a future. Also, it highlights that God often speaks not in grandiose signs and wonders, but in a still and quiet voice – a gentle whisper.
What is 1 Kings 19 all about?
1 Kings 19 is a chapter in the Bible that tells us about the prophet Elijah’s journey of faith, moments of despair, and God’s reassurance.
After destroying the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah is threatened by Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. Fear-stricken, Elijah flees into the wilderness. He feels overwhelmed and isolated, even asking God to take his life. An angel comes to him twice, providing sustenance and encouraging him to go on.
Following God’s directions, Elijah travels to Mount Horeb. There, he experiences a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but God is not in any of these phenomena. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper (or a “still, small voice”), reassuring him and instructing him to anoint new kings over Syria and Israel, and Elisha as his successor.
The chapter ends with Elijah finding Elisha and initiating him into prophetic service.
In summary, 1 Kings 19 is essentially about Elijah’s moment of despair and God’s reassurance, emphasizing the idea that God is not only present in grand, miraculous displays of power but also in quiet whispers and moments of gentle guidance. It also introduces Elisha, who becomes a significant figure in later biblical narratives.
What does 1 Kings 19 teaches?
1 Kings 19 is a biblical text that teaches about various themes such as despair, the presence of God, divine sustenance, and calling.
1. Despair: Elijah, the prophet, is threatened by Queen Jezebel and he feels great despair. This highlights human struggles and the times when even strong people feel lost, abandoned, or afraid.
2. God’s Presence in Unexpected Places: Elijah experiences God’s presence not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a “still small voice”. It underlines that God’s presence and communication are not always found in dramatic or expected ways.
3. Divine Sustenance: God sends an angel to provide food and water to Elijah when he is in the wilderness feeling desolate. This speaks of God’s provision and help in times of need.
4. Calling and Mission: Eventually, God gives Elijah a new mission, which involves anointing Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his replacement. Despite his fear and doubts, Elijah still has a role to play in God’s plans.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 19 teaches the faithful not to lose hope in despair, to look for God in all places, to trust in God’s providence, and to be aware of their unique role in the divine plan.
A Sermon on 1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 is a recounting of the Prophet Elijah’s spiritual journey after his famous battle between the prophet of Baal as mentioned in 1 Kings 18. A sermon from this chapter might cover a few key themes:
1. God’s Presence and Comfort: After Elijah flee from the wrath of Jezebel, he sits under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he laid down and fell asleep. In the midst of his exhaustion, fear and depression, the angel of the Lord appeared to him not once but twice, touched him and told him to get up and eat. This shows God’s love, comfort, and care for his servants even when they are going through their difficult times.
2. God’s Guidance: Elijah was guided to go on a forty-day and forty-night journey to the mountain of God, Horeb. There, God appeared to Elijah not in a powerful wind, earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This might underscore the theme that God often speaks in quiet ways, requiring us to listen closely and trust in His guidance.
3. God’s plan and purpose: Towards the end of the chapter, God gives Elijah specific instructions – he is to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat as his own successor. This guide can show that even in our moments of most profound doubt and disillusionment, God already has a plan for the future.
4. Fear and Depression: This scripture could also be used to delve into the topic of fear and depression even among God’s most faithful servants. Elijah, despite his significant spiritual victories, is also human succumbing to fear and depression, showing he felt despair to the point of wishing for his death. In the context of a sermon, it could be a message that even the most committed and zealous followers of God can experience depression and that it’s okay to seek help.
A sermon on 1 Kings 19, therefore, offers a wide range of powerful topics that are just as relevant today as they were in the time of Elijah. It speaks of God’s love, direction, reassurance, divine plans, and even touches on the understanding of our human frailties.
Key people in 1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 primarily involves two key figures:
1. Elijah: He is a prophet of God who has been actively combating the influences of Canaanite gods, especially Baal on the Israelites. He has famously displayed God’s power on Mount Carmel, where he defeated and killed the prophets of Baal. However, due to fear of retaliation from Jezebel, he fled to the wilderness. It was there that he has an encounter with God and he is instructed to go back and anoint new kings and a prophet.
2. God: Being omnipresent and omnipotent, God communicates directly with Elijah in this chapter. He comforts and reassures Elijah in his distress, revealing Himself in a gentle whisper. He further instructs Elijah to go and anoint Hazael as king of Aram, Jehu son of Nimshi as king of Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat as his successor as a prophet.
3. Jezebel: She is the queen and wife of King Ahab of Israel, and a zealous worshipper of Baal. After learning about the defeat and death of the prophets of Baal, she threatens to kill Elijah, resulting in him fleeing.
4. Elisha: Though he is introduced only at the end of this chapter, Elisha plays a crucial role. He is a farmer chosen by God to be Elijah’s apprentice and eventually his successor. Elijah finds him plowing with twelve yoke of oxen and throws his cloak over him as an indication of his new calling.
5. Ahab: King Ahab is the reigning monarch of Israel at this time. Although he does not play a direct role in this chapter, his and his wife Jebezel’s acceptance and promotion of the worship of Baal sets the stage for the events of this chapter.
Real world examples on 1 Kings 19
In 1 Kings 19, we see the story of the prophet Elijah, who flees for his life after receiving death threats from Jezebel for defeating the prophets of Baal. In this context, we can relate these elements to some real-world experiences.
1. Feeling Alone and Overwhelmed: Elijah felt alone, believing he was the only prophet left standing true to God while everyone else bowed to Baal. In the real-world, we encounter situations where we feel alone when we stand up for what is right, especially if it’s against popular opinion or societal standards.
2. Divine Intervention: God reaches out to Elijah in his distress, sending an angel to provide food and drink. Many can relate to instances in their life when they’ve received help in a moment of severe distress, seemingly out of nowhere. Whether one attributes this to divine intervention, luck, or the kindness of others is dependent on personal belief.
3. Self-Pity and Depression: Similar to Prophet Elijah, some people might retreat into self-pity or depression after experiencing significant emotional stress or trauma. Elijah had reached a point where he asked God to let him die, reflecting severe despair and depression. This could parallel individuals in our society who, due to immense pressure or pain, might express similar sentiments.
4. Seeking God in the Quiet: Elijah found God not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper. This may reflect on our own lives on how we sometimes expect to find solutions or guidance in grand gestures or events, but often, the most profound insights come in the quiet moments of contemplation.
5. Continuation of Purpose: Despite his despair, Elijah was given a new mission to anoint new kings and a new prophet. There are times in life when, after a setback, one finds a new purpose or a continuation of their original purpose, which keeps them going.
Remember, while we can draw poignant parallels between these scriptures and our lives, no real-world experiences can directly compare to miraculous Biblical events. These are only analogies to help understand and apply these spiritual lessons in our daily lives.
Brief Explanation of 1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, focusing on the prophet, Elijah.
At the start of this chapter, Elijah is facing death threats from Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, because he has just killed all the prophets of Baal, a pagan god. Elijah, out of fear, flees to the wilderness where he prays to God for death.
But instead of death, God sends an angel to provide food and water for him. Strengthened by this meal, Elijah continues his journey to Mount Horeb, a journey enduring forty days and forty nights. There he experiences a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but God isn’t present in these forces.
Instead, God appears to Elijah in a gentle whisper, re-commissioning him as a prophet and providing him guidance on what he should do next. Elijah is told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his successor.
The chapter closes with Elijah finding Elisha, who is ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen. After Elijah throws his mantle–a symbol of his prophetic authority–over Elisha, Elisha slaughters the oxen, uses the equipment to boil their flesh, gives it to his people to eat, and then sets off to follow Elijah and become his servant.
In essence, 1 Kings 19 is about Elijah’s fear, his encounter with God, and the appointment of his successor.
Frequently asked questions for 1 Kings 19
1. Who is Elijah in 1 Kings 19?
Elijah is a prophet of God who is best known for his miracles and his zeal for the Israelites’ faith.
2. What is the main focus of 1 Kings 19?
The main focus of 1 Kings 19 is the discouragement felt by Elijah after his victory on Mt. Carmel, his flight into the wilderness, and his encounter with God on Mount Horeb.
3. Why did Elijah run away after his victory at Mount Carmel?
Despite the stunning victory, Jezebel, the queen, threatens his life leading him to flee for safety.
4. What happens to Elijah in the wilderness?
Elijah is exhausted, and while taking rest under a broom tree, an angel of the Lord visits him and provides him with food and water.
5. Where does Elijah go and why?
Elijah is directed by God to go to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God, where he would have an encounter with Him.
6. What is significant about the conversation between God and Elijah at Mount Horeb?
God speaks to Elijah not in a dramatic windstorm, earthquake, or fire, but in a still, small voice, emphasizing that God’s presence is not just confined to dramatic events but in quiet whispers as well.
7. What does God command Elijah to do?
God gives Elijah the task of anointing Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his successor as a prophet.
8. Can you explain the meaning of the ‘still small voice’ in this passage?
The “still small voice” or “gentle whisper” signifies the quiet and calmness in which God chooses to speak to Elijah. It shows God’s gentle, personal communication with His prophets, different from the powerful, dramatic demonstrations of His presence.
9. Who is Elisha in 1 Kings 19?
Elisha is chosen as the successor of Elijah as a prophet. He is found working in the fields when Elijah passes on God’s mantle to him.
10. What does 1 Kings 19 tell us about Elijah’s character?
This chapter shows that despite his strong faith and miracles, Elijah is human and susceptible to despair and fear. However, his honesty to express his feelings to God shows his close and trusting relationship with God.
11. Is there a lesson to be learned from 1 Kings 19?
Yes, it shows that even the faithful can experience doubt and fear. However, God is depicted as caring, patient, and understanding, providing comfort and guidance during such times. Also, it’s a lesson that God may choose to speak to us not always in grand, dramatic ways, but in quiet and personal manners.
Possible References for 1 Kings 19
1 Kings 19 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the Hebrew Bible. The chapter tells a story about the prophet Elijah. There can be numerous references and interpretations about this chapter depending on different contexts. Here are a few:
1. Elijah’s escape to Horeb (1 Kings 19:1-8): This passage can serve as a reference to periods of despair and exhaustion, even in the life of strong believers. Elijah is threatened by Jezebel, Queen of Israel, and flees into the wilderness. He prays for death but is instead provided nourishment by an angel and journeys to Mount Horeb.
2. God’s manifestation to Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-18): This section is often referenced when discussing the various ways God can manifest himself. Rather than in the dramatic phenomena of wind, earthquake, or fire, God’s voice comes to Elijah in a “still, small voice.”
3. Elisha’s calling (1 Kings 19:19-21): These verses could be referenced when discussing the concept of “the call” in biblical terms. Elijah throws his cloak, the symbol of his prophetic authority, on Elisha, who then leaves his life as a plowman and becomes Elijah’s attendant, signifying his acceptance of the call to be a prophet.
These are just some of the many possible references in the different parts of the chapter, framed within the story of Elijah. However, various denominations and traditions within Christianity, as well as Judaism, may have other or additional understandings of these passages.
Conclusion on 1 Kings 19
In 1 Kings 19, we find the story of the prophet Elijah who, after defeating the prophets of Baal, is threatened by Jezebel and flees into the wilderness. In the conclusion of this chapter, Elijah is found by God not in powerful phenomena (like a windstorm, earthquake, or fire), but in a gentle whisper. This reminds us that the Lord is not only present in dramatic events but also in quiet moments.
Elijah was feeling weary, afraid, and alone, but God showed him that he was not alone; there were still seven thousand in Israel who hadn’t bowed to Baal, which showed that Elijah’s efforts had not been in vain.
Finally, God gives Elijah a new mission — to anoint Hazael as king of Aram, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his own successor. Elijah finds Elisha and throws his cloak over him, symbolizing the passing of his prophetic role to Elisha. Elisha then follows Elijah and becomes his attendant. This shows God’s continued provision and that his prophetic work will continue beyond Elijah.
In conclusion, this chapter presents a turning point in Elijah’s life and in the history of Israel. It shows God’s care for his servants, His communication in unexpected ways, and His plans for the continuity of His work.