When Jezebel vows to kill Elijah as he killed her prophets, he flees to Beersheba's wilderness, sits under a broom tree, and asks to die. An angel provides food and water; strengthened, he journeys forty days to Horeb, the mount of God. In a cave, the LORD asks why he is there; Elijah laments Israel's apostasy and that he alone is left. The LORD passes by - not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice - and repeats the question. Elijah repeats his lament; the LORD commands him to anoint Hazael king over Syria, Jehu king over Israel, and Elisha as prophet to succeed him - seven thousand remain who have not bowed to Baal. Elijah finds Elisha plowing, casts his mantle on him; Elisha slaughters his oxen, feeds the people, and follows Elijah.
Updated on
Read 1 Kings Chapter 19 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Prophet, Successor of Elijah
Places in This Chapter
Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
Elijah confronts Baal worship, defeats prophets of Baal on Carmel, flees from Jezebel, Ahab's wars.
