First Kings

19

The Ministry of Elijah the Prophet (part 4): Elijah’s Retreat

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

In our study of First Kings, we have seen various responses to God’s directions. We have seen some who listened to Him and served Him, and others who disobeyed and chose the course of rebellion. God has raised up rulers and caused them to fall. He has made predictions about the futures of entire kingdoms. God has chosen to work through some faithful people on the earth, people like David, Nathan, the widow who ministered to Elijah, and Ahab’s servant Obadiah.

It is now time for us to consider a story that has more than a few unexpected elements. It is a story of great courage followed by inexplicable fear. In this story, we have extremes poised against one another—there is the unmistakable display of the sovereignty of God, but there is also the equally unmistakable display of a man’s fear, as if he does not know the sovereign God. That man, of course, is the prophet Elijah. In the next section of First Kings, a puzzling set of circumstances unfold. In the end, however, God is glorified and His power and wisdom are set forth in the context of Elijah’s surrender to the weakness of the flesh.

There are occasions when the complete failure of a human being serves as the backdrop for displays from God that magnify Him and call attention to His strength, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and compassion. Without the failure of the creature, the glory of the Creator would not become apparent. Without the elements of hopelessness and futility, the attribute of God’s sovereignty could go unnoticed. But when we find ourselves in a situation where we are overwhelmed and have been driven to the end of our endurance, that is when the glory of our heavenly Father shines. That is the nature of the portion of Scripture we’ll consider today.

01. Elijah Receives a Threat (19:1-8)

1. Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs 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 broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

In this study of First Kings, as I mentioned before, we’ve covered stories involving a number of men who led their people into sin and promoted idolatry and rebellion against God. Until now, however, we have not read such reports about any of the wives of the kings. Solomon was influenced by his foreign wives, but they did not come to prominence. That pattern changes now as Jezebel comes onto the scene.

In Biblical history, she stands out because of her ruthlessness and wicked designs as queen. It appears that Jezebel was particularly responsible for the housing and care of the many false prophets. Thanks to Elijah, as we’ll recall from our last story, a few hundred of the prophets of Baal are no longer among the living. This is the news reported to Jezebel by Ahab, her husband.

Showing no sign of intimidation or second thoughts, Jezebel reacts to this report by issuing a vicious threat against Elijah. Rather than contemplate the significance of Elijah’s recent demonstration, Jezebel took a vow by which she obligated herself to bring about the death of Elijah within 24 hours. Although this is the first detailed insight we’ve had into Jezebel’s character, we hardly need to hear more before reaching a trustworthy conclusion. The queen was a strong advocate of idolatry; she was, therefore, an enemy of Jehovah. She was a deceiver leading the people into judgment; she was also, therefore, a target for judgment herself.

Elijah’s reaction has been one of the most discussed topics in all of Old Testament history. After what he witnessed on Mount Carmel, after seeing the LORD make such a powerful confirmation of his place as one of God’s spokesmen, and after seeing the prophets of Baal executed on his word, why would Elijah be concerned with this threat from the queen? Rather than try to figure out why Elijah reacted in this manner at this moment, we’ll concentrate on what the Scripture tells us about him at this period in his life.

We don’t have to speculate about one thing and that is the prophet’s state of mind: “He was afraid,” the writer tells us in v. 3. Therefore, Elijah “ran for his life.” Whatever we might want to conclude regarding Elijah’s behavior, the truth is that he feared for his life. As is common in such situations, therefore, Elijah ran from the danger.

After reaching Beersheba, which was back in more friendly territory, the prophet continued alone out into the wilderness (v. 4). This was a significant journey, almost the entire length of the country. It seems that Elijah was trying to get as far away from Jezebel as possible. Finally reaching his destination, the prophet settles by himself a good distance from inhabited territory. That is where Elijah bemoaned his circumstance, wishing he could die, and expressing utter despair before the LORD. When he finally comes to a stopping place, the prophet breaks down and reveals the torment and desperation troubling his heart.

The conflict on Mount Carmel ended in a spectacular manner when the LORD answered Elijah with fire from above. But rather than lead Ahab and his followers to repentance for their sin against God, the incident appears to have hardened them all the more. Ahab didn’t seek Elijah’s help nor did he show any kind of discernment. He ran to his wife and told her what Elijah had done. And notice just what the text says: “Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.” (v. 1) He didn’t mention the LORD or give any indication that he realized what had transpired on the mountain. All the king saw fit to report was the execution of the false prophets, which inflamed Jezebel. It was the killing of the false prophets that Ahab chose to emphasize.

Ahab appears to have been a weak man; there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Jezebel was the true source of power in the nation at this time. We aren’t told much about Ahab’s reaction to the incident on Mount Carmel, but we do know that he determined to tell Jezebel what happened because, I think, he knew she would go after Elijah and he did want to see the prophet killed—he just wasn’t going to attempt that feat himself.

When I point out the Ahab emphasized Elijah’s role only, I’m not suggesting that Jezebel might have reacted differently if she had been told the whole story—for all we know, she could have learned all the facts from some other source. My point is that Ahab chose to edit the report given to Jezebel in a manner guaranteed to anger her. And for his part, Ahab appears to have remained largely unaffected—at least we know he did not feel compelled to consider the spiritual implications of what happened.

Unless we realize how closely involved the LORD has been in these stories we’ve been studying in First Kings, we might not have a good explanation for Ahab’s hardness of heart. But we have seen that the LORD has been speaking to the kings, He has made predictions regarding the rise and fall of kingdoms, He has demonstrated His sovereignty by withholding rain for three years, and He has sent His prophet to Ahab. God is very much involved in all the details, which does help explain Ahab’s behavior.

When Ahab reacted as he did and seemed unmoved by what he witnessed, the reason is that this was what pleased the LORD. God intends to destroy the northern kingdom and we have known about that for quite some time. We should not expect God to grant repentance to the king or anyone closely aligned with him. And that is what we are seeing—we are seeing the sovereign God use a man’s wicked disposition to drive him further into rebellion and, consequently, closer to that point of judgment.

We would be so much better off in our daily lives if we would remember some of the facts illustrated in these stories. God turns the hearts of men one way or the other, demonstrating His amazing power, displaying the miraculous right before men’s eyes, and all the time telling them what He is doing through a prophet. Yet the people remain steadfast in their sin and they are led by those with great authority in the land—their own king and queen, in this present case.

A mistake is made when we assume God behaves differently today or when we assume He is no longer guiding affairs on this earth to His own righteous ends. What evidence do we have for such a conclusion? Has God informed His people that He no longer cares to rule over the course of history? Has He told us not to expect His oversight in these days? It is not God who has changed His ways, it is His people who have lost a Biblical perspective regarding God and His power and His ways.

We certainly know God well enough to expect to see His will done in this story—in spite of Ahab and the outlandish boasting of Jezebel. Surely by now we understand that God does whatever He pleases and that the loud protests of men are little more than the buzzing of an insect to Him! Ahab is doomed, Jezebel is doomed, the kingdom is doomed because God has determined that end. All complaints to the contrary and all bragging about future plans matter not in the least.

Look again at Elijah. Why is he behaving this way? After what he’s seen, why would he have even a second’s doubt about his safety in God’s hands? But Elijah is asking to die and he is saying he’s had enough; he wants to join his fathers who have preceded him in death. Clearly exhausted, emotionally and physically, the text says Elijah “lay down and slept under a broom tree.” (v. 5)

For sake of those who do not know, let me quickly explain that the broom tree is not actually a tree, but a very large bush that can grow as tall as twelve feet. It has long, flexible branches that provide shelter from the sun by day and the wind by night. Historically, shepherds have often made camp near such shrubs in order to take advantage of the coverage. These bushes do very well, as it turns out, in arid climates, which explains why Elijah was able to find a place to rest.

Elijah was awakened by an angel who told him to get up and eat. He found a freshly baked cake and a jar of water waiting on him (cf. v. 6). After eating and drinking, Elijah lay down once again. For a second time, he was awakened by an angel and told to eat and strengthen himself for the journey. You cannot miss an element of compassion displayed in the angel’s encounter with Elijah. This was a time for the prophet to be refreshed and encouraged. After revitalizing himself with the food and water, Elijah made his way to Horeb, a trip lasting forty days and forty nights. (v. 8)

Here is where I want to inject an idea concerning Elijah’s behavior. It’s true he was fleeing from Jezebel because of the threat she made. I’m not convinced, however, that Elijah’s flight was random—that is, I don’t necessarily believe he simply took off without having a plan regarding where he would go. Notice the angel’s reference to the journey Elijah is about to take. The angel doesn’t tell him where he is to go, so the impression is given that Elijah was already on course to some particular location. It turns out that he is going to travel to Sinai. Is it possible that Elijah, having gone through such a stressful and exhausting time recently, now wants to see if the LORD will have any direction for him or any encouragement to offer? Is Elijah’s service as a prophet finished?

This is only speculation, of course, but it does help explain a couple of elements, such as the angel’s lack of direction for Elijah, although he knew the prophet was headed to a specific location. And in light of what occurs when Elijah reaches Mount Horeb, it makes this point of guessing a little more dependable.

Before moving on to the episode on Sinai, let me say that this whole scene is encouraging. Elijah arrived here in despair, totally exhausted after the incident on Mount Carmel, the threat from Jezebel, and the long trip to Beersheba and beyond. While focusing on his troubling situation, Elijah receives the help of an angel sent from God. The angel speaks calmly and offers sustenance to the prophet, which was a sure recognition of Elijah’s human nature. He is allowed to rest and regain his strength and composure before he sets out for Horeb, also known as Sinai and the mount of God. This is where Moses met the LORD and received the Law.

02. Elijah Offers an Excuse (vv. 9-17)

9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your 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 out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” . . .

Here is another episode in the life of Elijah that has generated a lot of speculation. After his latest journey to Sinai, Elijah is lodging in a cave when the LORD asks him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” The prophet offers a quick summary of recent events; basically, he pictures himself as the only faithful man left in the land. All others, according to Elijah, have become part of the idolatrous rebellion against the LORD. Here he is, the prophet concludes, a fugitive sought by his enemies who want to put him to death.

The LORD directed Elijah to go and stand on the mount and the next few verses tell us that the LORD passed by accompanied by a “great and strong wind” that tore the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces, an earthquake that shook the ground, and a fire. In each case, however, the writer says “the LORD was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire.” (cf. vv. 11, 12) After the fire, however, a “low whisper” was heard. When Elijah heard it, he went out again and stood at the entrance to the cave. At that point, Elijah heard a voice asking: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” The prophet once again repeats his woes by claiming he is the only one left who is faithful. The people of Israel have forsaken the covenant, he declares, they have destroyed Your altars and killed your prophets. I’m the only one who remains, Elijah asserts.

The story then continues:

15 And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death.

Now that Elijah is paying attention, the LORD tells him of some dramatic changes about to take place. The prophet is going to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as the prophet who will take Elijah’s place. A massive execution is about to occur. Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha will combine forces to strike down all who have worshiped Baal. Those who flee from Hazael, says the LORD, will be cut down by Jehu, and those who flee from Jehu will be cut down by Elisha. No one is to escape.

I think it’s worth noting that God still uses Elijah in spite of the prophet’s complaining about being the only faithful man left alive. That is hardly the attitude of a warrior. Elijah was momentarily sidetracked and gave way to the fears of his flesh and the weakness of his humanity. God did not abandon him, however, because God had something more planned for His prophet. This should be a source of encouragement for us when we find ourselves nearly overwhelmed by some difficult circumstance.

I should mention that many have wondered about that scene involving the wind, the earthquake, and the fire. Let me ask you a question: Does Elijah’s behavior remind you of any other Biblical character? How about Jonah? Elijah didn’t try to escape his mission, but the observation made by Jonah about his situation and the one made by Elijah about his situation do have one aspect in common. When Jonah spoke, you could detect some regret in his voice that all those sinners were now going to escape punishment because the LORD had granted them repentance. Jonah portrayed himself as a lone figure who served the LORD only to see a result that displeased him. In essence, Jonah questioned the wisdom of God.

Now consider Elijah. Again, I’m not making a direct comparison between the two, but Elijah’s assessment of his situation sounds much like the “oh poor me” perspective of Jonah. Elijah claims that he is the only faithful one left. Those wicked people have been allowed to prevail and kill God’s prophets and continue worshiping the false gods. The self-pity evident in both men is unmistakable. One prophet flees before he sees that the LORD does, and the other prophet flees after he sees what the LORD does. In both cases, however, they complain about God’s handling of the situation. God allowed the people of Nineveh to repent and avoid judgment, but He didn’t allow the Jews of the northern kingdom to repent; instead, they will face a coming wrath. In both situations, as I just noted, a prophet complained!

Getting back to Sinai and the LORD’s passing by Elijah, let me ask: What point was God making? It seems to me that the heart of Elijah needed to be calmed. He had been through tumultuous days. He had been part of an incredible experience on Mount Carmel—there a dramatic confrontation took place, God sent fire from the sky and vaporized Elijah’s altar and sacrifice, and then over four hundred men were slaughtered for their sin against God. After that, the prophet made that extremely long journey, fleeing for his life he thought, because of the threat from Jezebel. And after practically collapsing under the broom tree, Elijah was revived by an angel and sent to Mount Sinai.

The recent past was full of excitement, danger, wonderment, fear, and exhausting travel. But as I suggested, Elijah was also wrestling with something else and that was the lack of some outbreak of God’s power against the idolaters. Why didn’t God destroy them with a great storm, or let the earth swallow them alive in a great earthquake, or burn them alive by a great fire? Isn’t that what they deserved? In this instance, God chose not to act through those terrifying phenomena. He controlled them, yes, and could have unleashed such destruction at any moment, but that was not the course He had determined to follow this time.

So, the LORD caused a violent wind to pass by, and then an earthquake, and then a blistering fire—but God was not in those things. He was acting in a different manner. God’s response for now would not be some so-called natural phenomena that would kill a multitude of people. This time, the approach of God is represented in a small voice, a sign of calm, confidence, control, and focus. God caused these disruptive displays to pass by one by one—the wind, the earthquake, and the fire—and then revealed Himself in a quiet voice. That immediately lowered the level of agitation. The One with the most power chose the quietest means to reveal Himself to Elijah indicating His intention to preserve the people a bit longer rather than wipe them out in an instant.

03. Elijah Receives an Assignment (vv. 18-21)

18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

In spite of Elijah’s estimation, he now learns that there are more than a few in Israel who have not “bowed to Baal.” His former complaint is revealed as an enormous and groundless exaggeration. Earlier, I emphasized God’s control of kings; here we learn the same is true regarding the subjects of the kingdom. This is no surprise, of course, except perhaps to Elijah. God has sovereignly preserved the souls of His choosing and encourages Elijah with the news of so many who have remained true, just as he has done.

As commanded, Elijah found Elisha, the man who would replace him. Elisha was in the field plowing with twelve oxen, a sign, by the way, of considerable wealth, when Elijah passed by and “cast his cloak upon” Elisha. This action symbolized a call to the prophetic ministry. It was a gesture well understood in that culture as Elisha’s reaction verifies. After returning home to bid farewell to his family and providing a feast from his oxen, Elisha joined Elijah. His prominent role will soon be unveiled as this story continues.

Elijah was convinced that the faithful of the land were nowhere to be found and that he was the last servant of Jehovah left in the nation. He greatly exaggerated the case and was made to look rather foolish when, after complaining about his singular status as a worshiper of the true God, the LORD Himself revealed the true state of things. He guarded and preserved a large number of people so that they remained loyal to God in spite of the surrounding rise in idol worship.

Application

As we were working through this chapter, I pointed out three lessons to observe. I’d like to return to those three lessons in order to emphasize them for our application.

After considering the way Ahab reacted to the events on Mount Carmel, I explained that God was at work, using that man’s wicked disposition to bring about His desires. God had determined to destroy the northern kingdom and Ahab was one of the instrument through which God’s plan was brought about. I then noted that in this story, we see that God turns the hearts of men one way or the other, demonstrating His amazing power, displaying the miraculous right before men’s eyes, and all the time telling them what He is doing through a prophet. Yet the people remain steadfast in their sin and they are led by those with great authority in the land—their own king and queen, in this present case.

Based on that lesson, I would say that we make a mistake when we assume God behaves differently today or when we assume He is no longer guiding affairs on this earth to His own righteous ends. What evidence do we have for such a conclusion? Has God informed His people that He no longer cares to rule over the course of history? Has He told us not to expect His oversight in these days? It is not God who has changed His ways, it is His people who have lost a Biblical perspective regarding God and His power and His ways.

We certainly know God well enough to expect to see His will done in this story—in spite of Ahab and the outlandish boasting of Jezebel. Surely by now we understand that God does whatever He pleases and that the loud protests of men are little more than the buzzing of an insect to Him! Ahab was doomed, Jezebel was doomed, the kingdom was doomed because God has determined that end. All complaints to the contrary and all bragging about future plans mattered not in the least.

Your life might be less stressful if you were to remind yourself frequently that God is intimately involved in all aspects of your existence. Nothing is out of control; God has not taken some time off; evil has not progressed to such a point that God is unable to remain in charge. What was true in the days of Elijah, is equally true today. All creatures, the small and the great, serve the ends determined by God. His people avoid a lot of stress and frustration when they remember that great truth. And of all people who have ever lived in history, we should know this truth well. We have the benefit of centuries of evidence of God’s guidance, judgment, and works. All that tells us that He has not relinquished His throne as Sovereign of the universe.

Whatever you are facing this morning, take time to analyze in the context of God’s sovereign control of all things. See if that exercise brings you a measure of comfort and confidence. I’m not saying your troubles will disappear; I’m saying your troubles will be put into proper perspective.

In regard to Elijah’s experience on Mount Horeb, I noted that God continued to use him in spite of his emotional breakdown and speculation that he was the only faithful man left in the land. I suggested that there is a second lesson to take from that portion of the story.

We should recall the experience of Elijah when we find ourselves overwhelmed by some circumstance. The key truth to remember is this: It isn’t the circumstance that determines when we are finished; it isn’t our situation that determines when we have gone as far as we can; it isn’t our own estimation that determines how much strength we have left or how much more we can do. All of these concerns are in God’s hands. We will be finished when He has accomplished His desire.

Elijah learned that lesson and, as I said, we should take it to heart, as well. We certainly will come to points in our trials where we think we cannot go on, or think we surely must be finished by now, or think we are simply incapable of taking another step. Then we are to remember Elijah and the cave experience. He was ready to quit, but God wasn’t finished with him, so Elijah, by necessity and the grace of God, continued. There is tremendous encouragement in a story like this.

A third and final point of application comes from Elijah’s assumption regarding the number of faithful people left in the kingdom. Elijah was informed that God had reserved thousands of His own who had not bowed to Baal. This fact warns us about a common mistake, which is jumping to conclusions regarding what we think God is doing in a particular circumstance.

As noted before, Elijah was convinced that the faithful of the land were nowhere to be found and that he was the last servant of Jehovah left in the nation. I pointed out how Elijah greatly exaggerated the case and looked foolish when he learned that God had, in fact, preserved a large number of people who remained loyal in spite of the circumstances.

Have you ever jumped to a conclusion regarding some circumstance you were witnessing or involved in only to be proven wrong at some later point? We only bring misery and frustration upon ourselves when we reach a conclusion before the issue is actually resolved. God operates in various ways, and He does not always operate in a way that is plainly visible to us. If we would trust Him, instead of trying to predict the future, we’d be better off.

This is true in everyday matters and it is certainly true in terms of the entire course of history. God provided a Savior for mankind in Jesus Christ. The Savior came and did what was necessary to rescue the people of God. He conquered enemies and afterward, took up a position of unparalleled authority. But in spite of what He did, which was according to what God promised at the very beginning of our history, there are multitudes of Christians today who sound like Elijah, complaining about this and that, expressing their certainty that we are doomed as a world, wanting only to escape. But that is not what God promised. He didn’t promise a “skin-of-our-teeth,” last minute deliverance. God promised a total and visible defeat of the serpent and all who align themselves with him.

That is what we are part of—and that has enormous implications for your daily life. Christ’s sure victory should give you confidence to live in His name. Christ’s present exercise of the authority given Him should make you hopeful and confident as you conform your life to His standard. His death on the cross was just the beginning of His work to assemble a redeemed people and bring them before His Father. That is the day we anticipate.

Let’s keep in mind that God knows nothing of defeat or retreat or the reformulation of plans. Just when you think you are alone is when you should recall the story of Elijah. God is surely doing much more than you would ever expect.

Prayer

Hymn for Communion

Conclusion

This sacrament calls us to remember what has been promised by God, what Jesus accomplished, and what our future holds. All of this is bound up in the elements that point us to the substitutionary death of the Savior.

The redemption of mankind, the coming day when the redeemed are displayed before the Father—it all rests on what Jesus did on the cross. Death had to be overcome, and once that was done, nothing stood in the way for a glorious reconciliation of man to His Maker. We celebrate that as we eat the bread and drink the wine. This is merely a foretaste of what is to come, as Jesus reminded His disciples on that last night.

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”