1 Kings 19

1Ki 19:1-3.

ELIJAH

FLEES TO

BEER-SHEBA.

3. he arose, and went for his life--He entered Jezreel full of hope.

But a message from the incensed and hard-hearted queen, vowing speedy

vengeance for her slaughtered priests, dispelled all his bright visions

of the future. It is probable, however, that in the present temper of

the people, even she would not have dared to lay violent hands on the

Lord's servant, and purposely threatened him because she could do no

more. The threat produced the intended effect, for his faith suddenly

failed him. He fled out of the kingdom into the southernmost part of

the territories in Judah; nor did he deem himself safe even there, but,

dismissing his servant, he resolved to seek refuge among the mountain

recesses of Sinai, and there longed for death

(Jas 5:17).

This sudden and extraordinary depression of mind arose from too great

confidence inspired by the miracles wrought at Carmel, and by the

disposition the people evinced there. Had he remained steadfast and

immovable, the impression on the mind of Ahab and the people generally

might have been followed by good results. But he had been exalted above

measure

(2Co 12:7-9),

and being left to himself, the great prophet, instead of showing the

indomitable spirit of a martyr, fled from his post of duty.

1Ki 19:4-18.

HE

IS

COMFORTED BY AN

ANGEL.

4-18. went a day's journey into the wilderness--on the way from

Beer-sheba to Horeb--a wide expanse of sand hills, covered with the

retem (not juniper, but broom shrubs), whose tall and spreading

branches, with their white leaves, afford a very cheering and

refreshing shade. His gracious God did not lose sight of His fugitive

servant, but watched over him, and, miraculously ministering to his

wants, enabled him, in a better but not wholly right frame of mind, by

virtue of that supernatural supply, to complete his contemplated

journey. In the solitude of Sinai, God appeared to instruct him. "What

doest thou here, Elijah?" was a searching question addressed to one who

had been called to so arduous and urgent a mission as his. By an awful

exhibition of divine power, he was made aware of the divine speaker who

addressed him; his attention was arrested, his petulance was silenced,

his heart was touched, and he was bid without delay return to the land

of Israel, and prosecute the Lord's work there. To convince him that an

idolatrous nation will not be unpunished, He commissions him to anoint

three persons who were destined in Providence to avenge God's

controversy with the people of Israel. Anointing is used synonymously

with appointment

(Jud 9:8),

and is applied to all named, although Jehu alone had the consecrated

oil poured over his head. They were all three destined to be eminent

instruments in achieving the destruction of idolaters, though in

different ways. But of the three commissions, Elijah personally

executed only one; namely, the call of Elisha to be his assistant and

successor

[1Ki 19:19],

and by him the other two were accomplished

(2Ki 8:7-13; 9:1-10).

Having thus satisfied the fiery zeal of the erring but sincere and

pious prophet, the Lord proceeded to correct the erroneous impression

under which Elijah had been laboring, of his being the sole adherent of

the true religion in the land; for God, who seeth in secret, and knew

all that were His, knew that there were seven thousand persons who had

not done homage (literally, "kissed the hand") to Baal.

16. Abel-meholah--that is, "the meadow of dancing," in the valley of

the Jordan.

1Ki 19:19-21.

ELISHA

FOLLOWS

ELIJAH.

19. Elisha the son of Shaphat--Most probably he belonged to a family

distinguished for piety, and for their opposition to the prevailing

calf-worship.

ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen--indicating that he was a man of

substance.

Elijah . . . cast his mantle upon him--This was an investiture with

the prophetic office. It is in this way that the Brahmins, the Persian

Sufis, and other priestly or sacred characters in the East are

appointed--a mantle being, by some eminent priest, thrown across their

shoulders. Elisha had probably been educated in the schools of the

prophets.

20. what have I done to thee?--that is, Go, but keep in mind the

solemn ceremony I have just performed on thee. It is not I, but God,

who calls thee. Do not allow any earthly affection to detain you from

obeying His call.

21. took a yoke of oxen--Having hastily prepared

(2Sa 24:22)

a farewell entertainment to his family and friends, he left his native

place and attached himself to Elijah as his minister.