1 Kings 19:22 Komentář

We left Elijah at the entrance of Jezreel, still appearing publicly, and all the people's eyes upon him. In this chapter we have him again absconding, and driven into obscurity, at a time when he could ill be spared; but we are to look upon it as a punishment to Israel for the insincerity and inconstancy of their reformation. When people will not learn it is just with God to remove their teachers into corners. Now observe, I. How he was driven into banishment by the malice of Jezebel his sworn enemy (Kg1 19:1-3). II. How he was met, in his banishment, by the favour of God, his covenant-friend. 1. How God fed him (Kg1 19:4-8). 2. How he conversed with him, and manifested himself to him (Kg1 19:9, Kg1 19:11-13), heard his complaint (Kg1 19:10-14), directed him what to do (Kg1 19:15-17), and encouraged him (Kg1 19:18). III. How his hands were strengthened, at his return out of banishment, by the joining of Elisha with him (Kg1 19:19-21).

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 19 This chapter gives us a further account of Elijah, of his being obliged to flee for his life through the threats of Jezebel, Kg1 19:1, of the care the Lord took of him, providing food for him, in the strength of which he went to Horeb, Kg1 19:5, of the Lord's appearance to him there, and conversation with him, Kg1 19:9, of some instructions he gave him to anoint a king over Syria, another over Israel, and a prophet in his room, Kg1 19:15, and of his finding Elisha, and throwing his mantle over him, who left his secular employment, and followed him, and became his servant, Kg1 19:19.

Ahab tells Jezebel what Elijah had done; she is enraged, and threatens to take away his life, Kg1 19:1, Kg1 19:2. He leaves Jezreel, and comes to Beer-sheba, and thence to the wilderness, where he is fed and encouraged by an angel, Kg1 19:3-9. His complaint and the vision by which God instructs him, Kg1 19:10-14. He is sent to Damascus, in order to anoint Hazael king over Syria, and Jehu king over Israel, Kg1 19:15-18. He meets with Elisha, who becomes his servant, Kg1 19:19-21.

ELIJAH FLEES TO BEER-SHEBA. (Kg1 19:1-3) 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 (Jam 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 (Co2 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.