1 Kings 19 Study Notes

19:11-13 God first reveals his presence to Elijah in his greatness and power, but he did not speak from that position. The Lord instead spoke to Elijah in a soft whisper, showing himself to be a God who communicates via a still, small voice as well as powerful displays. His power is especially present in his word.

19:14 Elijah is given a second audience with God to make his case against Israel.

19:15-16 God’s commands first pointed to judgment. Elijah was to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his own successor. God was still controlling events.

19:17 This command indicated the extent of God’s judgment—death at the hands of Hazael, at the hands of Jehu, and even at the hands of Elisha through his pronouncements of judgment.

19:18 The second part of God’s response gave hope. God still had seven thousand people through whom he could work in the future.

19:19-21 Here we see an advance in agricultural technology—teams of oxen being used for deeper, more effective plowing (Pr 14:4). This showed that Elisha’s family was quite prosperous. Elisha’s capability to celebrate his new calling with sacrifices and feasting for the whole community also indicated his family’s prosperity. The mantle or robe worn by Elijah was a symbol of his position and of Elisha’s succession to that position. Compare Elisha’s words to those Jesus spoke to a would-be disciple in Lk 9:62.