"Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. Leave hereThe command to "leave here" signifies a divine directive for Elijah to depart from his current location. In Hebrew, the word for "leave" is "לך" (lek), which is an imperative form, indicating urgency and obedience. This departure is not just physical but also spiritual, as Elijah is being called to a new phase of his prophetic ministry. It reflects the biblical theme of separation for divine purposes, reminiscent of Abraham's call to leave his homeland ( Genesis 12:1). Turn eastward
The instruction to "turn eastward" is significant both geographically and symbolically. In the Hebrew context, the east often represents the direction of new beginnings and divine encounters. The eastward movement can be seen as a journey towards God's provision and revelation. This direction also aligns with the rising sun, symbolizing hope and renewal, which is fitting for Elijah's mission during a time of spiritual darkness in Israel. Hide yourself
The phrase "hide yourself" is intriguing, as it suggests both protection and preparation. The Hebrew word "סתר" (satar) implies concealment, which is necessary for Elijah's safety from King Ahab and Jezebel. However, it also indicates a period of solitude and communion with God, where Elijah can be spiritually fortified. This hiding is not out of fear but obedience, as God often uses hidden seasons to prepare His servants for greater tasks. By the Brook Cherith
The "Brook Cherith" is a specific location chosen by God for Elijah's sustenance. The Hebrew "כרית" (Kerith) can mean "cutting" or "separation," symbolizing a place where Elijah is set apart for divine purposes. This brook represents God's provision in the wilderness, echoing the Israelites' experience of God's faithfulness during their desert wanderings. It is a reminder that God provides for His people in unexpected ways and places. East of the Jordan
The mention of "east of the Jordan" situates the narrative in a historical and geographical context. The Jordan River is a significant biblical landmark, often associated with transitions and new beginnings, such as the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. Being east of the Jordan places Elijah in a region outside the immediate influence of Israel's apostate leadership, symbolizing a return to foundational truths and divine encounters, much like the patriarchs who journeyed in these lands. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God, known for his boldness and faithfulness. He is a central figure in this passage, receiving direct instruction from God. 2. Brook CherithA small stream or ravine east of the Jordan River. It serves as a place of refuge and provision for Elijah during a time of drought and famine. 3. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical landmark in Israel, often symbolizing transition and divine intervention. 4. God's CommandThe directive given to Elijah to leave and hide, demonstrating God's protective and providential care. 5. DroughtThe backdrop of this event, a divine judgment on Israel for their idolatry, which sets the stage for Elijah's prophetic ministry. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CallElijah's immediate response to God's command highlights the importance of obedience, even when the path is uncertain. Trust in Divine ProvisionThe Brook Cherith represents God's provision in unexpected places. Believers are encouraged to trust God to meet their needs. God's Sovereignty in Difficult TimesThe drought and Elijah's hiding illustrate God's control over circumstances. Believers can find peace in God's sovereignty during trials. Isolation as PreparationElijah's time by the brook can be seen as a period of preparation for future ministry. Times of solitude can be used by God to strengthen and prepare us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elijah's obedience to God's command challenge us in our daily walk with God? 2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives, similar to how He provided for Elijah at the Brook Cherith? 3. How can we apply the principle of trusting God's sovereignty in our current circumstances? 4. Reflect on a time when isolation or solitude led to spiritual growth. How can Elijah's experience encourage you in similar situations? 5. How does Elijah's account connect with Jesus' teachings on provision and faith in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12God's call to Abram to leave his homeland parallels Elijah's call to leave and trust in God's provision. Psalm 23The theme of God leading and providing for His people, as He does for Elijah by the brook. Matthew 6Jesus' teaching on God's provision, reminding believers to trust in God's care as Elijah did. James 5Elijah is referenced as a man of prayer and faith, emphasizing the power of righteous prayer. People Ahab, Elijah, ZidonPlaces Cherith, Gilead, Jordan River, Sidon, Tishbe, ZarephathTopics Brook, Cherith, Depart, Direction, East, Eastward, Front, Hast, Hence, Hidden, Hide, Jordan, Kerith, Ravine, Secret, Stream, Thyself, Torrent, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 17:1-6 5092 Elijah 1 Kings 17:1-16 4823 famine, physical 1 Kings 17:2-6 4478 meat 1 Kings 17:2-7 4260 rivers and streams 1 Kings 17:2-12 5569 suffering, hardship Library Elijah Standing Before the Lord
And Elijah the Tishbite ... said ... As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand.--1 KINGS xvii. 1. This solemn and remarkable adjuration seems to have been habitual upon Elijah's lips in the great crises of his life. We never find it used by any but himself, and his scholar and successor, Elisha. Both of them employ it under similar circumstances, as if unveiling the very secret of their lives, the reason for their strength, and for their undaunted bearing and bold fronting of all antagonism. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Inexhaustible Barrel
Though, however, I make these few observations by way of preface, this is not the subject of this morning. I propose to take the case of the poor widow of Sarepta as an illustration of divine love, as it manifests itself to man; and I shall have three things for you to notice. First, the object of divine love; secondly, the singular methods of divine love; and, then, in the third place, the undying faithfulness of divine love--"The barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 Answered Prayer.
"And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah."--1 KINGS xvii. 22. Yes, and He will hear your voice if you are as much in earnest as he was! Why should not God hear the voice of William, or Robert, Sarah or Edith? He is no respecter of persons. Is it not written over the door of mercy, "Knock, and it shall be opened?" Aye, and the knocker is so low a child's hand may reach it. St. James tells us that Elijah was "a man of like passions." He was a human being like you and me, but he had faith in God. …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by drawing lots is not unlawful, because a gloss of Augustine on Ps. 30:16, "My lots are in Thy hands," says: "It is not wrong to cast lots, for it is a means of ascertaining the divine will when a man is in doubt." Objection 2: There is, seemingly, nothing unlawful in the observances which the Scriptures relate as being practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find holy men practicing the casting of lots. For it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 17:3 NIV1 Kings 17:3 NLT1 Kings 17:3 ESV1 Kings 17:3 NASB1 Kings 17:3 KJV
1 Kings 17:3 Commentaries
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