1 Kings 19:7
A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, "Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you."
Then the angel of the LORD
The phrase "angel of the LORD" is significant in the Old Testament, often indicating a divine messenger with a special commission from God. The Hebrew word for "angel" is "mal'ak," which means "messenger." This particular angel is not just any messenger but is often seen as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God Himself. In the context of Elijah's story, this divine intervention underscores God's intimate involvement in the lives of His prophets, providing guidance and sustenance in times of need.

returned a second time
The repetition of the angel's visit highlights God's persistent care and attention to Elijah's needs. The Hebrew word for "returned" is "shuv," which can also mean "to turn back" or "to restore." This suggests a restorative action, emphasizing God's commitment to restoring Elijah's strength and spirit. The "second time" indicates that God’s provision is not a one-time event but a continuous process, reflecting His enduring faithfulness.

and touched him
The act of touching is deeply personal and conveys a sense of compassion and care. In Hebrew, "naga" means "to touch" or "to reach." This physical touch from the angel signifies God's tangible presence and His willingness to meet Elijah's physical and emotional needs. It is a reminder that God is not distant but is actively involved in the lives of His people, offering comfort and reassurance.

saying, 'Get up and eat
The command "Get up and eat" is both practical and symbolic. The Hebrew word for "get up" is "qum," which means "to arise" or "to stand." This is a call to action, urging Elijah to prepare for what lies ahead. "Eat" in Hebrew is "akal," emphasizing the necessity of physical nourishment. Spiritually, this command reflects the importance of being sustained by God's provision, both physically and spiritually, to fulfill His purposes.

for the journey is too much for you
This phrase acknowledges Elijah's human limitations and the enormity of the task before him. The Hebrew word for "journey" is "derek," meaning "way" or "path." It signifies not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. The acknowledgment that the journey is "too much" underscores the need for divine assistance. It is a humbling reminder that in our own strength, we are insufficient, but with God's help, we can accomplish what seems impossible. This reflects the broader biblical theme of reliance on God's strength rather than our own.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet of God who had just experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel but is now fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel.

2. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger sent by God to provide sustenance and encouragement to Elijah during his time of despair.

3. Wilderness
The desolate place where Elijah finds himself, both physically and spiritually, as he flees from Jezebel.

4. Mount Horeb
The destination Elijah is journeying towards, also known as Mount Sinai, a place of significant encounters with God.

5. Jezebel
The queen who threatens Elijah's life, representing opposition to God's prophets and His will.
Teaching Points
Divine Provision in Despair
God provides for our needs even when we feel overwhelmed and alone. Just as Elijah received sustenance, we can trust God to meet our needs in times of distress.

The Importance of Rest and Renewal
Elijah's journey reminds us of the necessity of physical and spiritual renewal. Taking time to rest and be nourished is crucial for the journey God has set before us.

God's Presence in Our Wilderness
Even in our wilderness experiences, God is present and active. We are never truly alone, as God sends His messengers to guide and support us.

Preparation for the Journey Ahead
The angel's instruction to "get up and eat" signifies preparation for the tasks God has for us. We must be spiritually and physically prepared for the journey God calls us to undertake.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elijah's experience in the wilderness reflect our own times of spiritual or emotional exhaustion?

2. In what ways can we recognize and respond to God's provision in our lives during difficult times?

3. How can we apply the principle of rest and renewal in our daily walk with God?

4. What are some "wilderness" experiences in your life where you have felt God's presence and guidance?

5. How can the account of Elijah and the angel encourage us to trust in God's preparation for our future journeys?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3
The angel of the LORD appears to Moses in the burning bush, signifying divine intervention and guidance, similar to Elijah's encounter.

Psalm 34:7
Speaks of the angel of the LORD encamping around those who fear Him, offering protection and deliverance, akin to Elijah's experience.

Matthew 4:11
After Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Him, paralleling Elijah's divine sustenance.

Hebrews 1:14
Describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, reflecting the angel's role in Elijah's journey.
God's Considerateness of Our FrailtyHelps for Speakers.1 Kings 19:7
Heart-Weariness in the Journey of LifeT. Campbell Finlayson, D. D.1 Kings 19:7
Juniper TreesLyman Abbott, D. D.1 Kings 19:7
The Journey of LifeT. Allen.1 Kings 19:7
The Weary ChildJ. A. Kerr Bain, M. A.1 Kings 19:7
Elijah's Prayer for DeathJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 19:1-8
The Prophet's DespairJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 19:1-8
The Desponding ProphetJ. Waite 1 Kings 19:1-18
Avoiding the ShadowsA. Caldwell.1 Kings 19:3-18
DiscouragementD. L. Moody.1 Kings 19:3-18
Elijah in the WildernessSpurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Kings 19:3-18
Elijah's DepressionH. Woodcock.1 Kings 19:3-18
How the Mighty FellF. B. Meyer, M. A.1 Kings 19:3-18
Loneliness in Religious DepressionU. R. Thomas.1 Kings 19:3-18
The Despondent ProphetC. M. Merry1 Kings 19:3-18
The Flight into the WildernessF. S. Webster, M. A.1 Kings 19:3-18
The Flight to the WildernessJ. R. Macduff, D. D.1 Kings 19:3-18
People
Abel, Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Hazael, Israelites, Jehu, Jezebel, Nimshi, Shaphat
Places
Abel-meholah, Beersheba, Damascus, Horeb, Jezreel, Syria
Topics
Angel, Arise, Eat, Journey, Messenger, Overmuch, Rise, Strength, Touched, Touching, Turneth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 19:7

     5194   touch

1 Kings 19:1-8

     8615   prayer, doubts

1 Kings 19:1-11

     5831   depression

1 Kings 19:3-8

     4438   eating

1 Kings 19:3-21

     8131   guidance, results

1 Kings 19:5-7

     4111   angels, servants

1 Kings 19:5-8

     1330   God, the provider
     9412   heaven, worship and service

1 Kings 19:6-8

     8724   doubt, dealing with

1 Kings 19:7-15

     8150   revival, personal

Library
Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
'And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to-morrow about this time. 3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Doest Thou Here?
"And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?"--1 KINGS xix. 9. There is a sound of rebuke in these words. They seem to imply that the lonely mountain of Horeb was not the place in which God expected to find such a servant as Elijah, and that there should be no indefinite tarrying, no lingering without an aim in such a solitude. As you read the familiar history you see how the record of the prophet's retirement and his vision in Horeb is a
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

God's Gentle Power
"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so. when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"--1 Kings 19:11-13.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 12.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh," &c. All things in Christianity have a near and strait conjunction. It is so entire and absolute a piece, that if one link be loosed all the chain falls to the ground, and if one be well fastened upon the heart it brings all alongst with it. Some speak of all truths, even in nature, that they are knit so together that any truth may be concluded out of every truth, at least by a long circuit of deduction
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in with the Design of the Gospel.
1. Universal success not to be expected.--2-4. Yet, as unwilling absolutely to give up any, the author addresses thou who doubt the truth of Christianity, urging an inquiry into its evidences, and directing to prayer methods for that purpose.--5 Those who determine to give it up without further examination.--6. And presume to set themselves to oppose it.--7, 8. Those who speculatively assent to Christianity as true, and yet will sit down without any practical regard to its most important and acknowledged
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

What Doest Thou Here?
'Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here!'--1 SAMUEL xxix. 3. 'The word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?'--1 KINGS xix. 9. I have put these two verses together, not only because of their identity in form, though that is striking, but because they bear upon one and the same subject, as will appear, if, in a word or two, I set each of them in its setting. David was almost at the lowest point of his fortunes when he fled into
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
James I. 18. James I. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. I INTEND the words which I have now been reading, only as an introduction to that address to the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, with which I am now to conclude these lectures; and therefore shall not enter into any critical discussion, either of them, or of the context. I hope God has made the series of these discourses, in some measure, useful to those
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

The Uses of the Law
Yet, pardon me my friends, if I just observe that this is a very natural question, too. If you read the doctrine of the apostle Paul you find him declaring that the law condemns all mankind. Now, just let us for one single moment take a bird's eye view of the works of the law in this world. Lo, I see, the law given upon Mount Sinai. The very hill doth quake with fear. Lightnings and thunders are the attendants of those dreadful syllables which make the hearts of Israel to melt Sinai seemeth altogether
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Seven Sanctified Thoughts and Mournful Sighs of a Sick Man Ready to Die.
Now, forasmuch as God of his infinite mercy doth so temper our pain and sickness, that we are not always oppressed with extremity, but gives us in the midst of our extremities some respite, to ease and refresh ourselves, thou must have an especial care, considering how short a time thou hast either for ever to lose or to obtain heaven, to make use of every breathing time which God affords thee; and during that little time of ease to gather strength against the fits of greater anguish. Therefore,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the Mother of all the Godly.
1. The church now to be considered. With her God has deposited whatever is necessary to faith and good order. A summary of what is contained in this Book. Why it begins with the Church. 2. In what sense the article of the Creed concerning the Church is to be understood. Why we should say, "I believe the Church," not "I believe in the Church." The purport of this article. Why the Church is called Catholic or Universal. 3. What meant by the Communion of Saints. Whether it is inconsistent with various
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Grace Before Meat.
O most gracious God, and loving Father, who feedest all creatures living, which depend upon thy divine providence, we beseech thee, sanctify these creatures, which thou hast ordained for us; give them virtue to nourish our bodies in life and health; and give us grace to receive them soberly and thankfully, as from thy hands; that so, in the strength of these and thy other blessings, we may walk in the uprightness of our hearts, before thy face, this day, and all the days of our lives, through Jesus
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,"
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," &c. The gospel is an entire uniform piece, all the parts of it are interwoven through other, and interchangeably knit together, so that there can be no dividing of it any more than of Christ's coat that was without seam. If you have it not altogether by the divine lot, you cannot truly have any part of it, for they are so knit together, that if you disjoin
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8,
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Conflicts with Giant Mistake
CONFLICTS WITH GIANT MISTAKE I make so many mistakes, it seems I am just a bundle of contradictions. I try to do good; but at times my efforts are so crude that I seem to do more harm than good. What shall I do? And though all the time I try hard not to make mistakes, yet I still make them. It seems to me that surely I am not sanctified, or else I should be more perfect. Do not the Scriptures command us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect? I am not perfect; far from it. Really I
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures and Excommunication.
1. Of the power of the keys, or the common discipline of the Church. Necessity and very great utility of this discipline. 2. Its various degrees. 1. Private admonition. 2. Rebukes before witnesses. 3. Excommunication. 3. Different degrees of delinquency. Modes of procedure in both kinds of chastisement. 4. Delicts to be distinguished from flagitious wickedness. The last to be more severely punished. 5. Ends of this discipline. 1. That the wicked may not, by being admitted to the Lord's Table, put
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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

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