(a) Describe God's intervention on behalf of Elijah. (b) State two lessons about the nature of God in this story.

Answer Details

(a) God's intervention on behalf of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)

• After Elijah had slain the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled for his life to Beersheba and went a day's journey into the wilderness.
• Exhausted and despairing, he sat under a broom tree and asked to die, saying, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life. Then he lay down and slept.
• God sent an angel who touched him and said, Arise and eat. Elijah found a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water at his head. He ate, drank and lay down again.
• The angel came a second time, touched him and said, Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.
• Strengthened by that food, Elijah travelled forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
• There he lodged in a cave, and the Lord asked, What are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah complained that he alone was left and they sought his life.
• God told him to stand on the mount. A great wind, an earthquake and a fire passed by, but the Lord was not in them. After the fire came a still small voice (a low whisper), and in it God spoke to Elijah.
• God reassured and re-commissioned him, telling him to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place, and revealing that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was thus not alone.

(b) Two lessons about the nature of God from this story

1. God is caring and compassionate. He tenderly provided food, water and rest for His discouraged servant and did not abandon him in his despair.
2. God is present in gentleness, not only in dramatic power. He revealed Himself in the still small voice rather than in the wind, earthquake or fire, showing that He often works quietly and patiently.