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Albert Barnes · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Barnes - "The best defense is a good offense" is a maxim Jezebel seemingly understood well. She was evidently a devout, religious woman, and such effrontery to her god, Baal, simply could not be tolerated. Religion is a very dangerous thing—if it does not make a person very much better, it will make that person very much worse (cf. C. S. Lewis) (See 1-2 Kings - Page 162) Bob
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Barnes has an interesting analysis of the similarity of Moses to Elijah asking "Was Elijah a second Moses? Commentators are not reluctant to make such a comparison, especially in their discussions of the present passage of 1 Kings. Both Elijah and Moses were considered, of course, prophets par excellence, and both were singled out, for example, by the prophet Malachi at the end of the Minor Prophets scroll as particularly relevant in the last days (see Mal 4:4-6). But the similarities between Moses and Elijah in the present chapter of Kings are particularly impressive (cf. Cogan 2001:456-457; also Dillard 1999:54-55): Both Moses and Elijah escaped into the wilderness, fleeing from non-Israelite rulers who were actively seeking their death, after each had brought about the death of subordinate(s) of that ruler (see 18:40; 19:1-8; Exod 2:11-15). Both Moses and Elijah at one point expressed their wish to die (see the first note on 19:4 for details). For both of these "prophets," significant references are given to a period of "forty days and forty nights" (19:8; Exod 24:18; 34:28). Moses took no food or water during his second stay on Mount Sinai (Exod 34:28); Elijah made his long trek to the mountain sustained only by the food he had eaten in the wilderness near Beersheba (19:8). Elijah came to a cave on Mount Sinai (19:9), and was told to "stand before" Yahweh on the mountain as the deity "passed by" (19:11), just as Moses had stood "in the crevice of the rock" until Yahweh had "passed by" (Exod 33:22). As Yahweh passed by, Elijah wrapped his face in his cloak (19:13); Moses was covered by Yahweh's hand, and thus protected while Yahweh passed by (Exod 33:22). The fire and thunder of Yahweh at Sinai (Exod 19:18; cf. Exod 3:2) were reenacted for Elijah (19:11-12 of the present passage), although in Elijah's case, those signs did not serve adequately to represent the deity (they certainly did serve in that capacity, however, in the previous chapter of 1 Kings!). As Seow (1999:144) puts it, "The point is made quite deliberately that God is not locked into any one mode of appearing." Less immediate, but nonetheless quite compelling, is the parallel between Moses and Elijah, both fierce servants of God who were not allowed to see the final fruit of their labors. Moses was eventually forbidden to enter the Promised Land, and Elijah did not personally experience the final triumph of Yahwism over Baalism in his lifetime; both had to trust that their successors (Joshua and Elisha, respectively) would meet with greater success. A Martyr at the Stake “Slain Thy prophets.”—1 Kings 19:14 On Huss firmly refusing to retract his opinions unless they were proved from the word of God to be erroneous, he was at length, with horrible solemnity, doomed to perish by fire as an obstinate heretic. On July 6th, 1415, sentence was formally pronounced upon him; and, after being stripped of his priestly garments, and subjected to various dreadful indignities, he was handed over to the secular arm for execution. A paper crown, painted over with figures of devils, and bearing the inscription “heresiarch,” was put upon his head. “We thus devote thee to the infernal devils!” the prelates piously exclaimed; whereupon the martyr replied, “I am glad to wear this crown of ignominy, for the love of Him who wore a crown of thorns.” He marched to the stake with wonderful composure, as if his heart were glad. A Roman historian who witnessed the scene says that he looked like a man going to a grand banquet. Arriving at the place of execution, Huss fell down on his knees and prayed aloud. Many of the people who heard him said to one another, “What this man has done before we know not; but now he has offered up most excellent prayers to God.” When he had been tied to the stake, the faggots, piled up all round him, were kindled; and in less than a quarter of an hour John Huss expired amidst smoke and flame, with his last breath committing his soul to the LORD Jesus Christ, who had redeemed him. The ashes of his body were hastily gathered up by the executioners, and cast into the Rhine; but a good portion of the earth on which he was consumed, containing at least some of his remains, was conveyed to his native Bohemia, where to this day he is held in the highest veneration. The name of John Huss is as dear to the Bohemians as the name of William Tell is to the Swiss, or the names of William Wallace and John Knox are to the people of Scotland. Henry Blackaby -1 Kings 19:14 - Experiencing God Day by Day: Daily Devotional - Page 302 Kingdom work can be challenging! You can give everything you have to God's service and come away exhausted. This is what happened to Elijah. God had just used Elijah to call down fire from heaven in a spectacular display of divine power. But Elijah's exhilaration was soon replaced by strenuous work followed by death threats, causing him to flee for his life. Now he was alone, exhausted, and discouraged. Again, God came to Elijah. This time, He came not in fire or in a loud, spectacular way, but in a still, small voice. God's servant was tired, and God brought him comfort. Elijah's focus had shifted from God to God's enemies. He had allowed his circumstances to overwhelm him, leaving him disoriented to God and feeling alone. So God encouraged him. God provided Elisha for him as a helper, friend, and companion. God removed Elijah from the activity for a time, so that he could rest and spend time with God. When the nation next saw Elijah, he was rejuvenated and refocused on God and His assignment. If you are overwhelmed by kingdom work so that your focus is no longer on God but on all that there is to do, let Him comfort you. Listen to His gentle voice. He will encourage you and provide exactly what you need to prepare you for what comes next. If He needs to remove you from your work for a time, He will. He may place a friend or colaborer beside you to help carry the load. God knows exactly how to encourage you. Let Him do so. 1 KINGS 19:14 - Cornelius Plantinga Beyond Doubt: A Devotional Response to Questions of Faith - Page 109 Even children know what an epitaph is. It’s the bit of writing you find on tombstones. Some epitaphs are sad. Many are thoughtful. A few are disgruntled: “I told you I was sick!” “Here lies John Alfred Crane. My surgeon was Dr. Anthony Wendell.” For centuries unbelievers have been ready to write the church’s epitaph. On some monument, perhaps at Rome, the world would write: “Outdated!” “Irrelevant!” “Outclassed!” “Finished.” Oddly enough, even some believers have been ready at times to follow suit. Here is Elijah, in our text, feeling lonesome and sorry for himself. He is complaining about the decline of the church. He wishes to point out that he has worked himself to the bone for the Lord, but everybody else has been tearing down what he has built. He has tried to lead, but nobody would follow. All the old breed are gone: “I alone am left.” Everybody in the parade is out of step but me. It’s worth noting, as one modern preacher has said, that God gives Elijah not a pat on the head but a vigorous nudge. The management gives not a soothing word but a work order: Go, anoint two kings and one prophet to serve in your place. In your place. The torch is handed on. In every generation our Lord renews his church with fresh prophets, priests, and kings. And every Sunday Jesus Christ arises in his body and moves out into the world. So often the resurrection of the church comes by way of the command to get busy. Don’t sit there feeling sorry for yourself and hankering for the good old days. Get to work! Preach the Gospel! Give your money away! Raise up a nursing home and two mental hospitals! Start a mission! Apply some pressure against political tyranny! Teach some children the truth! In so many ways a renewed church can renew the world around it. Meanwhile, perhaps we will uncover at least seven thousand who never did bow the knee to Baal. LONELINESS—our despair Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations: Virgil Hurley 1 Kings 19:14; Luke 22:28 The Despair of Loneliness Henry Ford II ruled an automobile company, spent princely sums on whatever he fancied, and had the attention of everyone he met. Yet this often lonely man would regularly turn to his younger daughter, even awakening her from sleep to talk. Sometimes he was sad; sometimes he was happy. But, she noticed, he always seemed lonely, with no one to share his deepest thoughts. Numerous studies prove the disadvantages of living alone or being lonely: sickness comes more often and stays longer, and suicides and automobile accidents are more prevalent. Yet, as one young adult explained, “It isn’t easy to find meaningful fellowship.” In melancholy eloquence he stated the problem about the single’s bar scene. “Your work keeps you busy,” he said, “but it also keeps you from seeing anyone. You go to a bar for fellowship, but find the lights so dim you can’t see anyone. You drink with companions only to find that what you drink keeps you from understanding each other. And the noise in the bars keeps you from hearing each other.” Their cure for loneliness only adds to their feeling of isolation. God made us communal creatures to live within a fellowship of others like ourselves. From the Trinity’s eternal, joyous fellowship we derive all our yearnings for fellowship. Only by associating with God, and those called to him through Christ, do we find an end to the loneliness that otherwise haunts and harms us. 1 Kings 19:15 The LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; NET 1 Kings 19:15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came and then head for the Desert of Damascus. Go and anoint Hazael king over Syria. CSB 1 Kings 19:15 Then the LORD said to him, "Go and return by the way you came to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. ESV 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. NIV 1 Kings 19:15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. NLT 1 Kings 19:15 Then the LORD told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. wilderness of Damascus: Ge 14:15 2Ki 8:7 Ac 9:2,3 anoint: Isa 45:1 Jer 1:10 27:2-22 Hazael: 2Ki 8:8-15,28 9:14 Am 1:4 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Kings 8:12 Hazael said (SPEAKING TO ELISHA), “Why does my lord weep?” Then he answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the sons of Israel: their strongholds you will set on fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword, and their little ones you will dash in pieces, and their women with child you will rip up.” ELIJAH TO ANOINT HAZAEL KING OF ARAM The LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus - The LORD does not specifically respond to Elijah's repeat answer in v14, but simply responds with commands to "Get moving!" giving Elijah his next job assignment. He says "Go back the way you came" (NET) THOUGHT - Perhaps you have spiritually veered off track of the race God has set before you (Heb 12:1+). Then take heart from God's merciful and gracious dealings with downcast, broken Elijah. God's treatment of Elijah reminds me of Paul's advice "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Php 3:12-14+) Beloved, perhaps you too need to forget what "lies behind," focus on what "lies ahead" and press on in the power of God's Spirit. Let it be so for any derailed, downcast soul who reads these words, and do it all for Thy glory in Christ. Amen. There is no widely recognized region called "the wilderness of Damascus" in ancient or modern geography. The “wilderness” likely refers to the arid or desert regions surrounding Damascus. Damascus is about 150 miles north of Mount Horeb (Sinai) and 50 miles northeast of Israel’s northern border. The route from Horeb to Damascus would have taken Elijah through the Negev desert, up through Israel, and into Syria.
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Barnes: In other words, it was time to get back to work. The servant of God is not to worry about the Jezebels on life’s journey. (See 1-2 Kings - Page 164) John Schultz: God tells him that he is “in the wrong desert.” He is told to “go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus.” R. D. Patterson: God again dealt graciously with his prophet. He was to go back to the northern kingdom (v. 15), the place where he had veered off the track with God in his spiritual life (cf. Abram, Ge 13:3-4; John Mark, Acts 15:39). Elijah still had work to accomplish for God. (See The Expositor's Bible Commentary - Page 532) and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram - Elijah's assignment is to anoint Hazael as King of Aram, who would later become a tool of God’s judgment against Israel (2Ki 8:7-15). Although Hazael was a Gentile, the point is clear that the LORD is in control of rulers whether Gentile or Jew. Israel had refused to respond to God's great miracles at Mount Carmel, so now He will bring judgment on the leaders and the land. God commissions Elijah to commission three other men who will be God's ministers of judgment! It is notable that Elijah did not personally anoint either Hazael or Jehu, but both were anointed by Elisha (2Ki 8:7-15 and 2Ki 9:1-10). However, from God's viewpoint it was by Elijah's authority that both these kings were anointed.