1 Kings 17:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:1

Elijah. In this sudden manner the Tishbite is introduced, upon which Bishop Hall remarks, "He comes in with a tempest who went out with a whirlwind." And Lamartine says, "Recalling his life and his terrible vengeance, it seems as if this man had the thunder of the Lord for a soul, and that the element in which he was borne to heaven was that in which he was brought forth." Let us consider— I. HIS PRESENCE . 1 . It is awful in its vagueness . 2 . It is awful also in its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:1

The Messenger of Jehovah. Stanley is justified in describing Elijah as "the grandest and moss romantic character that Israel ever produced". He appears suddenly, and disappears miraculously. Hence imagination has had scope. Some Rabbins believed that he was Phineas, the grandson of Aaron, and others that he was an angel from heaven. The impression his ministry made upon the mind of the people reappeared again and again after the lapse of centuries. When, for example, the miracles of our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:1-6

Elijah the Tishbite. One of the noblest of the noble figures that cross the stage of Old Testament history appears before us here. Few names have such a halo of glorious associations surrounding them as that of Elijah. The mystery of his origin, the grandeur of his mission, his physical and moral characteristics, the peculiar nature of his miracles, his wonderful translation and reappearance with Moses at the time of our Lord's transfiguration, together with the place that he occupies in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:1-6

Elijah's Advent and Service. I. THE GREAT PROPHET . 1 . His name : Elijah, my God (is) Jehovah. It was a symbol of his spirit. It expressed his judgment of Israel's idolatry and the choice which with his soul's whole strength he had made of God. Light and fidelity are the only foundations of any true work for God or man. 2 . His origin . The words ("of the inhabitants," etc.) seemed to indicate that he belonged to none of the tribes of Israel 3 . His attitude... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:1-7

First Preparation of Elijah for his great Mission. After Elijah's first appearance before Ahab to announce to him the Divine visitation of sterility and dearth which was to come upon the land as the chastisement of his sin, the prophet was sent away into a solitary place to prepare himself for his great and solemn mission, which was to overthrow idolatry and vindicate the worship of the true God. This work of preparation was divided into two great periods. 1 . The preparation of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:2

And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying [cf. 1 Kings 17:8 ; 1 Kings 18:1 ; 1 Kings 21:17 ; 2 Kings 1:3 ], read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:2-4

Strange Provision in a Sad Necessity. The miracles associated with the ministry of Elijah and Elisha have led some to deny the historical credibility of the Books of Kings. It should be remembered that great miracles were rendered necessary by a great and general apostasy. It was essential to the survival of true faith that Jehovah should indicate His unseen sovereignty. In Israel such attestation was more required than in Judah, where the sanctuary and the priesthood, in the worst times,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:2-6

Resources of Providence. When the heavens are shut up by the word of the Lord, what will become of the prophet who declared that word? Will he not suffer from the drought in common with the sinners on whose account the dew and rain are restrained? Will he not be exposed to the rage of an idolatrous king and queen whose humbled gods cannot, in this crisis, vindicate themselves? Will not a demoralized populace resent their sufferings upon the man of God? God knows all, and is equal to all,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:3

Get thee hence, and turn thee [for the construction ( dat . commodi ) cf. Genesis 12:2 ; Genesis 22:2 ; Song of Solomon 2:11 ] eastward [This he must do, whichever side of the Jordan, east or west, the brook Cherith was, for his interview with Ahab had probably taken place at Samaria. But the word would be specially appropriate, if the Cherith was beyond Jordan. Ewald, indeed, holds that our text is decisive on this point], and hide thyself [Heb. be hid, i.e; lie hid, Niphal.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 17:3-7

The Solitary Place. We have just seen that it was from the wilderness that Elijah went forth into the busy, wicked world, and to the anxious, dangerous work of a prophet. He, like his antitype, was in the desert "until the time of his showing unto Israel" ( Luke 1:80 ). There, in secret communion with God, he had gained strength for the encounter; there he had meditated over the grievous apostasy of his people, and had "vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their evil deeds" ( 2... read more

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