1 KINGS 19

GOD SPEAKS TO ELIJAH IN A SUBTLE WHISPER

After attempting to flee, Ahab reports back to his wife, Jezebel, telling her of the altar battle and the death of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel is furious and sends a death threat to Elijah.

Elijah is afraid and flees to Beersheba, a city at the far south end of Judah. Elijah is so distraught, he no longer wants to live and asks God to take his life. Exhausted, Elijah falls asleep under a bush. He is awakened by an angel, who brings him bread and water. A snack and a nap can go a long way! Elijah is ready to continue his journey. He continues traveling for forty days and ends in a cave in Mount Horeb.

Elijah cries out to God, saying that despite his efforts, the people of Israel abandoned God. God instructs Elijah to stand on the mountaintop to hear more from God. On top of the mountain, there is a hurricane, great winds, and fire, but Elijah does not hear from God. After the hurricane, winds, and fire, Elijah hears from God in a gentle whisper. God does not show up in the way Elijah expects, but instead speaks in a smaller, more subtle way.

God tells Elijah that he is to make Hazeal ruler of the kingdom of Aram, Jehu the ruler of the kingdom of Israel, and Elisha to succeed Elijah as a prophet. God tells Elijah that he is preserving the seven thousand who never worshiped Baal or other gods.

Elijah goes to Elisha, summoning him for his new role as a prophet. Elisha shares a meal with his family before following Elijah and becoming his successor.