How does God's command in 1 Kings 17:3 connect to Psalm 23:1-2? Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 17:3—“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.” • Psalm 23:1-2—“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” Key Connections • Same Shepherd, same voice – In both passages the LORD gives specific direction—Elijah is told exactly where to go; David testifies that the Shepherd “leads” him. • Provision in barren times – Cherith sits inside a drought-stricken land, yet God points Elijah to a flowing brook. – David pictures God supplying lush pasture and calm water even when the surrounding terrain may be dry (Psalm 63:1). • Protection through obedience – Elijah’s safety depends on trusting the command to “hide yourself.” – Sheep lie down only when they feel secure; David rests because the Shepherd stands guard (Psalm 4:8). • Personal fellowship – God places Elijah alone at Cherith, just Him and the prophet, deepening intimacy. – Psalm 23 moves from “He” (vv. 1-3) to “You” (v. 4); the relationship grows closer in private places. Side-by-Side Snapshot ——————————"—————————— “Leave… and hide” " “He makes me lie down” “Brook of Cherith” " “Quiet waters” Daily raven meals (v. 4) " “I shall not want” Isolation in drought " Rest in abundance Other Scripture Echoes • Isaiah 40:11—He “carries them in His bosom.” • Exodus 15:27—Twelve springs at Elim during the wilderness trek. • John 10:11—Jesus, the Good Shepherd, personally feeds and protects His flock. Takeaway for Today • When the Lord redirects your steps—however abrupt—He is leading you to a Cherith-like refuge. • Obeying His word positions you under the same promise: “You will lack nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7). • Quiet seasons are not inactivity; they are God-appointed pastures where faith is nourished for the next assignment (1 Kings 18:1). |
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