What is the meaning of 1 Kings 21:17? Then • The narrative picks up immediately after Ahab acquires Naboth’s vineyard, an act steeped in injustice (1 Kings 21:1-16). • “Then” signals God’s swift response; He never overlooks sin or delay judgment indefinitely (Psalm 94:1-2; Romans 2:5-6). • This timing assures believers that God’s moral government is active in real history, not merely theoretical. the word of the LORD • God speaks with absolute authority; His word is final, inerrant, and accomplishes its purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:16). • The phrase underscores divine initiative—judgment originates with God, not human opinion. • By highlighting “word,” the text reminds us that revelation, not speculation, defines truth and justice (Hebrews 1:1). came to Elijah • God chooses His prophets; Elijah doesn’t volunteer ideas—he receives marching orders (Jeremiah 1:4-9). • Divine messages reach God’s servants at the exact moment they’re needed, equipping them for courageous confrontation (Acts 4:31). • Elijah had previously withdrawn after Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19), yet God re-engages him, illustrating that past fatigue does not nullify future usefulness. the Tishbite • Identifying Elijah’s origin grounds the prophet in history and geography, reinforcing the factual nature of the account (Luke 1:1-4). • “Tishbite” also recalls his earlier confrontations with Ahab, setting the stage for another clash (1 Kings 18:17). • God often employs familiar instruments to address recurring problems; consistency builds credibility. saying, • The verse ends with an open-ended “saying,” preparing the reader for the forthcoming prophetic pronouncement (1 Kings 21:18-24). • This pause emphasizes anticipation—God’s word will expose sin explicitly and pronounce righteous judgment (Amos 3:7). • It encourages believers to listen attentively; when God speaks, action and accountability follow (James 1:22-25). summary 1 Kings 21:17 marks the decisive moment when God intervenes through His prophet. The immediate “Then” shows divine promptness; “the word of the LORD” affirms inerrant authority; “came to Elijah” highlights chosen instrumentation; “the Tishbite” roots the event in history; and “saying,” signals that a clear, actionable message is at hand. Together, the verse reassures us that God sees every injustice and will address it through His authoritative word delivered by faithful servants. |
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