Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the prophet Elijah is a prominent figure who experiences a moment of deep despair and desires death. This episode is recorded in
1 Kings 19, where Elijah, after a significant victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, finds himself fleeing from the wrath of Queen Jezebel. Despite his previous triumphs and the demonstration of God's power, Elijah becomes overwhelmed with fear and exhaustion.
Context and BackgroundElijah's ministry occurs during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by widespread idolatry and apostasy under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah is called by God to confront these issues, and he does so with boldness and faith. The confrontation on Mount Carmel, where God answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, is a pivotal moment that reaffirms God's sovereignty and Elijah's role as His prophet (
1 Kings 18:20-40).
Elijah's Desire for DeathFollowing this victory, Jezebel threatens Elijah's life, prompting him to flee into the wilderness. It is here, under a broom tree, that Elijah expresses his desire for death. In
1 Kings 19:4 , Elijah prays, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." This plea reveals Elijah's profound sense of isolation, fatigue, and perceived failure. Despite his faithfulness, Elijah feels alone in his struggle against the pervasive idolatry in Israel.
God's ResponseIn response to Elijah's despair, God does not grant his request for death. Instead, God provides for Elijah's physical needs by sending an angel to offer food and water, allowing him to rest and regain strength (
1 Kings 19:5-8). This divine provision underscores God's care and understanding of Elijah's human frailty.
God then leads Elijah to Mount Horeb, where He speaks to him not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (
1 Kings 19:11-12). This encounter reassures Elijah of God's presence and purpose, reminding him that he is not alone. God reveals that there are still 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed to Baal, and He commissions Elijah to anoint new leaders and a successor, Elisha, to continue the prophetic mission (
1 Kings 19:15-18).
Theological ImplicationsElijah's desire for death highlights the reality of human weakness and the emotional toll of spiritual warfare. It serves as a reminder that even the most faithful servants of God can experience moments of doubt and despair. However, God's response to Elijah illustrates His compassion and the importance of divine encouragement and provision in times of distress.
This narrative also emphasizes the significance of God's ongoing work and the assurance that His plans are not thwarted by human frailty. Elijah's experience is a testament to the sustaining power of God's presence and the hope that comes from trusting in His purposes, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 19:4But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
... What Elisha desired, Elijah could not give nor guarantee. How firm and assured beside
Elijah's dubious 'Thou hast ... rebuke or save, to which death reduces those ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the translation of elijah and.htm
Elijah the Tishbite
... to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be ... Failing in her efforts against Elijah,
Jezebel determined to avenge ... For I have no pleasure in the death of him ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm
How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... should send him for Elijah, and he should miss of him, and not be able to find him
any where upon earth, he should be put to death. He desired him therefore to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm
How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites ...
... The Wonders Of Elisha; And The Death Of Jehoshaphat. ... the son of Shaphat, the disciple
of Elijah, the three ... be sure] were true prophets, he still desired him to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joram and.htm
Concerning Ahaziah; the King of Israel; and Again Concerning the ...
... but on the same account;"he therefore desired him to ... Now at this time it was that
Elijah disappeared from among men, and no one knows of his death to this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning ahaziah the.htm
"What Doest Thou Here?"
... He desired to teach Elijah that it is not always ... From Elijah's experience during
those days of discouragement and ... come soon to end the reign of sin and death. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm
Imprisonment and Death of John
... from heaven, or to raise the dead, as Elijah did, nor ... could never win Herod's consent
to the death of John ... In the recklessness of the moment, he desired to make ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm
The Shadow of Death
... thinking this pseudo-Messiah was reproaching Elijah for failing to ... To the Jews the
death of their victim did not give all the satisfaction they desired. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm
How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... Joram, the king of Israel, after the death of Benhadad ... he that slew all these; and
he desired them to ... his house was perished, according as Elijah had foretold. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm
He was Transfigured
... been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those ... Elijah had known
loneliness of spirit, as for ... had not received that which God desired to give ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 46 he was transfigured.htm
Resources
What is the second death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about death? | GotQuestions.orgIs there an angel of death? | GotQuestions.orgDeath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus