Community on Columbia

After Queen Jezebel hears of Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel, she vows to kill him. Suddenly experiencing a loss of faith, Elijah flees into the wilderness, burdened by despair, taking shelter under a Juniper tree.

Notes on 1 Kings 19:1-8

God tells Elijah to meet with King Ahab and challenge the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest of power to determine which is the true God – Yahweh or Baal. The experience doesn’t go well for the false prophets. Then Elijah prays and the rains return to Israel.

Notes on 1 Kings 18:1-45

The Prophet Elijah denounces the idolatry of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. He prophecies that a drought will come as chastisement. Then God tells Elijah to flee. Ravens bring him food in the wilderness. Later he takes refuge with a widow and her son, where God sends miracles of provision, and – when her son dies – raises him to life through the prayer of the prophet.

Notes on 1 Kings 17:1-24

The death of Baasha in the northern kingdom leads to a bloody struggle for the throne. Baasha’s dynasty receives the same fate he had inflicted on Jeroboam – the extermination of his whole male line. Omri comes out on top, and his son Ahab would usher in one of the darkest reigns in Jewish history, setting the stage for Elijah’s ministry.

Notes on 1 Kings 16:1-34