Category Archives: Readings

A war with the Syrian king Benhadad prompts an unnamed prophet to promise King Ahab victory. But he fails to finish the job by executing Benhadad – “A man whom I appointed to utter destruction.”  The story reveals an underlying … Continue reading →

Rabbinical tradition considered Mt. Horeb (Sinai) as a sacred mountain, and found references to mountains serving as types for Israel and even the Messiah.  Elijah’s experience of the “still, small voice” of God there embodied a whole host of meanings … Continue reading →

We find the prophet Elijah depressed and at the lowest point in his life. He flees to Mt. Sinai (Horeb), where God speaks to him in a “still, small voice.” On his return he calls Elisha to be his companion. … Continue reading →

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. … Continue reading →

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. … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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, … Continue reading →