Category Archives: Readings

July 7, 2024 – 1 Kings 22 – Ahab is killed, and ‘dogs lick his blood’

When Israel’s King Ahab tries to convince Judah’s King Jehoshaphat to join him in retaking a city from the Syrians, he has 400 false prophets predict victory. But one prophet – Micaiah – instead says Ahab will die, and dogs … Continue reading

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

June 30, 2024 – 1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s Vineyard

King Ahab wants to buy a vineyard from Naboth, but is refused. The Law forbade Jews from relinquishing their inheritance in the Promised Land. Queen Jezebel conducts a treacherous scheme to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy and disloyalty, and he … Continue reading

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

June 2, 2024 – 1 Kings 20 – ‘Slay Each His Man’

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

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

May 12, 2024 – More on Mt. Horeb and 1 Kings 19

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

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

April 27, 2024 – 1 Kings 19:9-21 – Elijah Travels to Mr. Sinai

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

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

April 21, 2024 – 1 Kings 19:1-8 – A Dejected Elijah Flees to the Wilderness

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

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

February 25, 2024 – 1 Kings 18 – Elijah Confronts the 450 Prophets of Baal

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

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment