1 Kings 17 2

1 Kings 17:2 kjv

And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

1 Kings 17:2 nkjv

Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

1 Kings 17:2 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah:

1 Kings 17:2 esv

And the word of the LORD came to him:

1 Kings 17:2 nlt

Then the LORD said to Elijah,

1 Kings 17 verses

1 Kings 17 2 Meaning

This verse signifies a crucial moment of divine communication, indicating that immediately after Elijah's pronouncement of drought upon Israel, the sovereign word of Yahweh came directly to him. This establishes that Elijah's subsequent actions are not of his own will, but are direct instructions from God, underscoring divine authority, guidance, and provision for His prophet amidst the unfolding judgment.

1 Kings 17 2 Context

The immediate context is 1 Kings 17:1, where Elijah confronts King Ahab and proclaims a severe drought as divine judgment. This verse (1 Ki 17:2) follows directly, revealing God's prompt communication to Elijah after such a bold public declaration, demonstrating divine guidance and immediate provision for His servant in the face of grave danger from Ahab. The broader chapter context highlights God's supernatural care for Elijah during the drought (provision at Cherith and with the widow of Zarephath), powerfully illustrating Yahweh's supremacy over nature and Baal, who was worshipped as the god of rain and fertility. This period was marked by rampant idolatry under Ahab and Jezebel, where Baal worship directly challenged the covenant worship of Yahweh in Israel. God's direct instruction to Elijah sets the stage for God's personal intervention in a land suffering under His judgment and misled by false gods.

1 Kings 17 2 Word analysis

• And (וַֽיְהִ֥י, wa·ye·hi): This conjunctive waw serves to connect and signify a sequence. It indicates that God's instruction to Elijah immediately followed Elijah's pronouncement to Ahab. It highlights the swift, divine initiative in response to unfolding events.
• the word (דְּבַר־, dĕvar from davar): In Hebrew, dabar refers not just to a spoken utterance, but also to a matter, event, or thing. Here, it denotes an authoritative, purposeful divine communication. It's an active, powerful decree that initiates action and brings about what it declares. This contrasts sharply with the silent, inactive idols.
• of the Lord (יְהוָ֖ה, YHWH / Yahweh): This is the incommunicable, covenant name of God, revealing Him as the personal, unchanging God of Israel. Its use here asserts the source of the communication is the true, sovereign God, standing in direct opposition to Baal. It emphasizes the absolute authority and covenant faithfulness of the one speaking.
• came (אֵלָ֖יו from the verb bo "to come" with preposition el "to/unto"): This denotes a direct, personal, and intentional approach. It shows God's specific revelation to Elijah, highlighting the prophet as the chosen recipient of this divine instruction. God actively seeks out and directs His servant.
• unto him (אֵלָ֖יו, e·lav): Refers directly and emphatically to Elijah, indicating the highly personalized nature of God's interaction with His prophet. God is speaking to Elijah, specifically preparing him.
• saying, (לֵאמֹֽר׃, le'mor): This common Hebrew infinitive construct introduces direct speech, indicating that the following verses contain the precise, verbatim instructions from God. It adds solemnity and authenticity to the divine message.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And the word of the Lord came unto him": This is a recurring formula throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament (e.g., Jer 1:2, Ezek 1:3). Its presence here immediately validates Elijah's upcoming actions and declarations as divinely ordained. It dispels any notion that Elijah is acting on personal vendetta or fear. Instead, it positions him as a direct mouthpiece of Yahweh. The use of "the Lord" (YHWH) further reinforces God's unique power and authority over all creation, including the natural elements (rain), which were supposedly under Baal's domain. This direct communication highlights God's intimate involvement in human affairs and His commitment to guiding and protecting His faithful servants, particularly in times of widespread apostasy. It also showcases God's initiative; Elijah didn't seek the command, but God proactively delivered it.

1 Kings 17 2 Bonus section

• Polemic against Baal: The timing of "the word of the Lord came" right after Elijah's challenge regarding the rain implicitly functions as a direct theological polemic against Baal. While Baal worshipers awaited rain from their deity, the true God (YHWH) demonstrated His immediate personal interaction and control by directly speaking to His prophet to provide for him, not relying on impersonal forces or ineffective idols.
• God's Sovereignty and Care: This verse illustrates God's active sovereignty. He doesn't just declare a drought; He also meticulously plans for His servant's welfare. This specific, personal revelation assures Elijah (and the reader) of God's deep care amidst judgment.
• Precedent for Obedience: This command sets a precedent for Elijah's immediate and unwavering obedience throughout the chapter. Every step Elijah takes, from going to Cherith to dwelling with the widow of Zarephath, is a direct result of receiving and obeying God's precise word.
• Formulaic Significance: The formula "the word of the Lord came" isn't merely descriptive; it's prescriptive. It ensures that the prophet's message and actions are divine in origin and thus carry inherent authority and compel absolute obedience from both the prophet and the audience.

1 Kings 17 2 Commentary

1 Kings 17:2 is a succinct but foundational verse, providing the divine mandate for all of Elijah's subsequent actions in chapter 17. Following his bold proclamation of drought to King Ahab, Elijah is not left to his own devices, but receives immediate and specific instructions from God. The phrase "the word of the Lord came" is central, indicating direct, authoritative, and active communication from Yahweh. This counters the inertness of pagan deities and underscores God's personal oversight of His creation and His prophets. It illustrates divine providence, as God initiates the plan for Elijah's protection and provision even amidst the harsh realities of a national drought that Yahweh Himself instituted. The promptness of this divine word prepares Elijah for the challenging period ahead, demanding absolute trust and obedience in an environment hostile to God's true prophets. This divine instruction demonstrates God's commitment to sustaining His messengers, providing guidance for every step of their journey in faith.