1 Kings 19 1

1 Kings 19:1 kjv

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

1 Kings 19:1 nkjv

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword.

1 Kings 19:1 niv

Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.

1 Kings 19:1 esv

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.

1 Kings 19:1 nlt

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal.

1 Kings 19 verses

1 Kings 19 1 Meaning

This verse marks a critical turning point following the dramatic triumph of God over Baal on Mount Carmel. Ahab, the king of Israel, reports in detail to his pagan wife, Jezebel, everything Elijah had accomplished, specifically highlighting the slaying of all Baal's prophets by Elijah. This report is not merely informative but sets the stage for Jezebel's furious reaction, driving Elijah into immediate fear and flight.

1 Kings 19 1 Context

This verse is the immediate aftermath of the grand prophetic confrontation on Mount Carmel detailed in 1 Kings 18. Following the spectacular demonstration of Yahweh's power – the consuming of the altar by fire and the subsequent downpour of rain after years of drought – Elijah, empowered by God, led the people in executing the 450 prophets of Baal at the Kishon Brook. King Ahab, who witnessed these events, then travels to Jezreel. This specific verse reveals that upon his arrival, his first significant action is to report all these happenings to Jezebel. Her deep commitment to Baal worship and her past persecution of God's prophets (1 Kgs 18:4, 13) immediately indicate the gravity of this disclosure. The atmosphere shifts abruptly from national revival and divine triumph to personal danger and the stark reality of the king's continued loyalty to his wicked queen and her pagan agenda.

1 Kings 19 1 Word analysis

• And Ahab (וַיַּגֵּד אַחְאָב - vayyagged 'ach'av): "Ahab" (אָחָב - 'Achav) means "brother of the father." He was the seventh king of Israel, notorious for his wickedness and idolatry, particularly due to his marriage to Jezebel. His presence and witnessing of the Carmel event were crucial. His act of "telling" is passive, showing his moral weakness and lack of leadership even in the face of divine proof. He is not converting or confessing; he is merely reporting facts to his superior, Jezebel.
• told (וַיַּגֵּד - vayyagged): From the root נגד (nagad), meaning "to declare, make known, report." This verb choice emphasizes the direct relay of information. Ahab isn't interpreting or responding faithfully, but rather delivering an objective account to Jezebel, the true power behind the throne in matters of religion.
• Jezebel (אִיזֶבֶל - 'Izevel): Meaning "Where is the Prince?" or "Baal Exalts." She was the Phoenician princess and wife of King Ahab. A fervent worshiper of Baal, she relentlessly persecuted the prophets of Yahweh. Her character is one of resolute determination, defiance against God, and cruelty. Ahab's act of telling her indicates she is the real power player, the authority figure to whom the momentous news must be reported.
• all that Elijah had done (אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה אֵלִיָּהוּ - 'et kol-'asher 'asah 'Eliyahu): This comprehensive phrase encapsulates the entire miraculous sequence on Mount Carmel: the fire from heaven, the divine validation of Yahweh, and implicitly, the end of the drought (which signaled divine favor). It highlights the overwhelming, undeniable display of God's power through His prophet.
  • Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ - 'Eliyahu): Meaning "My God is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is God." The greatest prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, central to God's confrontation with Baal worship.
• and withal how he had slain (וְאֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר הָרַג - ve'et kol-'asher harag): This phrasing is crucial, emphasizing that all of the following happened. "Slain" (הָרַג - harag) means "killed" or "executed." This specific action, the execution of the false prophets, would be particularly offensive and threatening to Jezebel, as these were her prophets, supported and nourished by her.
• all the prophets (אֶת כָּל־הַנְּבִיאִים - 'et kol-hannəvi'im): Refers to the 450 prophets of Baal and potentially the 400 prophets of Asherah mentioned in 1 Kings 18:19. The word "all" signifies a complete purge of the official Baal prophetic establishment from the land, a direct affront to Jezebel's religious policy and power.
• with the sword (בַּחֶרֶב - bacherev): The means of execution. The sword symbolizes swift, decisive judgment. This detail grounds the abstract concept of "slaying" in a concrete act of judicial execution, reminiscent of the Torah's commands regarding the elimination of idolaters (e.g., Deut 13:5; 18:20). It marks the direct application of God's justice against those who led Israel astray.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Ahab told Jezebel": This phrase immediately signals a shift in power dynamics. Despite the overwhelming display of God's power witnessed by Ahab, he still reports to his pagan wife, confirming her influential and domineering role in their marriage and the kingdom. Ahab, rather than responding with repentance or leadership for Israel's true God, serves as a mere messenger.
• "all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword": This detailed account serves as a legal-like testimony to the radical change in the land. The comprehensive nature ("all that...") underscores the irrefutability of the divine display, encompassing both supernatural acts and the human-executed judgment that followed. It sets the exact foundation for Jezebel's fierce response.

1 Kings 19 1 Bonus section

• Ahab's Motivation: While not explicitly stated, Ahab might have told Jezebel either out of fear of her reaction to such a massive religious upheaval, seeking her counsel on how to deal with Elijah, or simply due to the habit of reporting significant state matters to his powerful wife. It's unlikely he reported it with pride in Elijah's actions or a desire for Jezebel's conversion.
• The Unbreakable Will of Jezebel: The fact that Jezebel does not waver in her idolatry or power, even after seeing direct proof of Yahweh's supremacy, demonstrates an incredibly hardened heart. This sets her apart as one of the most resolute antagonists of God in the Old Testament, representing absolute spiritual rebellion.
• Dramatic Irony: There is a sense of dramatic irony in this verse. From humanity's perspective, Elijah just performed miracles and delivered a decisive victory for God. Yet, the first human reaction within the palace walls is not awe or repentance, but rather a chilling report that ignites intense opposition. The greatest triumph instantly leads to the deepest flight of faith (1 Kings 19:3).
• Significance of the "Sword": The explicit mention of the "sword" connects the judgment meted out to the prophets of Baal to the Mosaic Law. It signals a divinely sanctioned act of justice, not a vengeful act of a single prophet. However, for Jezebel, it was perceived as an assault on her religious system.

1 Kings 19 1 Commentary

1 Kings 19:1 is a short but incredibly significant verse that pivots the narrative from public triumph to personal danger. After the magnificent display of God's power on Mount Carmel and the execution of the Baal prophets, one might expect widespread repentance or at least some shift in the kingdom's religious policy. Instead, the scene instantly narrows to a domestic setting where King Ahab, still weak and under Jezebel's influence, relays the stunning events to her.

Ahab's report highlights his consistent character: a ruler beholden to his queen, unable or unwilling to fully embrace Yahweh even after undeniable proof. His choice to inform Jezebel underscores her authority and fiery zeal for Baal worship. This news is not presented as a cause for celebration or fear of God, but rather as an attack on her personal religious authority and livelihood. The description of "all that Elijah had done" stresses the profound nature of the miraculous signs and the conclusive victory for Yahweh. Crucially, "how he had slain all the prophets with the sword" pinpoints the most provocative and personally offensive action to Jezebel. These were her prophets, the very pillars of her religious system, now utterly destroyed. This act, while mandated by God's law, represents a direct challenge to Jezebel's power. The immediate consequence will be Jezebel's furious pursuit of Elijah, showcasing the unyielding defiance of evil against clear divine truth. It reminds us that even the most undeniable demonstrations of God's power may not break a hardened heart and can even intensify opposition.