The Gentle Voice of the Lord in Crisis

1. God’s Voice Prepares Us for Crisis After Celebration v. 9-13

Jezebel. Daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon (). She became the wife of Ahab, king of the northern kingdom of Israel; the marriage was probably a continuation of the friendly relations between Israel and Phoenicia begun by Omri and confirmed a political alliance between the two nations. Jezebel exerted a strong influence over the life of Israel, as she insisted on establishing the worship of Baal and demanded the absolute rights of the monarchy. So strong was her pagan influence that Scripture attributes the apostasy of Ahab directly to Jezebel ().

Jezebel’s efforts to establish Baal worship in Israel began with Ahab’s acceptance of Baal following the marriage (). Ahab followed Jezebel’s practices by building a house of worship and altar for Baal in Samaria (32), and by setting aside a grove, probably for worship of the Asherah (33). A campaign was then conducted to exterminate the prophets of God (), while Jezebel organized and supported large groups of Baal prophets, housing and feeding large numbers of them in the royal palace (). To meet this challenge God sent Elijah, first to prophesy a drought which lasted three years (; ).

Elijah’s confrontation with Jezebel and Ahab culminated on Mt Carmel, where Elijah demanded that the prophets of Baal meet him (). As they and the people of Israel gathered, Elijah issued the challenge to Israel to follow the true God. To demonstrate who was the true God, Baal’s prophets and Elijah each took a bullock for sacrifice. The prophets of Baal then prepared the sacrifice and called on their god to send fire to consume it, but no answer came. Elijah prepared his sacrifice and had it drenched in water. After his prayer, God sent fire which consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones of the altar, the dust, and the water that had overflowed. Following this the Israelites fell down in tribute to God. Then Elijah directed the people to take the prophets of Baal to the brook Kishon, and he slaughtered all of them. When Jezebel heard of this, she flew into a rage and threatened Elijah with the same fate. In fear Elijah fled for his life to the wilderness.

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Jezebel,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1165.

2. God’s Voice Calls To Us in the Midst of Crisis - v. 9-10

“What are you doing here, Elijah?”

In a cave, scared, down on your job and your status, having a pity-party.

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job)

“Why are you in a cave?” the Lord asks Elijah. “Why are you hiding out, holding back? Why are you in this place of discouragement and depression?

Such a question is one the Lord would ask of many of us: what are you doing holed-up in the cave of self-pity? F. B. Meyer, renowned Bible scholar, said that self-pity is the most grievous of all sins. Self-pity says to the Lord, “I don’t like what You’re doing in my life.”

Self-pity is nothing more than rebellion, for if I feel sorry for myself, I am actually saying, “God, although Your Word says You are love, I don’t buy it. Although Your Word says You are good, I don’t believe it. Although Your Word says You are light, I don’t see it. Although the Word says You are my Father, I don’t relate to it.”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) 1 Kings 19:9

“Why are you in a cave?” the Lord asks Elijah. “Why are you hiding out, holding back? Why are you in this place of discouragement and depression?

Such a question is one the Lord would ask of many of us: what are you doing holed-up in the cave of self-pity? F. B. Meyer, renowned Bible scholar, said that self-pity is the most grievous of all sins. Self-pity says to the Lord, “I don’t like what You’re doing in my life.”

Self-pity is nothing more than rebellion, for if I feel sorry for myself, I am actually saying, “God, although Your Word says You are love, I don’t buy it. Although Your Word says You are good, I don’t believe it. Although Your Word says You are light, I don’t see it. Although the Word says You are my Father, I don’t relate to it.”

3. God’s Voice Directs During Crisis - v. 15-19

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) The Cure for Depression

I know of no more practical truth than this one. When you’re discouraged and despairing, the tendency will be to hide in a cave and feel sorry for yourself. But the cure for that is just the opposite, to find people to disciple, to find folks to pray with, to find situations in which you can be a blessing. Jesus said whatever measure you give out will be given back to you (Matthew 7:2). I have found this to be true over and over again, haven’t you? When I talk to others, my own discouragement disappears.

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) The Cure for Depression

I know of no more practical truth than this one. When you’re discouraged and despairing, the tendency will be to hide in a cave and feel sorry for yourself. But the cure for that is just the opposite, to find people to disciple, to find folks to pray with, to find situations in which you can be a blessing. Jesus said whatever measure you give out will be given back to you (Matthew 7:2). I have found this to be true over and over again, haven’t you? When I talk to others, my own discouragement disappears.

Elijah needed direction - was drained, he was down, he was in dire need of direction. hiding!

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) The Cure for Depression

I know of no more practical truth than this one. When you’re discouraged and despairing, the tendency will be to hide in a cave and feel sorry for yourself. But the cure for that is just the opposite, to find people to disciple, to find folks to pray with, to find situations in which you can be a blessing. Jesus said whatever measure you give out will be given back to you (Matthew 7:2). I have found this to be true over and over again, haven’t you? When I talk to others, my own discouragement disappears.

I know of no more practical truth than this one. When you’re discouraged and despairing, the tendency will be to hide in a cave and feel sorry for yourself.

But the cure for that is just the opposite, to find people to disciple, to find folks to pray with, to find situations in which you can be a blessing. Jesus said whatever measure you give out will be given back to you (). I have found this to be true over and over again, haven’t you? When I talk to others, my own discouragement disappears.

Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary: Volume One: Genesis–Job (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 1018.