1 kings 19:10 - He said, “I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 kings 19:10" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 19:10, is a lament by the prophet Elijah to God. Let's break down its meaning:
"He said, “I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies;" This is Elijah expressing his passionate devotion to God (Yahweh, often translated as "LORD"). The term "God of Armies" (or "Lord of Hosts") emphasizes God's power and authority, especially in battle and over all creation. Elijah's "jealousy" here isn't a negative emotion. It's a righteous indignation and zeal for God's honor. He is intensely protective of God's reputation and wants to see Him rightfully revered.
"for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword." This explains why Elijah is so jealous for God. He's witnessing widespread apostasy and rebellion against God's commands in Israel.
"forsaken your covenant": The Israelites had broken their agreement with God, turning away from His laws and promises. The covenant represented a special relationship, and they had betrayed it.
"thrown down your altars": They destroyed the places of worship dedicated to Yahweh, symbolizing their rejection of Him.
"killed your prophets with the sword": This is the most grievous offense. Prophets were God's messengers, sent to call the people back to righteousness. By murdering them, the Israelites were silencing God's voice and rejecting His warnings.
"I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”" This is the core of Elijah's despair and isolation. He believes he is the only faithful servant of God left in Israel. He feels utterly alone in his devotion and is being targeted for persecution. His life is in danger because he refuses to compromise his faith. He believes the same fate that befell the other prophets awaits him.
In summary, this verse reveals:
Elijah's unwavering loyalty to God: He is deeply concerned about God's honor and reputation.
The depth of Israel's spiritual decline: The nation has abandoned its covenant with God, destroyed His places of worship, and murdered His prophets.
Elijah's feeling of isolation and despair: He feels alone in his faithfulness and fears for his life.
The verse sets the stage for God's response to Elijah, where God will assure him that he is not alone and that He has a plan to deal with the apostasy in Israel (1 Kings 19:11-18). This assurance will renew Elijah's courage and enable him to continue his prophetic ministry.
1 kings 19:10 - He said, “I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”
What does "1 kings 19:10" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 19:10, is a lament by the prophet Elijah to God. Let's break down its meaning:
"He said, “I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies;" This is Elijah expressing his passionate devotion to God (Yahweh, often translated as "LORD"). The term "God of Armies" (or "Lord of Hosts") emphasizes God's power and authority, especially in battle and over all creation. Elijah's "jealousy" here isn't a negative emotion. It's a righteous indignation and zeal for God's honor. He is intensely protective of God's reputation and wants to see Him rightfully revered.
"for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword." This explains why Elijah is so jealous for God. He's witnessing widespread apostasy and rebellion against God's commands in Israel.
"forsaken your covenant": The Israelites had broken their agreement with God, turning away from His laws and promises. The covenant represented a special relationship, and they had betrayed it.
"thrown down your altars": They destroyed the places of worship dedicated to Yahweh, symbolizing their rejection of Him.
"killed your prophets with the sword": This is the most grievous offense. Prophets were God's messengers, sent to call the people back to righteousness. By murdering them, the Israelites were silencing God's voice and rejecting His warnings.
"I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”" This is the core of Elijah's despair and isolation. He believes he is the only faithful servant of God left in Israel. He feels utterly alone in his devotion and is being targeted for persecution. His life is in danger because he refuses to compromise his faith. He believes the same fate that befell the other prophets awaits him.
In summary, this verse reveals:
Elijah's unwavering loyalty to God: He is deeply concerned about God's honor and reputation.
The depth of Israel's spiritual decline: The nation has abandoned its covenant with God, destroyed His places of worship, and murdered His prophets.
Elijah's feeling of isolation and despair: He feels alone in his faithfulness and fears for his life.
The verse sets the stage for God's response to Elijah, where God will assure him that he is not alone and that He has a plan to deal with the apostasy in Israel (1 Kings 19:11-18). This assurance will renew Elijah's courage and enable him to continue his prophetic ministry.