Elijah’s Despair

I. Introduction: Some Bible characters seem so distant from us. We read about the great work of the apostle Paul or the enduring faith of Abraham and Moses and feel so small in comparison. In some ways the prophet Elijah may strike us the same way. The book of James tells us that he was a man “with a nature like ours,” James 5:17. We certainly can see his fatigue and despair in a trying time in his life. However, he learned—as should we—that God is in control and can lift us up.

II. Background

A. Ahab and Jezebel’s promotion of Baal worship

B. Ahab, as leader of God’s people, should have exalted the name of God. Ahab was weak morally and married a wicked woman, Jezebel, who vigorously promoted Baal worship in Israel.

C. God sent Elijah to turn the hearts of Israel back to God.

D. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah proclaimed a drought upon the land only to be relieved when Elijah prayed for rain.

E. God led Elijah from the land of Israel and took care of him while Israel suffered the drought and the famine that resulted. Ahab sent men all over Israel and even into foreign nations to find Elijah but he had no success. Finally, God told Elijah to return to Israel and face Ahab and God would bring rain upon the region.

F. 1 Kings 18:17-18 – Ahab’s greeting and Elijah’s response

G. In order to proclaim the glory of the Lord, Elijah told Ahab to gather Israel and the prophets of Baal and the Asherah on Mount Carmel to prove who is God.

H. Elijah rebuked the people for their indecision and unfaithfulness. He then proposed a contest in which sacrifices would be prepared; the God who would answer by fire is the true God.

I. Baal had already failed the first test

J. The Baal the Israelites worshipped was the Phonecian Baal who was considered the god of heaven and, with the Asherah, brought fertility to the land—but he could not stop the drought or famine in the land. Jehovah was the one who pronounced the drought and its presence reflected His power over creation—by the word of His prophet the drought would soon end.

K. The test on Mount Carmel

L. Carmel was a sacred mountain for the Baalites, they could choose the bull, and were allowed to go first—they had every advantage. From morning to noon the prophets of Baal cried out “O Baal, hear us!” Elijah taunted them and, in their desperation, the Baal prophets cut themselves until they bled profusely, but by the evening sacrifice they still had not received an answer. When the prophets of Baal gave up, Elijah called Israel to him and repaired the ancient altar of God. He dug a trench and poured 12 waterpots over the water then prayed to God to glorify Himself by answering with fire. God immediately answered with fire and the people bowed and praised God then, at Elijah’s urging, killed the prophets of Baal. Elijah told Ahab to rush back to Jezreel before the rain stopped him.

M. Jezebel’s revenge

N. Jezebel was not impressed and sent a messenger telling Elijah that she would kill him by the next evening. Elijah ran to Beersheba then into the wilderness where he collapsed exhausted and in despair.

III. Elijah’s Despair (1 Kings 19:4, 10)

A. “I am alone”

B. I wonder if there was a hint of self-righteousness—“out of all of the people of Israel I am the only one who still loves you, God.” Perhaps it was not self-righteousness but he oversimplified the situation as we often do in the depths of despair.

C. “I give up. My life is worthless.”

D. He did not have great numbers of converts nor did he sway Jezebel. Sometimes God’s servants get tired of the fight; it even happened to Moses.

E. God showed mercy to Elijah

F. God allowed him to get some much needed sleep. Twice an angel woke Elijah to give him food and drink. The nourishment was sufficient for his trip to Mt. Horeb

IV. Elijah’s Renewal

A. Elijah went to Mt. Horeb also known as Mt. Sinai, 1 Kings 9:8-10.

B. Elijah found shelter in a cave on Mt. Horeb. Horeb was the place where the covenant was first given to Moses; how appropriate that one of its greatest prophets would find comfort there.

C. God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?”

D. I do not believe this was a harsh rebuke but perhaps God was bringing out of Elijah the reasons he had fled to this place. Elijah proclaimed his allegiance to God, evidenced by word and deed, and that he alone was faithful to the covenant that Israel made in this place.

E. God called Elijah out of the cave; it may be that this was the same cave where Moses was allowed to see the glory of God pass by before he led the people to the Promised Land, Exodus 33:22.

F. Moses wanted to see God’s glory but He could not behold God’s face God covered Moses and passed by him and allowed Moses to see his glory as He passed by. Now Elijah would see the power of God, perhaps from the same place.

G. God’s power manifested for Elijah

H. A strong wind that damaged the mountain, an earthquake, and fire passed before the Lord yet the Lord was not manifest in them. Then he heard a still small voice—delicate whispering voice—and came out from the cave. God could have used the power of the storm, the earthquake, and fire to destroy his disobedient people, but He used the power of His word in the Law and men like Elijah to rebuke them and urge them to repent. His greatest power is sometimes manifest in quiet words.

I. God questioned Elijah again, “What are you doing here.”

J. Elijah responded with the same answer as before, 19:14.

K. This time God gave him a mission.

L. Appoint Elisha as a prophet in his place. Appoint Hazael as king over Syria. Appoint Jehu as king over Israel.

M. 19:17 – Ahab and Jezebel—those who sought his life and led Israel deeper into Baal worship—would be punished.

N. Elisha would actually anoint Hazael and Jehu as kings. Hazael conquered much of Israel and wounded King Joram, Jezebel’s son, which led to his death at Jehu’s hands. Jehu killed Jezebel, destroyed the remaining members of the house of Ahab (2 Kings 10:11), and destroyed the Baal worshippers of Israel and “destroyed Baal from Israel,” 2 Kings 10:28. Thus Ahab, Jezebel, and their house would be wiped from Israel in retribution for the idolatry they introduced and the prophets they killed. Elijah was an important part of punishing Israel and removing Baal worship, but he was only a part of God’s greater plan and God’s plan would continue even after he was gone.

O. God also told him that there were 7,000 Israelites who had not bowed before or worshipped Baal. This is probably both a rebuke and encouragement

P. Rebuke: Quit acting like you are the only faithful servant. Encouragement: You are not alone in your dedication In response to his initial cry of despondency he found that he was not alone and his work was not in vain.

V. Thoughts to consider

A. Are we sometimes ready to throw up our hands because we think we alone are obedient to God or that our efforts do not seem to make a difference?

B. Do you allow fatigue and exhaustion to plunge your soul in despair so that you wish God would just take you because you are not doing any good?

C. Solution: Eat, sleep, do what you can and are supposed to do, and let God take care of the rest.

D. He has the power to bring about the changes He desires. We are small parts of His bigger plan: it was going on before we were born and, should the earth continue, it will go on after our death. We need to work in our place, in our time, and let God worry about the efforts of the 7,000 other obedient servants who accomplish His work.

E. We may despair, but God is merciful and we must draw strength from Him, lift up the feeble knees and weary backs and work until the day is done.