King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 19:7 Mean?
“And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.”
1 Kings 19:7 · KJV
Context
5
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
6
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. head: Heb. bolster
7
And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
8
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
9
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Reflection Questions
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוַיָּשָׁב֩1 of 13
“came again”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מַלְאַ֨ךְ2 of 13
“And the angel”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֤ה׀3 of 13
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּגַּע5 of 13
“and touched”
H5060properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
בּ֔וֹ6 of 13
H0ק֣וּם8 of 13
“Arise”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כִּ֛י10 of 13
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃13 of 13
“because the journey”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Kings 19:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.