I KINGS

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:34    "And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there as king over Israel, and blow the trumpet and say, 'Long live King Solomon!' "

    David was old and not able to rule as king any longer, and one of his sons (not Solomon) decided to take over without permission. Bathsheba reminded David of his promise that Solomon, her son, would be the next king. David kept his promise and declared Solomon king. Like David, I believe God will keep His promises. (DRM 12/31/06)

1:53b    ". . . And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, Go to your home."

    Adonijah had set himself up to be king, but King David had other plans - that Solomon would succeed him in the throne. God certainly honored King David to the end. (DRM 7/21/88)

2:2,3    (David said to Solomon) "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, ³and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, . . . 

    This set of verses should be an inspiration to all believers, to show us what we should do and that we should always honor the Lord. (DRM 7/22/88)

2:6    So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace.

    David's final instructions to Solomon were related to various people and how they should be treated after Solomon became king. I chose this verse to show that David thought Solomon had wisdom - even before Solomon asked God for it. He probably had some, but got much more after asking God to supply his needs. (DRM 1/1/07)

3:2    The people were still sacrificing on the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the LORD until those days.

    The "high places" were generally where some people worshipped the false god, Baal. To have the people perform sacrifices to the true God, they needed a "home" for Him. Solomon was having this house built at the time, so it appears that God did not hold this sin against the Israelites.
    Some of the sins that I (we) commit I am not aware of (e.g.) I could have said something that someone took a wrong/different way than intended - and I never knew it. The best thing to do is to ask forgiveness daily for all known and unknown sins. (DRM 12/9/11)

3:9    "So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine?"

    Solomon's request to God is shown here. He only asked for one thing: discernment or wisdom on how to rule. God granted Solomon's desire and gave him other things too. Perhaps my problem is that I ask for more than one thing! I must learn to let Him decide what I will receive and just concentrate on the "main thing." (DRM 1/2/07)

3:14    And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. (God speaking to Solomon)

    What a great reason to obey the rules of the Lord! Solomon had been very obedient to the Lord, and God asked Solomon what he would like. Solomon asked only for wisdom to rule and the Lord granted much more. 
    I know that I do not have a "guarantee" of a long life, but I can serve the Lord for all the days that He grants me. I must continue to trust in Him to show me the way. . . (DRM 11/5/87)

3:19, 20    "And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on it. 20So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead son in my bosom."

    This interesting story shows a little about how people lived in Solomon's time. Why there was no man mentioned is not revealed. Still, Solomon's decision (v. 27) on who should keep the living child was an example of the wisdom God gave him. I can pray that God will also use me in some way. (DRM 1/3/07)

4:25    During Solomon's lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree. 

    What a difference from David to Solomon! David's wars vs. Solomon's peace. It must have been a great time for all of the Israelites! (DRM 7/23/88)

4:29    Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.

    Solomon's wisdom came from God. He (Solomon) asked for it (1 Kings 3:9). Today it seems that most people who have a college degree are smart from their education. That doesn't mean that they know "everything" and, unless they took a theology course, they know anything about God. A higher education doesn't guarantee a place in Heaven.
    The only way to Heaven is by trusting in the Lord Jesus with all your heart - then He will give you more spiritual wisdom - through the Holy Spirit - similar to how He gave Solomon wisdom. (DRM 1/29/16)

4:30    And Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.

    At some point there was the great library in Alexandria, Egypt - but I don't know if it was in Solomon's time or not. Still, this verse - statement shows some of how God granted Solomon's prayer request. He can do the same for us (me)! (DRM 1/4/07)

5:12    The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

    Solomon had asked the Lord for wisdom, and the Lord provided it.
    Whenever we pray to the Lord for anything, we should pray in an attitude of expectation and not doubt. (DRM 7/24/88)

6:8    The doorway for the lowest side chamber was on the right side of the house; and they would go up by winding stairs to the middle story, and from middle to third.

    This section describes the building of "the house of the Lord" (v.1) At first I wondered if this stairway was circular; but think that is a newer invention. Winding can be square. Still, the purpose of the house is to honor God, as it should be in every house today. (DRM 1/5/07)

6:38    In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it. 

    The temple was an impressive structure from the details in this chapter. I was amazed at the amount of gold that seemingly covered everything in the temple. (DRM 7/25/88)

7:1    It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace.

    This chapter describes the detail of Solomon's palace and furnishings. Certainly God gave him a vast amount of riches! (DRM 7/26/88)

8:10    When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. 

    This cloud was also known as the glory of the Lord and is written about throughout the Bible. The confidence of knowing God is with you continues in Christians. (DRM 7/27/88)

8:27    But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!

    This is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple that was just completed.
    Certainly God visited the earth and made Himself known at times like when He directed Moses through the wilderness.
    Later, Jesus dwelled on the earth for about 33 years - but, as Christians, we know that in the future God will indeed dwell on the earth, or nearby, in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:23). PTL! (DRM 8/7/12)

8:61    " . . . Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day."

    Solomon had just finished dedicating the new temple. This is the end of the benediction which he spoke to the gathered people of Israel.
    Every word that Solomon said in this sentence/verse can apply to us today as much as it did 2,500+ years ago when it was spoken.
    While times have changed, the animal sacrifices have ceased and Jesus came to die for our sins, our worship of God should never end. Our hope/devotion is in our resurrected Lord, our King and Savior. (DRM 6/22/17)

9:6, 7a    But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, ⁷then, I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them. . .

    This passage was given by the Lord to Solomon. I feel that it is important in that the Israelite nation eventually was cut off and for these reasons. (DRM 7/28/88)

10:3    Solomon answered all her (Queen of Sheba's) questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 

    This is an example of Solomon's wisdom (that Solomon asked for in 1 Kings 3 ) and the encouragement that God will grant requests to the faithful.

11:3    And he (Solomon) had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away.

    What would cause Solomon to do this? He lived and observed how his father, David, lived for the Lord God - and still went in another direction (v.6). Probably it was the influence of the wives - as they tried to bring him to their various religions (v. 1-2). Temptations will be great in life - it's hard to keep a pure heart before the Lord. (DRM 1/6/07)

11:4    As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 

    Wow, this matches really well with 1 Kings 9:6, 7a above! Later in 1 Kings 11, the Lord told Solomon that He (God) would tear his (Solomon) kingdom away from his (Solomon) son. [v. 11 + 12] (DRM 7/30/88) 

11:7    Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable idol of Moab, on the mountain which is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the detestable idol of the sons of Ammon.

    The point of this section of 1 Kings is that Solomon's heart turned away from the Lord God. He had all the wealth a person could ever want, he had 700 wives (v. 3) and probably wanted to be popular with the people he ruled over - building these idols for the citizens.
    Since the Lord God had appeared to him twice (v. 9), there was no reason why he shouldn't have been a better, more godly, ruler like his father, David.
    The point for us is to not drift away from the Lord and to follow Him ALL the days of our life. (DRM 10/30/12)

12:8    But he (Rehoboam) forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.

    Solomon died after ruling 40 years, then Rehoboam became king. When the Israelites (v.3) came through Nebat, (v.2) Rehoboam decided not to accept the advice of the elders, but people his own age instead. In a similar way, I should ask for spiritual advice from my spiritual elders - who aren't necessarily physically older than me, as I was born-again later in life. (DRM 1/7/07)

12:15    So the king (Rehoboam) did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.

    This slightly confusing chapter shows exactly how the Lord fulfilled his "promise" to break apart the kingdom (in Chp. 11). I should always learn from these historical facts that God honors those who honor Him. (DRM 7/31/88)

12:16    When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying,
                "What portion do we have in David?
                  We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse;
                  To your tents, O Israel!
                  Now look after your own house, David!"
            So Israel departed to their tents.

    Solomon had just died. His son Rehoboam reigned in his place (11:43).
    Rehoboam had two groups to rule. One was his base - Judah and the other would later become Israel. The second group was willing to serve him if he made their work/yoke easier, but he chose not to meet their request. This caused the division of the land. Rehoboam was king of Judah and Jeroboam was then king of Israel (v. 20).
    Rehoboam should have listened to the advice of the elders (vv. 6-7). We also should listen to godly people with more experience when making decisions. (DRM 3/8/18)

12:17    But as for the sons of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

    King Solomon died. His son Rehoboam then became king over all of Israel. The people from some of the tribes of Israel asked him to make their service easier (v. 4). After consultation with the elders, who agreed, and youth, who disagreed, new King Rehoboam made the mistake of not following the elders advice. The kingdom was split and only the tribe of Judah would follow Rehoboam.
    How does this part of history affect us? When making important decisions, we need to consult with people who have experience (elders) in the subject. Prayer to God should also be included, as He is the most elder of all.
    Rehoboam wanted them to serve him, instead of his serving the people. God wants servants in His Kingdom.  (DRM 2/5/16)

    In the family, the workplace, at church, or in our neighborhood—we need His wisdom for the humility to serve rather than be served. (from Our Daily Bread LAWRENCE DARMANI 2/5/16)

12:28    So the king [Jeroboam] consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt."

    Jeroboam was the king of Israel an Rehoboam was the king of Judah. The kingdom had just separated, and king Jeroboam didn't want his citizens to go to Jerusalem in Judah to worship, so created the golden calves as a substitute. Israel drifted away from God after that. (DRM 1/8/07)

13:4    When King Jeroboam heard what the man of God cried out against the altar at Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the altar and said "Seize him!" but the hand he stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so he could not pull it back.

    This chapter was really interesting and showed how God can plan an important part in all men's lives. Again I should learn not to turn from God's will when He directs me to do anything! (DRM 8/1/88)

    God wanted Jeroboam to know that "the man of God" (v.1) was sent by the true God. Jeroboam didn't like the prophecy, then came this verse. Jeroboam asked to be restored, and he was healed again. Truly God does miracles to get our attention - if our eyes are open. That would have convinced me. (DRM 1/9/07)

13:18    And he said to him, "I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.' " But he lied to him.

    The problem of one prophet lying to another is what this section (13:11-25) is about. I have a similar problem with other believers who do the same to me. I never seem to know who to believe.
    This really shows our sin nature; and none of us is perfect. The only One to listen to is God=Jesus=Holy Spirit! (DRM 1/10/07)

13:19    So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house and drank water.

    Jeroboam was king of Israel.
    The prophet from Judah was told to go to Israel and prophecy to the king, and he did as he was told.
    Another old prophet (v. 11) stopped the Judah prophet and told him to eat with him, but the word of the Lord had told him not to eat with the old prophet and he did. The old prophet lied (v. 18).
    Sometimes it's very hard to discern who is telling you the truth. When the Lord gives you a mission, do what He directs - and no one else - even if they claim to have additional information. Obey the Lord God and do only His will. (DRM 3/9/18)

14:9     . . . you also have done more evil than all who were before you, and have gone and made for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me to anger; and have cast Me behind your back —

    Jeroboam was the King of Israel and Ahijah was the prophet of the Lord. Ahijah told Jeroboam's wife the Lord's charges against him. These were why the family of Jeroboam would die (1 Kings 15:29).
    God clearly wants our worship to be exclusive. We are not to allow any other gods to be worshipped in our house. Not only images of these gods, but also mindsets. One of the greatest gods in today's society is the worship of money. This god has no "image," but rules too many lives. Worship only God, the Lord. (DRM 9/22/13)

14:15b    He (God) will uproot Israel from this good land that he gave to their forefathers and scatter them beyond the River, because they provoked the Lord to anger by making Asherah poles. 

    God can show wrath for disobedient followers as this verse shows. I need constant reminders of this so not to go astray - even a little bit! (DRM 8/2/88)

15:16 + 15:32 {same words}    There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their reigns.

    This historical chapter tells about at least 4 kings. Two from Judah and two from Israel. The evil kings did not honor the Lord, the others did. (DRM 8/3/88)

16:31    And it came about, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal King of the Sidonians, and went to serve Baal and worshipped him.

    This verse is a reminder that faith is not inherited from one generation to the next. A parent can show their children the faith he/she has, but the child has to make their own decision. Certainly King Ahab (v. 30) did not have the faith of his ancestor, David. The end of Christianity is always just one generation away. (DRM 1/11/07)

16:34    In Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua son of Nun.

    All the kings of Israel listed in this chapter (5) were evil in the eyes of the Lord. This king Ahab rebuilt Jericho at the cost of two sons. Joshua warned against this in Joshua 6:26. (DRM 8/4/88)

17:4    You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there. 

    Another verse that shows that trusting in God will fulfill all your needs. I need these many verses and interesting stories to illustrate how God will provide for His people. (DRM 7/2/87)

17:14    " . . . For thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth. ' "

    Elijah met this widow in Zarephath (v. 10) as directed by the Lord (v. 8). The drought was severe. The woman had only enough oil and flour for one day (v. 12).    Considering the circumstances, the woman had great faith that Elijah was a prophet and what he said was truly from the Lord God. She gave Elijah food from her last portion (v. 15).
    How much faith do I/we have? When the Lord tells us something - through the Bible, the Holy Spirit or any other way, do we believe or doubt?
    God wants us to put all our faith in Him - and believe He will work all things out for the best. (DRM 2/12/18)

17:15, 16    So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah.

    If I was in the same situation as the woman here, and at my final flour - I doubt that I'd have given it to the stranger. It seems that her faith is/was stronger than mine. Perhaps she knew he (Elijah) was a man of God? Still, this is a great example of faith - and it was rewarded when her son was brought back from the dead. (v.22) (DRM 1/12/07)

17:20    He called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought calamity to the widow with whom I am staying, but causing her son to die?"

    Elijah had just asked the widow to give him some of her last food to eat, and she did so, as she knew who he was.  (v. 10-16)
    When her son stopped breathing (v. 17), her faith in Elijah was depleted and she cried to him for help. Elijah pleaded to God and the infant son's life came back.
    Certainly the woman had faith to give Elijah a little of her final bread, and the Lord supplied more, then her faith was tested again and God answered Elijah's prayer for her. God hears our prayers and acts on them - sometimes immediately. (DRM 2/11/14)

18:7    Now as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him, and he recognized him and fell on his face and said, "Is this you, Elijah my master?"

    I don't remember many or any other times when two Old Testament prophets (writers of our Bible) met, but it probably occurred. My question is, would I know Moses or Elijah or Obadiah if they came to me in a dream - or even Jesus? How would I know if they were angels? It would have to be based on what they said, which must be God honoring. (DRM 1/13/07)

18:24    "Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." And all the people answered and said, "That is a good idea."

    Elijah had a plan - which God probably gave him - to show all the sons of Israel (v. 20) who indeed is the King, the Lord God. It was to be a showdown between Baal and God, and the people thought it was a good idea. Wouldn't it be great if we could update this and show the world today something similar? (DRM 1/14/07)

18:33    Then he arranged the wood and cut the ox in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four pitchers with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood."

    Elijah was both bold and confident. He was sure that God was on his side, so confidently put water on the offering three times (v. 34). Elijah spoke with boldness and the Lord sent the fire (v. 38) to show that He is the true God. How I would like that confidence and closeness to Jesus=God and to show others that He truly exists. (DRM 1/15/07)

18:38    Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

    Elijah had warned Ahab, king of Israel, that no rain would fall in Israel in Chp. 17; after three years of drought, Elijah called everyone to show them who was Lord. This verse showed who is Lord of all. (DRM 8/5/88)

18:41, 42    Now Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower." ⁴²So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees.

    There was no rain in Israel for about 3½ years (James 5:17) (1 Kings 18:1). Ahab was the king of Israel at the time and was just shown (18:20-39) that God was the Lord and not Baal.
    In these two verses, Elijah showed his faith in God by telling Ahab that it would rain even before he prayed. He knew God was listening to his prayer.
    God listens to our prayers as believers. While we don't know His answers in advance, we have to ask with faith that He will respond in the way He chooses. (DRM 12/13/16)

    When we make it our aim to serve God through praying faithfully as Elijah did, we're taking part in a beautiful privilege—where at any moment we may be given a front-row seat to a miracle! (from Our Daily Bread 12/11/16)

18:44, 45    It came about at the seventh time, that he said, "Behold, a could as small as a man's hand is coming up from the sea." And he [Elijah] said, "Go up, say to [King] Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, so that the heavy shower does not stop you.' " ⁴⁵In a little while the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy shower. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.    

    King Ahab had not followed the word of the Lord (v. 18) and now Israel had not had rain for a long time. The prophets of Baal could not get rain to come, so Elijah was allowed to try.
    I'd call this "Faith in action," as Elijah prayed (v. 42) for the Lord to send the rain as He said He would (v. 1). To even see a cloud would prove that the Lord had heard Elijah's prayer and would do as He had said.
    When we know it's God's will, we can always call on Him, and He will provide for our needs. (DRM 10/4/15)

18:46    Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab to Jezreel.

    God had just used Elijah to work two miracles for His glory, and here is a third that I never noticed. The fire from Heaven accepted the sacrifice (v. 38), the rain came (v. 45) after the long drought - and now Elijah was able to outrun a chariot (v. 44) with superhuman speed. God truly is a miracle worker! (DRM 1/16/07)

19:3, 4    And he [Elijah] was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. ⁴But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."

    Elijah feared that Queen Jezebel would kill him from the message he was given (v.2).
    While he knew that God would probably protect him, he still had fear and wanted to be in a safe place a long way from the Queen. After he got to the wilderness - apparently with no food - the Lord God was still there and provided for his needs (v. 6).
    So long as we trust in the Lord, He will provide for us in whatever way we need. Let Him make the decision - not me. (DRM 8/27/14)

19:5, 6    He [Elijah] lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, "Arise, eat." ⁶Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.

    Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel as they had killed all the prophets except him. (v. 1) God had given Elijah the strength to run away (v. 3) and there were no hidden cameras following his route like there are today. He truly hid from Jezebel!
    I chose these two verses to remind me (us) that, even when we are out in the wilderness spiritually, God will provide for our needs like He did here for Elijah. (DRM 4/15/12)

    Our greatest strength may be our ability to stand still and trust God. (from Our Daily Bread, 4/15/12)

19:9    Then he [Elijah] came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

    God clearly gave Elijah instructions in this chapter of 1 Kings. An angel spoke to him (v. 6), the word of the LORD {like Holy Spirit} (v. 9), and the Lord Himself  (v. 15) in a still small voice.
    God can speak to us in various ways. The most common way today is through His Word, the Bible, which they didn't have available in those days. In reading the Bible, we are learning from other peoples' experiences what He did in the past - and He never changes.
    When He directs you, be sure it is Him (Biblical), then do His will. (DRM 2/15/18)

19:11    So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

    Elijah had just fled from Jezebel as she intended to kill him. He wanted new direction from the Lord God. When he got far away, he was given food and water (v. 6) twice (vv. 7-9) then was told where to go to hear from the Lord God (v. 8).
    Did he realize that the angels that just provided for him were from the Lord? Apparently not. Still, he wanted a direct word from the Lord Himself.
    Elijah listened for the Lord God in the strong wind and the earthquake, but couldn't hear Him in all the noise, but when it was quiet, God spoke to him (v. 15). We/I need to do the same. (DRM 1/20/15)

19:12    After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

    Tonight this passage was referred to at church. The minister said that Elijah underwent a transformation, but I could not find that in this chapter.
    This verse shows me that God can (and does) produce Earthquakes and fires etc., but when He speaks it usually will be as a gentle whisper. 
    It seems easy to see God's works, but it is much harder to listen to His voice and obey! (DRM 12/24/87)

19:19    So he [Elijah] departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him.

    The Lord had just told Elijah (v. 16) that Elisha would be the prophet in his place, so he was to anoint him.
    Elisha was busy working on the farm when Elijah arrived - but Elisha was spiritually prepared and followed after a sacrifice to the Lord (v. 21). Elijah then mentored Elisha.
    Am I prepared to serve the Lord as quickly if called?

19:20    And he [Elisha] left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what had I done to you?"

    In some ways, the calling of a prophet was different in Elijah's time. God instructed Elijah who to call or anoint (v. 15-16) into different positions. There was a human connection via the prophet. Today it seems to be a direct call from God=Jesus to the chosen person. The question seems to be, "did I really hear that?" (DRM 1/17/07)

19:21    So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him.

    This refers to the calling (from God v. 16) of Elisha to be the prophet that will replace Elijah.
    Elisha was allowed to tell his parents (v. 20), then, in this verse, out of joy, he thanked God through the sacrifice of the oxen, as was the custom of that day. Elisha was truly happy to be called by the Lord to serve under Elijah. He wasn't turning back in his old ways.
    When God asks us to serve Him in some way, any way, are we as excited and thank Him for the opportunity? I know for me it depends on the specifics . . . our mission is to serve Him, not choose the assignment. (DRM 8/21/15)

20:28b    . . . the Lord says: "Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord.

    In the Old Testament it seems that God always wanted people to know He was the Lord. For believers today, everything that happens should indicate to us what the power of the Lord is. (DRM 8/6/88)

21:7    And Jezebel his wife said to him, "Do you now reign over Israel? Arise, eat bread, and let your heart be joyful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."

    The king wanted the vineyard next to the palace, but Naboth wouldn't sell it to him. He was disappointed and told his wife, Queen Jezebel. She had a scheme to kill Naboth to get the vineyard - and went through with it . The king got the vineyard. This makes me think of David and Bathsheba and nothing is right here. It's all sin. (DRM 1/18/07)

21:18    "Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold he is in the vineyard of Naboth where he has gone down to take possession of it."

    In those days, kingdoms were small walled city-states, I think - and not like countries of today. It seems hard to imagine finding a king today in his vineyard and walking up to talk to him  with no security. Times have changed, but the evil heart of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel still exists in some people today - until confronted by the Lord (v. 27) and turn from their ways.

21:29    "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me (the Lord)? Because he humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."

    God is merciful. To those who honor and respect Him for His desires, they will be dealt with much better than those who deny Him. (DRM 8/7/88)

22:5b    ". . . First seek the counsel of the Lord."

    This chapter tells of war and how two kings wanted to seek the Lord's blessing before going into battle. 400 prophets told them to go and success would come, but one prophet said NO, don't go . . . you'll die.  The one prophet was right and the king died; but this chapter meant something to me by the fact that the Lord truly guides everyone's life and should be counseled for advise on everything. We must know WHO to counsel with. (DRM 4/6/87)

22:34    Now a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, "Turn around and take me out of the fight; for I am severely wounded. "