1 Kings 19: 1-21 – “Messages”
A Bible study for the week starting March 1, 2015
Proposition: Because God’s messages are truer than other messages – from others or from how we feel – we must trust in Him alone.
Main Point 1: What I’m Going To Do To You (vv. 1-8)
Main Point 2: What I Have Suffered For You (vv. 9-18)
Main Point 3: What I’m Going To Have You Do (vv. 19-21)
Note: This is an amazing passage for anyone living in the real world. Jezebel means business. Elijah’s emotional/spiritual exhaustion is real. The thoughts of suicide are understandable. And the Bible brings them out, front and center, inviting us to look and to

feel. Again, amazing. For those of you living in the real world, the overall message of God’s trustworthiness shines out just for you. Enjoy. Sigh in relief. Shalom!
Observe (asking ‘who, what, when & where’ questions)
-Context is part of text: What do we know about Jezebel?
-This is new: Instead of the word of the Lord coming to Elijah, the word of Jezebel comes to him. What changes as a result of Elijah’s actions?
-How does Elijah feel? How does God address his state, physically, emotionally & spiritually? How does God meet Elijah?
-What does it do to your understanding of the text to know that ‘Elijah’ means literally ‘The Lord, He is God,’ and to know that Elisha’s name means literally ‘The Lord is salvation?’
Interpret (asking ‘why’ questions)
-Why are there so many parallels between Moses and Elijah here? Make a list of them, and then try to explain it.
-Further, go to Matthew 17 – who meets Jesus transfigured? What do the three have in common? What are the common messages and events that bind them together? And why are these so important?
-Why does the Bible have so many unvarnished, gritty struggles like this?
-Why do you think God allows His beloved children to get to this point at times?
Application (asking ‘how’ questions)
-Where is the gospel in this passage?
-What does it do to you that the Bible has many such passages – of people in real

struggles? “Even after the event on Mount Carmel, evil remained. After Jesus dies and was raised, evil remained. When, according to the Bible, will it all end?” –Dillard, p.59 And even more importantly, how is that supposed to interact with you right now? How does God meet you here?