1 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 3
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
לֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִזֶּ֔ה
H2088
וּפָנִ֥יתָ
thee hence and turn
H6437
וּפָנִ֥יתָ
thee hence and turn
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
3 of 12
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
קֵ֑דְמָה
thee eastward
H6924
קֵ֑דְמָה
thee eastward
Strong's:
H6924
Word #:
5 of 12
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
וְנִסְתַּרְתָּ֙
and hide
H5641
וְנִסְתַּרְתָּ֙
and hide
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
6 of 12
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
בְּנַ֣חַל
thyself by the brook
H5158
בְּנַ֣חַל
thyself by the brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
7 of 12
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Analysis & Commentary
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the drought, 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.