1 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 5
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙
And as he lay
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙
And as he lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 14
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וַיִּישַׁ֔ן
and slept
H3462
וַיִּישַׁ֔ן
and slept
Strong's:
H3462
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
3 of 14
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
מַלְאָךְ֙
behold then an angel
H4397
מַלְאָךְ֙
behold then an angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
8 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
נֹגֵ֣עַ
touched
H5060
נֹגֵ֣עַ
touched
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
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
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
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.