1 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 5
So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
and did
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according unto the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according unto the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙
and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙
and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּנַ֣חַל
by the brook
H5158
בְּנַ֣חַל
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
Cross References
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.1 Kings 19:9And 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?
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
So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt 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.