1 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 2
And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
H1980
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
And Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֔הוּ
And Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
2 of 8
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
לְהֵֽרָא֖וֹת
to shew
H7200
לְהֵֽרָא֖וֹת
to shew
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אַחְאָ֑ב
himself unto Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֑ב
himself unto Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
5 of 8
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
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 Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.