Elijah enjoyed a triumphant showdown at Mount Carmel. As we consider the aftermath, we’re apt to focus on what appears to be weakness in Elijah. This is largely due to how this passage has been translated and interpreted. The Elijah seems to be a different man in the turn of a page. Is he? While some people experience a let-down after a victory, this isn’t the case here. Elijah is discouraged, but not for the reasons most people offer. It is popular to portray Elijah intimidated by vicious Jezebel and running scared in a cowardly retreat. Some commentators seem as eager to attack Elijah as was the prophets of Baal! Yet Elijah’s journey is not a sign of weakness.
Notice verse three: “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” I’d like to offer another translation: “Elijah perceived Israel’s condition, arose and went for his soul.” The prophet saw that, in spite of his victory at Carmel, little was going to change in Israel. Something needed to change in him.
Elijah soundly defeated the prophets of Baal, and rain returned to the land. In the closing paragraph of chapter 18 (41-45), Elijah gives Ahab a chance to repent (he doesn’t), then tells the king to get into his chariot and head for home before the heavy rain prevents him from travel; he’ll get stuck in the mud. A small cloud appears, grows larger, then the clouds burst in a downpour! Rain at last! James 5 notes: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for 3 ½ years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (5:17-18). God commands the clouds to send rain, “and all the scientists in the world are powerless to reverse it” (Pink).
Yet little had changed. There was no national repentance. The nation’s apathy and apostasy continued unabated. Elijah hoped the victory at Carmel would result in a decisive return to God and a final rejection of Baal. He expected a wide-sweeping national revival. Yet Jezebel continues to yield her pagan influence; she rejects the clear evidence/proof of God’s supremacy. “There was a blaze of light on Mt. Carmel, yet the darkness remains” (Davis). People say “If God would just give me proof, I’d believe in Him.” Ahab and Jezebel had ample, undeniable proof, yet stubbornly remained untouched, hard-hearted, and they redoubled their opposition.
Jezebel is furious and sends Elijah a messenger. Why not just send an assassin? Why warn the prophet? Maybe he was too popular in Israel and killing him might well backfire politically. Jezebel couldn’t risk having a martyr. She sends an envoy with a message of death, but God sends an angel with a gift of life.
Elijah was depressed. Winston Churchill called depression “my black dog”. Many people find themselves dogged by depression. Henri Nouwen observes: “Every time I slip into another depression it seems as if I resist coming into the light and enjoy staying in my self-made darkness. Living in the light means acknowledging joyfully the truth that all that is good, beautiful, and worthy of praise belongs to God. It is only a truly God-centered life that will pull me out of my depressions and give me hope. It is a clear path, but a very hard path as well.”
Elijah was disheartened and broken, but not fearful. He wanted to die, but not at Jezebel’s hand--that would be regarded as her triumph, a victory of evil over good, reversing the triumph of Carmel. If he just wanted to die, he could’ve remained in place, and plenty of Baal’s followers would’ve gladly accommodated him! Elijah’s journey south was a plan, not panic. He goes into the wilderness, where none could credit Jezebel with his death…if God so chooses. God knows the prophet needed some time alone with his distress. He is ready to resign, but rather than take Elijah home, God informs the prophet that He’s not done with him. And God acknowledges, “The journey is too great for you” (7). He understands when we’re at the end of our resources. He sustains Elijah, and this desert trek becomes for him a spiritual retreat, a renewed vision. “He went for his soul.” Nourished, Elijah was able to continue his God-directed journey to Mt Horeb, 150 miles further south.
Elijah was troubled over the spiritual lethargy and indifference of Israel. He wonders whether Israel will ever return to God. “What’s it going to take to get their attention?” He felt he had failed and was dejected. Do we ever grieve over the apathy of people who seem content to live apart from God? We get sad for ourselves; are we ever sad for God? Elijah was. Nothing was more important to him than Israel trusting in God…and when they went on their own uncaring way, it wounded him to the heart. What does it do to us?
In a scene reminiscent of the climax of the Book of Job, God has Elijah stand upon a mountain to witness a powerful display of His divine presence. A mighty wind appears, shattering the rocks, then an earthquake, fire, then silence…and then a gentle whisper, a “still, small voice” (KJV), the way of quiet love. Natural wonders announce the presence of the Designer. This demonstration of God’s might was a tangible reminder that the Creator is in control, and Elijah need not be despondent.
God’s question, “What are you doing here?” is not a rebuke but a gracious invitation for Elijah to freely speak his mind. He needed to be alone with God to pour out his despair over the spiritual state of his countrymen. God doesn’t rebuke Elijah, He agrees with him! God’s intention is to relieve the burdened heart of His messenger and continue to use him. Elijah is given the task to anoint two kings and commission Elisha to continue his prophetic ministry.
Elijah issues his sad report, and we should interpret verses 10 & 14 as an accurate description of the state of the nation. When he claims that he is the only one left, he is not unaware of the other prophets in hiding, but he is the only one openly and visibly opposing Baal. His complaint against the nation reads like an indictment issued before the Judge.
When we’re discouraged, we need some divine perspective. New England has been called the most un-churched, spiritually dark region of the country. Most of my fellow-ministers feel much like missionaries here, and the apathy towards God and church can be very disheartening. Some feel like throwing in the towel, or relocating to where the gospel is more welcome. Others refuse to disengage because the task is too important.
Elijah needed reassurance and perspective, and God gives him both. God gently heals his brokenness, and Elijah recommits himself to the task given. Let’s not be too hard on Elijah. Put yourself in his sandals: after what happened on Mt Carmel, what more could you do to convince this apathetic nation? It seemed a hollow victory, because Israel was still ignoring Jehovah. Elijah was about to give up, yet God wasn’t finished with him, and there was a faithful remnant…there always will be, no matter how dark the age, and there’s nothing any Jezebel can do about it.
