MPV Commentary

Elijah, Prophesying against Ahab, Is Sent to Cherith.

Elijah is introduced as a prophet without any recorded background information about his birth, parents, or call to ministry, much like Melchisedek. He is believed to be from Tisbeh, a place east of Jordan, and thus not an Israelite but possibly an Ishmaelite, given the presence of that ethnic group in Gilead.

Elijah warned Ahab, the apostate king, about the disastrous consequences of his reckless actions for both himself and his people. The prophet's efforts to impress Ahab were unsuccessful, as evident from the penal prediction he uttered before leaving.

Before whom I stand refers to Elijah's service to God (Deuteronomy 18:5). The impending drought was not an absolute cessation of dew and rain but a suspension of moisture in necessary quantities, sufficient for God's corrective purposes. This punishment was intended for Israel's spiritual revival, as drought was the threatened consequence of national idolatry (Deuteronomy 11:16-17; 28:23).

The word of the Lord came to Elijah, instructing him to leave and head eastward to a brook called Cherith, which is located before Jordan. The king may have initially dismissed Elijah's prediction as that of a vain enthusiast but eventually sought him out when the drought intensified.

Elijah was directed by God to retreat to a place where he would be far removed from the king's violence or importunities. Tradition suggests this might have been a cave near Beth-shan, below the ford at that location.

The ravens brought Elijah bread and meat, which seems strange given their unclean nature. Some have suggested alternative translations for Orebim, such as merchants or citizens of Arabah, but the common rendering of "ravens" is preferred here. If God miraculously fed Elijah through ravens, it is unnecessary to speculate about where they obtained food.

After a year, the brook dried up, presenting Elijah with another trial of his faith.