MPV Commentary

Elijah Flees to Beer-sheba.

When Elijah arrived in Jezreel, he was full of hope and expectation. However, a message from Queen Jezebel, vowing swift vengeance for her slaughtered priests, shattered his optimism. Although it's likely she wouldn't have dared to harm the Lord's servant at that time, her threat had the intended effect: Elijah's faith suddenly faltered.

He fled out of the kingdom and into the southern part of Judah, not feeling safe even there. He dismissed his servant and decided to seek refuge in the mountainous regions of Sinai, where he longed for death (as James 5:17 notes). This sudden depression arose from Elijah's excessive confidence, inspired by the miracles at Carmel and the people's favorable response.

Had Elijah remained steadfast, his influence might have led Ahab and the people to a more positive outcome. Instead, after being lifted up beyond measure (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), he abandoned his post of duty, revealing a lack of the indomitable spirit expected of a prophet.