1 Kings 17:2

KJV

And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto him, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the word of ADONAI came to him:

Berean Standard Bible

Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto him, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following Elijah's audacious declaration of drought to King Ahab, 1 Kings 17:2 presents a pivotal moment where divine initiative immediately follows prophetic action. This concise verse, "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying," signifies God's direct, authoritative, and protective communication to His prophet. It underscores the divine source of Elijah's mission, establishing that his subsequent actions are not born of human strategy but of explicit divine command and provision, thereby setting the stage for God's detailed instructions for Elijah's sustenance and safety amidst the impending famine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as an immediate divine response and continuation of the narrative established in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy to Ahab"). In the preceding verse, Elijah, a prophet hitherto unmentioned, dramatically confronts King Ahab, declaring a severe drought as a judgment from Yahweh. The abruptness of Elijah's appearance and the gravity of his pronouncement demand an explanation for his authority and subsequent actions. [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") provides this divine authentication, clarifying that Elijah is not acting on his own volition but as a direct messenger of God. It transitions the narrative from Elijah's public confrontation to God's private instruction, setting up the subsequent account of Elijah's miraculous provision at the [brook Cherith](/1_kings/17-3 "1 Kings 17:3 - God's Command to Elijah to Go to Cherith") and later with the widow of Zarephath, all of which are direct results of the "word of the LORD" that came to him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of 1 Kings 17 is characterized by intense religious apostasy in Israel, spearheaded by King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel. They actively promoted the worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm god, who was believed to control rain and fertility. Elijah's prophecy of drought in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy to Ahab") was a direct theological challenge to Baal's supposed power and a demonstration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over nature. In this hostile environment, a prophet of Yahweh would be in grave danger from the idolatrous monarchy. Thus, God's immediate communication in [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") is not merely instructional but also protective, guiding Elijah away from Ahab's wrath and into a place of divine provision, highlighting God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants amidst widespread spiritual rebellion.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") introduces and reinforces several crucial themes prevalent in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the primary actor in history, initiating events and guiding His chosen instruments. Elijah does not seek God's word; it "came unto him," underscoring God's active, personal engagement. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Authority and Obedience**. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" is the bedrock of prophetic authority, distinguishing true prophets from false ones and demanding absolute obedience from the prophet. Elijah's subsequent actions throughout [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath") are direct responses to this divine word, showcasing the essential link between hearing God's voice and acting in faith. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Provision and Protection** for His faithful servants, even in dire circumstances. God's word to Elijah is not just a command but also a promise of care, setting the stage for the miraculous sustenance that follows, echoing the broader biblical truth that God sustains those who trust and obey Him, as seen in passages like [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dāḇār'_):** This Hebrew term is rich in meaning, encompassing "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "command." In the context of divine communication, _dāḇār_ signifies a concrete, authoritative, and effectual message from God. It is not merely an idea or an inspiration but a potent utterance that carries divine power and often results in action or fulfillment. When the _dāḇār_ of the LORD comes, it implies a direct, unmistakable, and often life-altering communication that demands attention and obedience.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes that the communication is from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one true God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people and the world. The "word of YHWH" carries ultimate authority and is distinct from human counsel or opinion, signifying a direct revelation from the sovereign Creator and Sustainer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD came unto him":** This phrase signifies a direct, authoritative, and personal divine revelation to Elijah. It establishes the divine origin of Elijah's subsequent actions and instructions, underscoring that he is not acting on his own initiative or human wisdom, but as a divinely appointed messenger. The "coming" of the word implies an active, intentional, and undeniable communication from God, demonstrating His immediate engagement with Elijah following the prophet's bold declaration to Ahab.
* **"saying,":** This simple participle indicates that the divine communication is not merely an internal impression or a general sense of guidance, but a specific, articulate message. It introduces the precise instructions and commands that God is about to impart to Elijah, setting the stage for the detailed directives concerning his hiding place and provision. It highlights the clarity and specificity of God's guidance for His servants.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") belies its profound literary significance. The primary device at play is **Divine Fiat**, where God's direct command or statement initiates a new phase of action or a critical turn in the narrative. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" functions as a literary signal that the divine will is about to be revealed and executed, emphasizing God's active sovereignty over human events. This is further reinforced by the **Repetition** of this phrase throughout prophetic literature, establishing a consistent pattern of divine communication and authority. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse sets the expectation for the detailed instructions that follow, indicating God's protective and providential care for Elijah. The very act of God's word "coming" to Elijah can also be seen as a subtle **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (coming) to an abstract concept (word), thereby making the divine communication more tangible and immediate for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") is a foundational verse for understanding the nature of biblical prophecy and God's relationship with His chosen instruments. It asserts the absolute sovereignty of God, who initiates communication and directs the course of events, even in times of profound national apostasy. The "word of the LORD" is presented as the ultimate source of authority, power, and guidance, demonstrating that true spiritual power does not originate from human wisdom or strength, but from direct divine revelation. This concept undergirds the entire prophetic tradition, where prophets are not merely commentators on current events but conduits for God's active, living word, which is both declarative and performative, bringing about what it declares.

* [Jeremiah 1:1-2](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1-2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD to Ezekiel")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, noise, and conflicting voices, this verse reminds us that God is still actively speaking and guiding His people. Just as Elijah relied entirely on the specific word of the LORD for his safety and provision, we too are called to cultivate a deep dependence on God's revealed will. This involves not just passive listening, but active engagement with His written Word, discerning the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and seeking wisdom from godly counsel. The immediate and precise nature of God's communication to Elijah inspires us to trust that God knows our needs, our dangers, and our next steps, even when the path ahead seems unclear or requires radical obedience. Our faith is not in our own plans or resources, but in the unfailing and powerful word of the Almighty God, who promises to direct the steps of the righteous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto him" challenge our assumptions about how God communicates with us today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for "the word of the LORD" to guide your next steps, and how are you positioning yourself to hear it?**
* **What does Elijah's immediate obedience to God's word, even when it led him into isolation, teach us about trust and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto him" in prophetic literature?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto him" (or similar variations like "the word of the LORD came to me") is a foundational and highly significant expression throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books. Its significance lies in several key aspects:
1. **Divine Authority:** It unequivocally establishes that the message originates directly from God, not from human wisdom, political agenda, or personal opinion. This confers divine authority upon the prophet's pronouncements, demanding attention and obedience from the audience.
2. **Authenticity:** It serves as a hallmark of true prophecy, distinguishing it from false prophecy or human speculation. Prophets like Jeremiah often contrasted their divinely given messages with the deceptive words of those who claimed to speak for the Lord but had not truly heard from Him (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:21](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21 - False Prophets Not Sent by God")).
3. **Initiative:** It emphasizes God's initiative in communication. The prophet does not seek out the word; rather, the word "comes" to the prophet, indicating God's sovereign choice and active involvement in revealing His will.
4. **Power and Efficacy:** The "word of the LORD" is not just information; it is powerful and effective. It brings about what it declares, whether judgment, salvation, or instruction. Just as God's word brought creation into being ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light Into Being")), His word to the prophets carries the power to shape history and human destiny.
In [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah"), this phrase immediately validates Elijah's prophetic status and sets the stage for God's direct guidance and provision, ensuring that all subsequent events are understood as divinely orchestrated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 17:2](/1_kings/17-2 "1 Kings 17:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Elijah") speaks of God's word coming to Elijah, it ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate and final "Word of God" made flesh. The Old Testament prophets received the word of the LORD in segments and shadows, but in Christ, the fullness of God's revelation dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). He is the living _dāḇār_ of God, through whom God has spoken His definitive message to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Elijah's life was directed by the specific commands of God, so too is the new covenant believer called to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God, now fully revealed in Christ and preserved in Scripture. Jesus Himself declared that His words are spirit and life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Jesus' Words Are Spirit and Life")), and that those who hear His word and believe in the Father have eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word Brings Life")). The divine initiative seen in God speaking to Elijah finds its ultimate expression in God sending His Son, the Word, into the world, not just to speak, but to redeem and reconcile, embodying the very essence of God's protective and providential care for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 18:1

¶ The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

Hosea 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

Hosea 1:2

¶ The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

1 Chronicles 17:3

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

Jeremiah 11:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

1 Kings 12:22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,