1 Kings 17:3

KJV

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

Get {H3212} thee hence, and turn {H6437} thee eastward {H6924}, and hide {H5641} thyself by the brook {H5158} Cherith {H3747}, that is before {H6440} Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Leave here, turn to the east, and hide in Vadi K'rit near the Yarden.

Berean Standard Bible

“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.

American Standard Version

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following his audacious declaration of a severe drought upon Israel, 1 Kings 17:3 records God's immediate and specific command to the prophet Elijah. This divine directive instructs Elijah to withdraw from the public eye, turning eastward to hide himself by the remote brook Cherith, situated before the Jordan. This command marks the initiation of a crucial period of divine protection, miraculous provision, and spiritual preparation for Elijah, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His servant amidst a volatile political and spiritual landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Elijah's dramatic appearance before King Ahab and his bold prophecy of a prolonged drought (1 Kings 17:1), which was directly from the Lord. It also follows the Lord's direct word to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:2. God's instruction in verse 3 is not a punishment but a protective measure, removing Elijah from the immediate wrath of Ahab, who would undoubtedly seek him out as the drought intensified. This command sets the stage for the narrative of God's miraculous provision for Elijah, first by the brook Cherith and then through the widow of Zarephath, establishing a pattern of divine sustenance in the midst of national judgment. The subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Kings 17:5](/1_kings/17-5 "1 Kings 17:5 - Elijah's Obedience") and [1 Kings 17:6](/1_kings/17-6 "1 Kings 17:6 - Ravens Provide for Elijah")) directly detail Elijah's obedience and the fulfillment of God's promise of provision at this secluded location.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel was under the deeply idolatrous rule of King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Queen Jezebel. They actively promoted the worship of Baal, a Canaanite storm god, directly challenging the sovereignty of Yahweh. Elijah's prophecy of drought was a direct theological challenge to Baal, whose supposed domain was rain and fertility. In this hostile environment, Elijah's life was in grave danger. The command to "hide thyself" was not merely for spiritual discipline but for physical safety from Ahab's agents. The location "by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan" suggests a remote, perhaps trans-Jordanian, location, placing Elijah outside the immediate reach of Ahab's authority and the main population centers, underscoring God's strategic protection.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Direction and Obedience** are paramount, as God gives precise instructions, and Elijah's immediate compliance is foundational to the unfolding narrative. Secondly, **God's Sovereign Provision** is highlighted; even as judgment falls on the land, God ensures the sustenance of His prophet in an unconventional manner (ravens and a brook). This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His servants, a theme echoed throughout the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Kingdom Divided"). Thirdly, **Seclusion and Spiritual Preparation** are central. The command to "hide thyself" signifies a period of withdrawal from public ministry, forcing Elijah into complete dependence on God. This time of solitude and reliance at Cherith, as seen in [1 Kings 17:4](/1_kings/17-4 "1 Kings 17:4 - God's Promise of Provision"), was crucial for deepening Elijah's faith and preparing him for the monumental confrontations that lay ahead, such as the showdown on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherith (Hebrew, _Keriyt'_):** The name of the brook, often transliterated as "Cherith," derives from the Hebrew root כרת (karat), meaning "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to separate." This etymology is highly significant, aptly describing Elijah's experience at the brook. He was "cut off" from the general population and the political turmoil, "separated" for a specific divine purpose, and perhaps even experiencing a "cutting" away of self-reliance as he depended solely on God's daily, miraculous provision. It was a place of divine surgery, preparing him for greater works.
* **Hide thyself (Hebrew, _histatter'_):** This is a Hithpael imperative form of the verb סתר (satar), meaning "to hide." The Hithpael stem indicates a reflexive or reciprocal action, suggesting that Elijah was to actively and deliberately hide himself. It's not merely a passive state but an intentional act of withdrawal and concealment, fully participating in God's protective plan. This emphasizes the necessity of Elijah's obedience in securing his safety and fulfilling God's will.
* **Before Jordan (Hebrew, _`al penei hayarden'_):** Literally meaning "upon the face of the Jordan" or "to the east of the Jordan." This geographical marker indicates a specific location relative to the Jordan River, likely on its eastern side. This region was generally more sparsely populated and remote than the western side, providing the necessary seclusion for Elijah. It underscores the precision of God's instructions and His intimate knowledge of the land and its safest havens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward":** This is a direct, imperative command from God, signaling an immediate and decisive change in Elijah's location and direction. "Hence" implies leaving his current position (likely near Samaria or where he confronted Ahab), and "eastward" provides a precise geographical bearing. This demonstrates God's active involvement in guiding His prophet's every step, not leaving anything to chance.
* **"and hide thyself by the brook Cherith":** This clause reveals the purpose of the eastward journey: seclusion. The specific designation of "the brook Cherith" highlights God's particular choice of location for Elijah's refuge and sustenance. It emphasizes that God had a specific place prepared for Elijah, a place of safety and provision away from the dangers posed by Ahab and the drought.
* **"that [is] before Jordan":** This phrase further specifies the location of the brook Cherith, placing it geographically in relation to the Jordan River. As noted above, this likely means to the east of the Jordan, reinforcing the idea of a remote and protected area. This detail adds to the precision of God's instructions, ensuring Elijah knew exactly where to go for his divine appointment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through a series of direct imperatives ("Get thee hence," "turn thee eastward," "hide thyself"). This highlights God's absolute authority and Elijah's immediate submission, establishing a clear power dynamic. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the miraculous provision at Cherith (though not explicitly stated in this verse, it is implied by the command to hide there) foreshadows God's continued and even more dramatic sustenance through the widow of Zarephath, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness. The name **Symbolism** is also present in "Cherith," which, as discussed, carries the meaning of "cutting off" or "separation," symbolizing Elijah's period of spiritual refinement and isolation from the world's chaos, preparing him for future ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign care for His chosen servants, even in the direst of circumstances. It underscores the principle that divine direction often precedes divine provision, and that obedience to God's specific commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive or lead to isolation, is essential for experiencing His faithfulness. God does not abandon His prophet to the wrath of an idolatrous king or the severity of the drought he himself prophesied. Instead, He orchestrates a precise plan for protection and sustenance, demonstrating His absolute control over all creation, including the elements and even the behavior of ravens. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to those who walk in obedience to Him, providing a refuge and sustenance even when the world around them is in turmoil.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps Around Those Who Fear Him")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - My God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine command to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's guidance is often specific and requires immediate, unquestioning obedience, even when the path seems obscure or leads to unexpected places of solitude. Just as Elijah was called to "hide thyself," there are seasons in our lives where God may call us to withdraw from the clamor of the world, to a "Cherith" of our own, where we can cultivate deeper dependence on Him alone. These periods of seclusion, though potentially challenging, are often crucial for spiritual growth, refining our faith, and preparing us for future assignments or greater responsibilities. It teaches us to trust God's unconventional methods of provision and protection, recognizing that His ways are often higher than our ways, and He can use any means to sustain His children. Our call is to listen for His voice, obey His leading, and trust in His unfailing care, knowing that He is sovereign over every detail of our lives, just as He was over Elijah's.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "eastward" directions might God be giving me in my life right now, and how am I responding to them?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to a "Cherith" — a place of seclusion or dependence — to deepen my trust in Him?**
* **How does Elijah's immediate obedience challenge my own willingness to follow God's commands, especially when they seem inconvenient or unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send Elijah to Cherith specifically, and not somewhere else?**

Answer: God's choice of the brook Cherith was strategic and multi-faceted. Firstly, it provided **protection** from King Ahab's wrath. Being "before Jordan" (likely east of the river) placed Elijah in a more remote and less accessible region, away from the direct reach of the kingdom's authorities. Secondly, it was a place of **provision**. God promised to sustain Elijah there, initially through the brook's water and ravens bringing food ([1 Kings 17:4-6](/1_kings/17-4 "1 Kings 17:4 - God's Promise to Elijah")). This demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over nature, even during a drought, and His ability to provide in miraculous and unconventional ways. Thirdly, it served as a period of **spiritual refinement** for Elijah. The isolation and complete dependence on God for daily sustenance at Cherith were essential for deepening his faith and preparing him for the greater public confrontations and challenges that lay ahead, such as the contest on Mount Carmel ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine care and provision for Elijah at the brook Cherith beautifully foreshadow the ultimate provision and refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as God meticulously guided Elijah to a place of safety and sustenance, so too does Christ offer Himself as the ultimate hiding place and source of life for all who believe. While Elijah was sustained by a physical brook and ravens, Jesus declares Himself to be the [Living Water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water"), satisfying spiritual thirst forever. The Father's care for Elijah, ensuring his sustenance even when the land was barren, points to the even greater care of our Heavenly Father, who feeds the [birds of the air](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds") and clothes the lilies, much more will He provide for His children through Christ. Moreover, Elijah's period of seclusion at Cherith, a time of preparation and dependence, mirrors Christ's own withdrawals to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father, such as His time in the wilderness before His public ministry ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4 - Temptation in the Wilderness")) or His frequent retreats for prayer ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")). Ultimately, the security Elijah found at Cherith is a faint echo of the eternal security believers have in Christ, from whom [no one can snatch them](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them") from the Father's hand.

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.