1 Kings 19:14

KJV

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I have been very {H7065} jealous {H7065} for the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of hosts {H6635}: because the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} have forsaken {H5800} thy covenant {H1285}, thrown down {H2040} thine altars {H4196}, and slain {H2026} thy prophets {H5030} with the sword {H2719}; and I, even I only, am left {H3498}; and they seek {H1245} my life {H5315}, to take it away {H3947}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "I have been very zealous for ADONAI the God of armies; because the people of Isra'el have abandoned your covenant, broken down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword. Now I'm the only one left, and they're after me to kill me too."

Berean Standard Bible

“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”

American Standard Version

And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 19:14, the prophet Elijah pours out his heart to God, expressing profound despair and a crushing sense of isolation. This lament occurs at Mount Horeb, following his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight from Queen Jezebel's death threat. Elijah articulates his fervent zeal for Yahweh, juxtaposed with his perception of Israel's utter apostasy, their destruction of God's altars, the slaying of His prophets, and his own belief that he is the sole remaining faithful servant, whose life is now sought. This verse captures a pivotal moment of human vulnerability and spiritual crisis for one of Israel's greatest prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Elijah’s second lament to God at Mount Horeb, the "mountain of God," echoing his earlier complaint in [1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "1 Kings 19:10 - Elijah's First Lament at Horeb"). It follows the dramatic confrontation on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"), where Yahweh's power was undeniably demonstrated through fire from heaven, consuming Elijah's sacrifice and vindicating His prophet. Despite this spectacular triumph, Queen Jezebel's immediate death threat sends Elijah into a deep spiritual and emotional collapse, leading him to flee into the wilderness, desiring to die ([1 Kings 19:3-4](/1_kings/19-3 "1 Kings 19:3 - Elijah Flees Jezebel") and [1 Kings 19:4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah Desires Death")). God miraculously sustains him and directs him to Horeb. There, after a series of powerful natural phenomena, God speaks to Elijah in a "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:12](/1_kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - The Still Small Voice")), prompting him to articulate his complaint a second time. This repetition underscores the depth of Elijah’s anguish and God’s patient invitation for him to express it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elijah's ministry unfolds during the turbulent Omride dynasty in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This period was characterized by state-sponsored Baal worship, aggressively promoted by Jezebel, a Phoenician princess. This syncretism and outright apostasy represented a direct challenge to the Mosaic covenant and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The "altars" mentioned are likely those dedicated to Yahweh that were either destroyed or replaced by Baal altars, and "thy prophets" refers to the true prophets of Yahweh who were systematically persecuted and killed by Jezebel's decree ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides Prophets")). Elijah's journey to Horeb (Mount Sinai) is highly symbolic, connecting his experience to Moses' encounter with God and the giving of the Law, emphasizing the covenantal nature of Israel's apostasy. The cultural context highlights the immense pressure on those who remained faithful to Yahweh amidst a pervasive and hostile idolatrous regime.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Zeal for God**, as Elijah declares his intense passion for Yahweh's honor and covenant, a defining characteristic of true prophets. Secondly, it portrays **Profound Despair and Isolation**, revealing the human vulnerability of even the most powerful servants of God when faced with overwhelming opposition and perceived solitude. Elijah's repeated lament, "I, even I only, am left," underscores this deep sense of loneliness, despite God's recent powerful demonstration on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"). Thirdly, the verse vividly describes the **Apostasy of Israel**, detailing their forsaking of God's covenant, the destruction of His altars, and the slaying of His prophets, painting a grim picture of widespread national spiritual decline. Finally, it emphasizes the theme of **Persecution of the Faithful**, as Elijah faces a direct threat to his life because of his unwavering commitment to Yahweh, a recurring motif for God's prophets throughout biblical history ([Jeremiah 26:20-23](/jeremiah/26-20 "Jeremiah 26:20-23 - The Persecution of Uriah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealous (Hebrew, _qanna'_):** This word, derived from the root קָנָא (qana'), signifies an intense, zealous passion, often with an element of indignation or fierce protectiveness. When applied to God, it describes His righteous intolerance of idolatry and unfaithfulness, as seen in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God is a Jealous God")). When Elijah says he is "very jealous" for the LORD, it reflects his deep personal identification with God's honor and his profound grief and indignation over the dishonor shown to Yahweh by Israel's apostasy. It's a zeal that feels the pain of God's dishonor as its own.
* **LORD God of hosts (Hebrew, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת, _YHWH Elohei Tseva'ot'_):** This majestic divine title emphasizes God's supreme power, authority, and sovereignty as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. "Hosts" (Tseva'ot) can refer to celestial armies, stars, or earthly armies. By invoking this title, Elijah acknowledges Yahweh's omnipotence, yet his lament highlights the stark contrast between God's boundless power and the apparent weakness and corruption of His people and the earthly kingdom. It is a cry to the all-powerful God in a moment of perceived powerlessness.
* **Only (Hebrew, לְבַדִּי, _levaddi'_):** This adverb means "alone" or "by myself." Elijah's repeated use of "I, even I only, am left" ([1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "1 Kings 19:10 - Elijah's First Lament") and [1 Kings 19:14](/1_kings/19-14 "1 Kings 19:14 - Elijah's Second Lament")) powerfully conveys his profound sense of isolation and utter loneliness. He genuinely believes he is the last faithful prophet, despite God's knowledge of the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Remnant")). This word captures the depth of his despair and the human tendency to feel uniquely burdened in times of great spiritual opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:"** Elijah begins by stating the root of his anguish: his fervent, consuming passion for Yahweh. His zeal is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding commitment to God's covenant and honor, which is now being trampled by Israel. This statement establishes his prophetic identity and the righteous basis for his complaint.
* **"because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,"** This clause identifies the primary cause of Elijah's distress: the nation's wholesale abandonment of their foundational relationship with Yahweh. The "covenant" refers to the Mosaic Law given at Sinai, which established Israel as God's chosen people, bound to exclusive worship of Him. Their forsaking of it is an act of spiritual rebellion and betrayal.
* **"thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword;"** These specific actions illustrate the extent of Israel's apostasy and hostility towards Yahweh. The "altars" are those dedicated to Yahweh, which were either destroyed or replaced by altars to Baal and Asherah. The "slaying of thy prophets" refers to the persecution and murder of Yahweh's faithful messengers, often at the instigation of Jezebel, leaving Elijah feeling like the last survivor.
* **"and I, [even] I only, am left;"** This is the heart of Elijah's lament, expressing his profound sense of isolation and perceived singularity in his faithfulness. The repetition ("I, even I only") emphasizes his conviction that he is the sole remaining loyal servant of Yahweh in a nation consumed by idolatry. This hyperbole, while reflecting his genuine despair, is later corrected by God.
* **"and they seek my life, to take it away."** This final clause highlights the immediate, personal threat Elijah faces. His faithfulness to Yahweh has made him a target, culminating in Jezebel's vow to kill him. This persecution validates his fear and contributes to his sense of being hunted and utterly alone.

#### Literary Devices
Elijah's lament in this verse is rich with literary devices that underscore his emotional state and the theological gravity of the situation. The most prominent is **Lament**, a form of expression common in the Psalms and prophetic books, where an individual or community pours out their distress, complaint, and petition to God. Elijah's words fit this pattern perfectly, articulating his suffering and the perceived injustice. He also employs **Hyperbole** when he states, "I, even I only, am left." While his feeling of isolation is genuine, God later reveals that there are "seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed to Baal" ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Faithful Remnant")), demonstrating that Elijah's perception, though understandable, was an exaggeration born of despair. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Elijah's complaint to the "LORD God of hosts" (the God of armies and power) about his own perceived powerlessness and isolation, implying a hidden question about why such a powerful God allows His covenant to be forsaken and His prophets slain. Finally, the actions attributed to "the children of Israel" – "forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets" – use a form of **Personification** where the nation as a whole is depicted as an active agent in these destructive, rebellious acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elijah's lament in 1 Kings 19:14 stands as a poignant expression of prophetic zeal intertwined with profound human vulnerability. Theologically, it underscores the persistent theme of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, a recurring pattern throughout the Old Testament that ultimately necessitates divine intervention and a new covenant. Elijah's zealous defense of Yahweh's honor reflects God's own "jealousy" for His exclusive worship, revealing a divine characteristic mirrored in His faithful servants. The prophet's perceived isolation highlights the reality that faithfulness often leads to opposition and loneliness in a fallen world, yet it also sets the stage for God's revelation of a hidden remnant, reminding us that God always preserves a faithful few, even when unseen. This passage also speaks to the nature of prayer, demonstrating that God welcomes our raw, honest expressions of despair and complaint, responding not with rebuke, but with gentle presence and renewed purpose.

* [Romans 11:2-4](/romans/11-2 "Romans 11:2-4 - God's Remnant in Elijah's Day")
* [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House")
* [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah 15:10 - Jeremiah's Lament and Isolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elijah's raw honesty in 1 Kings 19:14 offers profound lessons for believers today. His experience reminds us that even the most spiritually powerful individuals are not immune to moments of deep despair, burnout, and crushing loneliness, especially after significant spiritual battles or periods of intense service. It normalizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and isolated when facing widespread spiritual apathy or hostility. Elijah models the vital practice of bringing our authentic, even desperate, feelings before the Lord. God does not condemn his complaint but listens patiently, responds with comfort, and provides renewed direction, demonstrating His compassionate care for our emotional and spiritual well-being. This narrative encourages us to be vulnerable with God, trusting that He understands our struggles, even when our perception of reality (like Elijah's belief of being "only" left) is clouded by our pain. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, when we feel utterly alone in our faith, God always has a faithful remnant; we are never truly isolated in His work, even if we cannot see others. Our zeal for God, though it may lead to suffering, is a righteous and necessary posture in a world that often forsakes His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "very jealous for the LORD," and how does that zeal manifest?**
* **Have you ever experienced a sense of profound isolation or despair in your faith journey, similar to Elijah's "I only am left"? How did you respond, and how might Elijah's example encourage you?**
* **How does Elijah's honest lament to God encourage you to be more open and vulnerable in your own prayers, even with difficult emotions?**
* **When you feel overwhelmed by the spiritual state of the world or your community, how can you remember that God always has a faithful remnant, even if unseen?**

### FAQ
**Why was Elijah so despairing after such a great victory on Mount Carmel?**

Answer: Elijah's despair, often termed "prophetic burnout" or "post-triumph depression," is a deeply human reaction to immense spiritual and emotional exertion followed by an immediate, life-threatening backlash. The victory on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel") was a peak experience, requiring tremendous faith and energy. However, instead of national repentance, Elijah faced Queen Jezebel's direct death threat ([1 Kings 19:2](/1_kings/19-2 "1 Kings 19:2 - Jezebel's Threat to Elijah")), which shattered any illusion of immediate, widespread change. This sudden shift from triumph to terror, coupled with the immense pressure and the feeling of being the sole champion of Yahweh, led to profound psychological and spiritual exhaustion. His despair was not a lack of faith in God's power, but a human response to overwhelming circumstances and the crushing weight of his solitary prophetic burden.

**Did God rebuke Elijah for his complaint and despair?**

Answer: God did not rebuke Elijah for his complaint or despair. Instead, God responded with profound compassion and gentle care. When Elijah first voiced his lament in [1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "1 Kings 19:10 - Elijah's First Lament"), God did not immediately address the content but first ministered to Elijah's physical and emotional needs, providing food, rest, and a miraculous journey to Horeb ([1 Kings 19:5-8](/1_kings/19-5 "1 Kings 19:5 - Elijah Sustained by an Angel")). At Horeb, God revealed Himself not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:12](/1_kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - The Still Small Voice")), signifying His gentle presence and intimate understanding. After Elijah's second lament in [1 Kings 19:14](/1_kings/19-14 "1 Kings 19:14 - Elijah's Second Lament"), God patiently corrected his misperception of being alone by revealing the 7,000 faithful ones ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Remnant")) and then gave him new assignments, demonstrating trust and renewed purpose ([1 Kings 19:15-17](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - God's Instructions to Elijah")). God's response highlights His empathy for His servants' struggles and His commitment to restore and re-commission them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elijah's lament in 1 Kings 19:14, with its raw portrayal of zeal, isolation, and persecution, finds profound echoes and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah's "jealousy for the LORD God of hosts" foreshadows the perfect zeal of Jesus, who declared, "Zeal for your house has consumed me" ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus' Zeal for the Temple")), as He cleansed the temple, demonstrating a divine passion for God's honor that far surpassed any human prophet's. While Elijah felt utterly alone, Jesus truly experienced ultimate abandonment, crying out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and God's wrath. The children of Israel's forsaking of the covenant, throwing down altars, and slaying prophets finds its climax in their rejection and crucifixion of the ultimate Prophet, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, unlike Elijah who desired death in despair, willingly laid down His life ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")) to establish a new and better covenant, not written on stone but on hearts ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant")). He is the true and faithful remnant, the one who never bowed to Baal or any idol, and through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, He secures a remnant for all time, a people for His own possession ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). In Christ, the despair of the solitary prophet is transformed into the triumphant hope of the resurrected King, who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and promises never to leave us or forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave Us")).

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

Deuteronomy 29:25

Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:

Psalms 78:37

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

Hosea 6:7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Isaiah 62:1

¶ For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp [that] burneth.

Daniel 11:30

For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.