1 Kings 19:16

KJV

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Nimshi {H5250} shalt thou anoint {H4886} to be king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}: and Elisha {H477} the son {H1121} of Shaphat {H8202} of Abelmeholah {H65} shalt thou anoint {H4886} to be prophet {H5030} in thy room.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also anoint Yehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Isra'el, and anoint Elisha the son of Shafat of Avel-M'cholah to be prophet after you.

Berean Standard Bible

You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

American Standard Version

and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Elijah, revealing God's unwavering sovereign plan amidst the prophet's profound despair and sense of isolation on Mount Horeb. This divine directive details two crucial anointings: Jehu, who is to be consecrated as king over Israel to execute divine judgment, and Elisha, designated as Elijah's prophetic successor, ensuring the continuation of God's prophetic voice in the nation. The verse underscores God's active involvement in human history, raising up instruments for His purposes even when His servants feel abandoned or defeated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine instruction immediately follows Elijah's dramatic encounter with God on [Mount Horeb](/1_kings/19-8 "1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's Journey to Horeb"), also known as Sinai. Having fled in fear from Queen Jezebel after his triumphant confrontation with the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Victory on Mount Carmel"), Elijah expressed deep despondency, believing he was the sole remaining faithful prophet. God, however, did not reveal Himself in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice" or "whisper" ([1 Kings 19:11-12](/1_kings/19-11 "1 Kings 19:11-12 - God's Revelation to Elijah")). In response to Elijah's lament, God not only reaffirmed His presence but also outlined a clear, forward-looking plan for Israel's future and Elijah's role within it, including the comforting revelation that [God had preserved a faithful remnant of 7,000](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Remnant") who had not bowed to Baal. The anointing commands in [1 Kings 19:15-17](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15-17 - God's Instructions to Elijah") serve as God's practical response to Elijah's despair, demonstrating His ongoing work and control over the nation's destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Ahab and Jezebel's reign in Israel (mid-9th century BCE) was characterized by profound spiritual apostasy. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to widespread idolatry and the persecution of Yahweh's prophets. The act of "anointing" was a deeply significant ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing divine selection and consecration for a specific office. Kings, priests, and, less commonly, prophets were anointed with oil, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment for their roles. Jehu, a military commander, would be anointed king to overthrow the corrupt Omride dynasty, while Elisha, from Abel-meholah (a fertile valley in the Jordan rift), would be anointed as a prophet, indicating a divinely orchestrated transfer of spiritual authority and continuity of the prophetic ministry. This context highlights the gravity of God's intervention in a time of national crisis and spiritual decline.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - God's Sovereign Plan") powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Continuity** is paramount; even when human leaders fail or prophets feel isolated, God's overarching plan unfolds precisely as He ordains, raising up new instruments for His purposes. Secondly, the **Transfer of Authority** is central, as Elijah is commanded to "anoint" both a king and a prophet, signifying a divine appointment and the passing of the mantle of leadership and spiritual direction. This sets the stage for significant changes in Israel's political and religious landscape. Thirdly, the verse demonstrates **God's Unfinished Work**; despite Elijah's profound despair, God actively prepares new leaders to execute His justice and continue His prophetic witness against the pervasive idolatry in Israel. Finally, the anointing of Jehu specifically foreshadows a period of **Divine Judgment** against the house of Ahab and the widespread Baal worship that had corrupted the nation, a judgment that Jehu would later carry out with ruthless efficiency, as detailed in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** The Hebrew verb מָשַׁח (mashach) literally means "to smear" or "to rub with oil." In a cultic or religious context, it signifies "to consecrate," "to set apart," or "to ordain" someone for a sacred office or special task. This ritual act of pouring or smearing oil symbolized divine selection, empowerment by God's Spirit, and the impartation of authority. For Jehu, it legitimized his claim to the throne and his divine commission to execute judgment. For Elisha, it marked his inauguration into the prophetic ministry, signifying his divine call and the transfer of Elijah's spiritual authority. The repetition of "anoint" emphasizes the divine origin and significance of these appointments.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _navi'_):** The Hebrew noun נָבִיא (navi') refers to one who is called by God to speak His word, often acting as an intermediary between God and humanity. A prophet is not merely a foreteller of future events but primarily a "forth-teller" of God's truth, calling people to repentance, declaring God's will, and confronting injustice and idolatry. The anointing of Elisha "in thy room" signifies not just a replacement but a continuation of the prophetic office, ensuring that God's voice would not be silenced in Israel despite the challenges of the age.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel:"** This clause reveals God's specific choice for the next king of Israel. Jehu, a military commander, was not from the existing royal lineage, indicating God's sovereign prerogative to raise up leaders outside conventional succession. The command to "anoint" him as king signifies a divine mandate for his rule, legitimizing his future actions, particularly the overthrow of the Omride dynasty and the eradication of Baal worship, as detailed in [2 Kings 9-10](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9-10 - Jehu's Reign"). This act underscores God's direct intervention in the political affairs of Israel to achieve His redemptive and judgmental purposes.
* **"and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room."** This second command addresses the spiritual succession. Elisha, from a prosperous farming family in Abel-meholah, is designated as Elijah's successor. The phrase "in thy room" (literally "in your place") signifies that Elisha is to take over Elijah's prophetic mantle and ministry. This ensures the continuity of God's prophetic voice in Israel, demonstrating that God's work does not depend on a single individual but on His eternal plan and His ability to raise up new servants. This anointing would be fulfilled directly by Elijah in [1 Kings 19:19-21](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19-21 - Elijah Calls Elisha").

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - Divine Appointments") employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where God directly instructs Elijah, highlighting His absolute authority and active involvement in the unfolding narrative. This command serves as a **Resolution** to Elijah's despair, moving the narrative from his personal crisis to God's broader, continuing plan. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, particularly with the anointing of Jehu, which hints at the violent judgment to come upon the house of Ahab and the Baal worshippers, a theme extensively developed in [2 Kings](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Coup"). The **Succession Motif** is evident in the anointing of Elisha, preparing the reader for the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to his disciple, a transition vividly depicted in [2 Kings 2](/2_kings/2 "2 Kings 2 - Elijah's Ascension and Elisha's Succession"). Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between Elijah's perception of being alone and God's revelation of a vast, unseen network of faithful individuals and future instruments, emphasizing God's comprehensive and sovereign oversight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - God's Providence") stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant purposes, even in times of national apostasy and prophetic despair. It underscores the truth that God's plans are never thwarted by human failure or opposition. He is actively involved in history, raising up and setting apart individuals—whether kings for justice or prophets for truth—to accomplish His will. This verse teaches us about the divine initiative in leadership selection and the crucial concept of spiritual succession, ensuring the continuity of God's work across generations. It also highlights God's justice, as the anointing of Jehu signals an impending, divinely orchestrated judgment against the pervasive idolatry and wickedness of the Omride dynasty. Ultimately, it reassures believers that God remains faithful to His word and will always preserve a remnant and raise up instruments to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Appoints Leaders")
* [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - Cyrus, God's Anointed")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power for Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - Lessons for Today") offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our deepest moments of discouragement, isolation, or perceived failure, God's purposes remain unshaken and His work continues. Like Elijah, we may feel overwhelmed by the spiritual darkness around us, believing we are alone in our faithfulness. Yet, this verse reveals God's active, sovereign hand, always preparing new leaders and raising up new servants to carry on His mission. It calls us to trust in God's overarching plan rather than relying solely on our own strength or visibility. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of spiritual succession and mentorship within the church, reminding older generations of their responsibility to equip and empower younger ones, and younger generations to humbly receive the mantle of service. It also reassures us of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate triumph over sin and idolatry, often through unexpected means and instruments. Our task is to remain faithful, knowing that God is always at work, even when we cannot perceive it fully.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel discouraged or isolated, similar to Elijah? How might God be working in ways you cannot yet perceive?**
* **How does the concept of divine succession and the raising up of new leaders challenge or encourage your understanding of God's ongoing work in the world and in the church?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's response to human despair and His commitment to His covenant purposes?**
* **How can you actively participate in or support the "anointing" (equipping and empowering) of others for God's service in your community or church?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Elijah to anoint Jehu and Elisha, rather than doing it Himself or through another prophet?**

Answer: God often uses human agents to accomplish His divine will, demonstrating His partnership with humanity and our role in His redemptive plan. By commanding Elijah to perform these anointings, God not only validated Elijah's continued prophetic authority despite his despair but also involved him directly in the transition of leadership. This act served as a visible sign of divine appointment for both Jehu and Elisha. For Jehu, it gave him the prophetic legitimacy to overthrow the house of Ahab, and for Elisha, it publicly marked him as Elijah's chosen successor, ensuring the continuity of the prophetic office. This method underscores the importance of human obedience and participation in God's sovereign purposes, even when the task seems daunting or counter-intuitive, as Elijah's anointing of Jehu would lead to significant, often violent, change as seen in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Actions").

**What is the significance of "Abelmeholah" in this verse?**

Answer: Abelmeholah, meaning "meadow of the dance" or "meadow of the circle," was Elisha's hometown, located in the Jordan Valley, likely south of Beth-shan. Its mention here provides specific geographical context and identifies Elisha as a known individual, not a random choice. More significantly, it highlights Elisha's background as a farmer, indicating that God often calls and equips ordinary people from diverse backgrounds for extraordinary purposes. Elijah found Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen ([1 Kings 19:19](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19 - Elijah Calls Elisha")), underscoring that God's chosen instruments are often found faithfully engaged in their daily work, ready to respond to His call.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The anointing of Jehu as king and Elisha as prophet foreshadows Jesus, who is the **Anointed One** (Christ, Messiah) par excellence, fulfilling both the kingly and prophetic offices. Unlike Jehu, whose reign brought temporary, albeit divinely ordained, judgment and political upheaval, Jesus is the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose kingdom is eternal and whose rule brings ultimate justice and righteousness ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). As the supreme Prophet, Jesus does not merely speak God's word but *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), revealing God perfectly and fully ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). He is the prophet like Moses whom God promised to raise up ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")), speaking with unparalleled authority and performing signs that validate His divine commission ([Luke 24:19](/luke/24-19 "Luke 24:19 - Jesus, a Prophet Powerful in Word and Deed")). The anointing of Jesus was not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit for His ministry ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"), [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit")), empowering Him for His ultimate mission of salvation. Furthermore, the theme of succession, from Elijah to Elisha, points to Jesus' ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering His disciples to continue His work, even greater works, through the Spirit's power ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works"), [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive mission until His glorious return.

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.