1 Kings 19:17

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth {H4422} the sword {H2719} of Hazael {H2371} shall Jehu {H3058} slay {H4191}: and him that escapeth {H4422} from the sword {H2719} of Jehu {H3058} shall Elisha {H477} slay {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yehu will kill whoever escapes the sword of Haza'el, and Elisha will kill whoever escapes the sword of Yehu.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay; and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:17 reveals a critical aspect of God's sovereign plan for judgment against the apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly the idolatrous house of Ahab and the pervasive worship of Baal. This verse, delivered to Elijah on Mount Horeb as part of his recommissioning, outlines a divinely orchestrated sequence of inescapable judgment, where successive instruments—Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha—would ensure that none of those marked for divine wrath would ultimately evade the comprehensive consequences of Israel's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Elijah, occurring immediately after his deeply personal encounter with God on Mount Horeb. Following his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, which culminated in their slaughter, Elijah fled into the wilderness in despair due to Jezebel's threats against his life. At Mount Horeb, God revealed Himself to Elijah not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice" or "whisper" ([1 Kings 19:11-12](/1_kings/19-11-12 "1 Kings 19:11-12 - God's Revelation to Elijah")). This profound encounter served to recommission Elijah, reminding him that God's work was far from over and that He had preserved a faithful remnant. The Lord then issued specific, strategic instructions to Elijah: to anoint Hazael as king of Aram (Syria), Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his own prophetic successor ([1 Kings 19:15-16](/1_kings/19-15-16 "1 Kings 19:15-16 - Elijah's Commission to Anoint Kings and a Prophet")). Verse 17 elaborates on the precise, successive layers of divine judgment that these three individuals would execute, underscoring the thorough and inescapable nature of God's impending justice against the pervasive idolatry and unfaithfulness of the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-9th century BC, during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, marked a period of severe spiritual decline and national apostasy. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to widespread religious syncretism, persecution of Yahweh's prophets ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Jezebel's Persecution of Prophets")), and direct violation of the foundational covenant commands given at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment")). The political landscape was also volatile; Aram (Syria) was a frequent and powerful adversary of Israel, and internal stability was often threatened by a succession of short-lived dynasties. God's choice to use both an external enemy (Hazael) and an internal usurper (Jehu) as instruments of judgment reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine intervention in national affairs, where political upheavals, military defeats, and changes in leadership were often interpreted as divine punishment or reward. The role of the prophet, exemplified by Elijah and Elisha, was crucial in this context, acting as God's direct messenger, challenging kings, and declaring divine decrees that shaped the destiny of the nation.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in 1 Kings 19:17 is the **Divine Sovereignty and Inescapable Justice** of God. This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over nations and individuals, even utilizing foreign kings and internal usurpers to execute His righteous judgment against sin, particularly the pervasive idolatry of Baal worship that had gripped Israel. It highlights the severe **Consequence of Persistent Apostasy**, illustrating that while God is long-suffering, Israel's continued turning away from Him to false gods under the leadership of Ahab and Jezebel would inevitably lead to devastating divine punishment. The sequential nature of the judgment—from Hazael's external aggression to Jehu's internal purge and Elisha's prophetic pronouncements—emphasizes the thoroughness and inescapable nature of God's justice, ensuring that none would evade His decree. Furthermore, the inclusion of Elisha underscores the **Enduring Role of Prophetic Authority and Succession** in God's plan. Prophets were not merely speakers of God's word but active instruments of His will, both in declaring judgment and in leading the faithful remnant, as seen in the broader context of Elijah's recommissioning and the promise of a preserved remnant ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Faithful Remnant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Escapeth (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** Derived from H4422, this primitive root means "to be smooth," and by implication, "to escape (as if by slipperiness)," or "to release or rescue." Its repetition in the verse ("him that escapeth... shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth... shall Elisha slay") creates a powerful sense of an attempted but ultimately futile evasion. It emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment; no matter how one tries to flee or survive one wave of divine wrath, another instrument is poised to complete the task. This highlights God's meticulous and relentless pursuit of justice against persistent rebellion.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this word refers to a "cutting instrument," specifically a "sword," "knife," or "dagger." In the context of Hazael and Jehu, "sword" literally denotes the military and violent means by which they would execute God's judgment. It represents the physical devastation and bloodshed they would bring upon Israel. The repetition underscores the consistent and brutal nature of the initial two phases of divine retribution.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, a primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively)," and causatively, "to kill" or "to put to death." When applied to Hazael and Jehu, it refers to literal, violent death. However, its application to Elisha is distinct. While Hazael and Jehu wielded physical weapons, Elisha's "slaying" would be through prophetic pronouncement, divine intervention, or the consequences of his word, leading to death or severe judgment. This distinction underscores the multifaceted ways God executes His judgment, not solely through military might but also through the powerful word and spiritual authority of His prophets.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay":** This clause initiates the divine chain of judgment, revealing God's preordained plan. Hazael, the future king of Aram (Syria), would be God's instrument of external aggression against Israel, bringing war, devastation, and death upon the nation. This was fulfilled in Hazael's brutal campaigns against Israel, where he "cut off parts of Israel" and oppressed them ([2 Kings 8:12-13](/2_kings/8-12-13 "2 Kings 8:12-13 - Hazael's Cruelty Foretold and Fulfilled"); [2 Kings 10:32](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32 - Hazael Oppresses Israel")). The phrase indicates that any Israelite who miraculously survived Hazael's military onslaught would then face the judgment executed by Jehu. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's justice, ensuring no one escapes the first wave of His decreed wrath.
* **"and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay."**: This second clause completes the sequence, emphasizing the utter inescapability of God's judgment. Jehu, anointed king by a prophet from Elisha's company, was commissioned to violently purge the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel ([2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7-10 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission to Destroy Ahab's House"); [2 Kings 10:11](/2_kings/10-11 "2 Kings 10:11 - Jehu Executes Judgment on Ahab's House")). His "sword" refers to his literal, bloody purge of the royal family, Baal worshippers, and all associated with Ahab's idolatry. The final phrase, "shall Elisha slay," signifies that even those who might somehow escape both the external and internal military purges would still face divine judgment through the prophetic word and actions of Elisha. Elisha's "slaying" was not with a physical sword but through divine curses, pronouncements of judgment, or miraculous interventions that led to death or severe consequences, such as the fate of the youths who mocked him ([2 Kings 2:24](/2_kings/2-24 "2 Kings 2:24 - Elisha's Curse on the Youths")) or Gehazi's leprosy ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy")). This layered judgment underscores God's absolute determination to bring justice against the deep-seated apostasy of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of inescapable divine judgment. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "escapeth" and "slay," which creates a powerful sense of the futility of evading God's decree and underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment. This repetition also contributes to a sense of **Anaphora**, as the structure "him that escapeth... shall X slay" is repeated, emphasizing the sequential and relentless nature of the divine retribution. The phrase "the sword of Hazael" and "the sword of Jehu" uses **Metonymy**, where "sword" stands for the military force, violent judgment, and destructive power wielded by these kings. In contrast, Elisha's "slaying" is a form of **Symbolism** or **Metaphor**, representing not a literal sword but the potent, life-or-death power of the prophetic word and divine judgment enacted through him. This progression from literal military force to prophetic decree underscores the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's sovereign justice, demonstrating that His judgment extends beyond physical conflict to the spiritual realm and the consequences of His spoken word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 19:17 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly affairs, even the most chaotic and violent. It reveals that God is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator of history, capable of using diverse instruments—whether foreign kings, internal usurpers, or His own prophets—to accomplish His righteous purposes. The sequential nature of the judgment emphasizes that God's plans are thorough and inescapable; His justice will be fully executed, leaving no avenue for those marked for judgment to escape the consequences of their rebellion and idolatry. This passage serves as a stark reminder that while God is patient and longsuffering, His holiness demands that persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness will ultimately be met with divine retribution. It underscores the truth that God's word, whether spoken through a prophet or enacted through historical events, will always accomplish its intended purpose.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience for Covenant Unfaithfulness")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse from 1 Kings 19:17 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, serving as a solemn reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all human affairs. It teaches us that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, there are limits to His forbearance when confronted with persistent rebellion and idolatry. The layered judgment executed by Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha underscores the inescapable nature of divine justice; no one can ultimately evade the consequences of their actions when God's righteous decree is set in motion. This should instill in us a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting us to examine our own lives for any areas of compromise with the world's idols or persistent disobedience. Furthermore, it reminds us that God can use diverse and sometimes unexpected instruments—even those seemingly outside our understanding of "righteous" means—to accomplish His will. Our call is to align ourselves with His purposes, to walk in faithfulness, and to trust in His perfect justice, knowing that He is both a God of immense grace and unyielding righteousness. This passage encourages us to live in reverent submission to God's will, understanding that true security lies not in escaping His judgment, but in finding refuge in His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of inescapable divine judgment in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways might God be using "unconventional" instruments today to bring about His purposes, even if they are not always clear to us?**
* **What "idols" or areas of persistent disobedience in your own life might be inviting God's corrective discipline, and how can you respond in repentance and faith?**
* **How does the transition from literal "sword" to Elisha's prophetic "slaying" inform your understanding of the different ways God executes His judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why did God use Hazael and Jehu, who were clearly violent and ruthless, to execute His judgment against Israel?**

Answer: God's use of Hazael and Jehu highlights His absolute sovereignty and His willingness to employ various instruments, even those with their own sinful motivations, to accomplish His righteous purposes. Hazael, the king of Aram, was a foreign power and an enemy of Israel, yet God ordained his rise and his military campaigns as a means of punishing Israel for its idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness ([2 Kings 8:12-13](/2_kings/8-12-13 "2 Kings 8:12-13 - Hazael's Cruelty Foretold and Fulfilled")). Similarly, Jehu, while divinely appointed to cleanse Israel of Baal worship and destroy the house of Ahab, carried out his mission with extreme violence and often for his own political gain, as evidenced by his later actions not fully following the Lord ([2 Kings 10:29-31](/2_kings/10-29-31 "2 Kings 10:29-31 - Jehu's Partial Obedience")). This demonstrates that God's justice is not dependent on the moral perfection of His instruments. He can use the wrath of man to praise Him ([Psalm 76:10](/psalm/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - The Wrath of Man Praises God")) and orchestrate events through human agency, even when those agents act with their own flawed intentions, to bring about His ultimate will and righteous judgment against sin.

**How did Elisha "slay" people if he didn't wield a literal sword like Hazael and Jehu?**

Answer: Elisha's "slaying" was primarily through the power of the prophetic word and divine intervention, rather than a physical weapon. As God's prophet, Elisha was an instrument of divine judgment and blessing. His "slaying" could manifest in several ways: pronouncing curses that led to death or severe consequences (e.g., the 42 youths devoured by bears after mocking him in [2 Kings 2:23-24](/2_kings/2-23-24 "2 Kings 2:23-24 - Elisha Curses Mockers")), declaring judgments that resulted in disease or death (e.g., Gehazi's leprosy in [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy")), or through miraculous acts that brought about the demise of God's enemies. This distinction emphasizes that God's judgment is not limited to military might but can also be executed through the spiritual authority and spoken word of His chosen messengers, demonstrating the comprehensive and inescapable nature of His justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 19:17 speaks of a chain of judgment against an apostate Israel, its profound themes of divine sovereignty, inescapable justice, and the role of God's chosen instruments find their ultimate and most complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sword" of judgment, wielded by Hazael and Jehu, foreshadows the righteous judgment that will ultimately be executed by Christ. He is not only the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) but also the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who will return to judge the living and the dead ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"); [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")). Just as none could escape the sequential judgments of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha, so too will no one escape the final, comprehensive judgment of Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Furthermore, the prophetic "slaying" of Elisha, through the potent power of God's word, points to Christ as the ultimate Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), whose very breath and word will bring about the destruction of the wicked ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Will Destroy the Lawless One")). In Christ, God's justice is perfectly manifested, not only in judgment against sin but also in the provision of salvation for those who turn to Him. He offers an escape not from judgment itself, but *through* judgment, by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, satisfying divine wrath on behalf of believers ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Christ's Atonement")). He is the one who fulfills all righteous requirements, ensuring that God's holy character is upheld while simultaneously extending grace to a remnant, not of Israel alone, but of all who believe and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Romans 9:27-29 - A Remnant Will Be Saved"); [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Gracious Remnant")).

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

2 Kings 13:22

But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

2 Kings 13:3

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all [their] days.

2 Kings 8:12

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

Hosea 6:5

Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.

2 Kings 10:32

In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.