1 Kings 19:5

KJV

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise [and] eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as he lay {H7901} and slept {H3462} under a {H259} juniper tree {H7574}, behold, then an angel {H4397} touched {H5060} him, and said {H559} unto him, Arise {H6965} and eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he lay down under the broom tree and went to sleep. Suddenly, an angel touched him and said to him, "Get up and eat!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

American Standard Version

And he lay down and slept under a juniper-tree; and, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After the monumental spiritual victory on Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah experienced a profound emotional and physical collapse, fleeing into the wilderness from Queen Jezebel's death threat. Overwhelmed by despair and wishing for death, he sought refuge under a broom tree, where he succumbed to utter exhaustion. This pivotal verse marks the beginning of God's tender and direct intervention, as an angel awakens him with a gentle touch and a simple command to eat, initiating a process of divine sustenance and restoration for His weary servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point in the narrative of Elijah, immediately following the dramatic events of [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"). Having single-handedly confronted and defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of Yahweh, Elijah is now confronted by the wrath of Queen Jezebel, who vows to take his life ([1 Kings 19:2](/1_kings/19-2 "1 Kings 19:2 - Jezebel's Threat")). Instead of confronting her, Elijah flees in despair, journeying a day's distance into the wilderness, where he collapses under a broom tree, wishing to die ([1 Kings 19:4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah's Prayer for Death")). This profound emotional and physical low highlights the immense toll of his prophetic ministry and sets the stage for God's compassionate and restorative intervention, which begins with addressing his most basic physical needs before any spiritual or strategic guidance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elijah's flight takes him into the desolate wilderness of Judah, a harsh and unforgiving environment that underscores his isolation and vulnerability. The "juniper tree" (KJV) or "broom tree" (Hebrew: _rotem_) is a common desert shrub, known for providing sparse but welcome shade in an otherwise barren landscape. This setting emphasizes Elijah's desperate search for refuge and respite. In ancient Israel, prophets often endured periods of intense spiritual and physical strain, and God's direct intervention through angels or miraculous provision was a recognized pattern of divine care, echoing earlier instances of God providing sustenance in the wilderness, such as manna for the Israelites ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")). The cultural understanding of angelic ministry as direct agents of God's will would have made this intervention a clear sign of divine compassion.

* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [1 Kings 19:5](/1_kings/19-5 "1 Kings 19:5 - Angelic Provision for Elijah") introduces several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Compassion and Provision**, showing God meeting His servant not with rebuke for his fear or despair, but with tender care for his physical and emotional exhaustion. God prioritizes rest and nourishment, demonstrating His understanding of human frailty. Secondly, the passage highlights **Angelic Ministry**, emphasizing that angels serve as ministering spirits, dispatched by God to care for His people, particularly in times of distress ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")). Here, the angel's physical touch and provision underscore God's direct and personal involvement. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Care for the Weary**, offering comfort and reassurance to those experiencing burnout, depression, or profound fatigue, reminding believers that God understands human limits and provides the necessary strength to continue the journey of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Juniper tree (Hebrew, _rotem'_):** The Hebrew word רוֹתֶם (_rotem_), often translated as "juniper tree" (KJV) or "broom tree" (NIV, ESV), refers to *Retama raetam*, a common desert shrub. This tree provides sparse but crucial shade in arid regions, making it a fitting symbol for a place of temporary, desperate refuge. Its presence here underscores Elijah's isolation and the harshness of his environment, yet it also becomes the unexpected locus of divine intervention, transforming a place of despair into a site of divine encounter.
* **Touched (Hebrew, _naga'_):** The verb נָגַע (_naga'_) signifies a direct, physical contact. This is not a distant, ethereal presence but a tangible, personal touch from the angel. It emphasizes the immediacy and intimacy of God's care, breaking through Elijah's profound isolation and initiating a process of physical and spiritual restoration for the prophet. This gentle touch contrasts sharply with the dramatic displays of divine power Elijah had recently witnessed on Mount Carmel, highlighting God's tender approach to a broken spirit.
* **Arise and eat (Hebrew, _qum 'ekhol'_):** This imperative command, קוּם אֱכֹל (_qum 'ekhol_), is direct and profoundly practical. "Arise" (קוּם, _qum_) signifies a call to action, a literal lifting from his prostrate state of despair, while "eat" (אֱכֹל, _'ekhol_) addresses his fundamental physical need. The simplicity and directness of the command underscore God's understanding that Elijah's immediate need was not for theological discourse or rebuke, but for basic sustenance to restore his strength and prepare him for the journey ahead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree":** This clause paints a vivid picture of Elijah's utter exhaustion and despair. Having fled for his life from Jezebel, he has reached his physical and emotional limit, seeking refuge and oblivion in sleep under the meager shade of a desert broom tree. This state of profound vulnerability highlights the depth of his spiritual and psychological crisis following the intense spiritual battle on Mount Carmel and the subsequent death threat, demonstrating that even the strongest servants of God can experience burnout.
* **"behold, then an angel touched him":** The sudden appearance of "an angel" (מַלְאָךְ, _mal'akh_, messenger) signifies a direct, supernatural intervention from God. The word "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _v'hinneh_) draws immediate attention to the unexpected and miraculous nature of this event, signaling a turning point. The angel's "touch" is a gentle yet firm act of personal care, breaking through Elijah's isolation and initiating the process of divine provision, emphasizing God's intimate concern for his distressed prophet.
* **"and said unto him, Arise [and] eat":** The angel's command is simple, direct, and profoundly practical. It addresses Elijah's most immediate physical needs: to awaken from his deep slumber and to partake of nourishment. This divine directive prioritizes physical restoration, recognizing that Elijah's spiritual and emotional recovery must be built upon a foundation of renewed bodily strength. The provision of food and rest is God's compassionate response to His weary servant, preparing him for the continued journey and future revelations.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the stark contrast between Elijah's recent display of immense power on Mount Carmel and his current state of utter helplessness and despair, highlighting the human frailty even of God's mightiest prophets. The **Symbolism** of the juniper (broom) tree is powerful; it represents a place of desperate refuge and despair, yet it paradoxically becomes the unexpected site of divine encounter and tender care. The angel's **Divine Intervention** is a clear _deus ex machina_, a direct and miraculous act by God to rescue His servant from the brink of death and despair, emphasizing His active presence and personal concern for His people even in their darkest moments. The simple, direct commands ("Arise and eat") also contribute to the narrative's **Conciseness** and impact, focusing on immediate needs and practical provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's compassionate care for His servants, even when they are at their lowest point of despair and exhaustion. It challenges the notion that spiritual strength precludes human weakness, demonstrating that God understands and ministers to physical and emotional needs as foundational to spiritual well-being. The divine provision of rest and food, delivered by an angel, underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not just in grand miraculous displays, but in the tender, personal details of their suffering. This intervention is not a rebuke but an act of grace, designed to restore and re-equip Elijah for his continued prophetic journey.

* [Psalm 23:2-3](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2-3 - The Lord as Shepherd, providing rest and restoring the soul")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")
* [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - God Gives Power to the Faint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elijah's experience under the broom tree offers a timeless lesson in human vulnerability and divine compassion. It reminds us that even the most spiritually robust individuals are susceptible to burnout, fear, and despair. God does not condemn Elijah for his weakness but meets him precisely in his brokenness, providing basic physical needs—rest and nourishment—before offering any further spiritual guidance or mission. This teaches us the critical importance of self-care, acknowledging our limits, and allowing ourselves to receive help, whether from God directly, through supportive community, or even professional assistance. In a world that often glorifies relentless striving, this passage serves as a powerful counter-narrative, affirming that sometimes the most spiritual act is to rest, to be still, and to allow God to minister to our deepest needs, trusting that His provision is sufficient to renew our strength for the journey ahead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be experiencing burnout or exhaustion, similar to Elijah?**
* **How does God's gentle provision for Elijah challenge your assumptions about how God responds to our weakness or despair?**
* **What practical steps can you take to prioritize rest and nourishment, both physically and spiritually, in your own life?**
* **How open are you to receiving help and support, whether from God, others, or professional resources, when you feel overwhelmed?**

### FAQ
**Why was Elijah under a juniper tree, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Elijah was under a "juniper tree" (more accurately, a broom tree) because he had fled into the desolate wilderness, utterly exhausted and despairing after Queen Jezebel threatened his life. He sought refuge and wished for death in this remote, barren place ([1 Kings 19:3-4](/1_kings/19-3 "1 Kings 19:3-4 - Elijah's Flight and Despair")). The broom tree is common in desert regions and provides sparse but crucial shade, symbolizing a place of temporary, desperate refuge. Its significance lies in its transformation from a place of despair and isolation into the unexpected locus of divine intervention. It highlights that God meets us precisely where we are, even in our lowest and most desolate moments, turning a place of collapse into a site of compassionate care and renewed hope.

**What is the significance of the angel's touch and command?**

Answer: The angel's touch (Hebrew: _naga'_) is highly significant because it represents a direct, tangible, and personal act of divine care. It's not a distant voice or a grand display, but an intimate physical contact that breaks through Elijah's profound isolation and despair. This gentle touch initiates the process of divine provision, emphasizing God's tender concern for His weary servant. The angel's command, "Arise and eat," is equally significant in its simplicity and practicality. It prioritizes Elijah's immediate physical needs—rest and nourishment—before any spiritual instruction or rebuke. This demonstrates God's understanding of human frailty, recognizing that physical restoration is often a prerequisite for spiritual and emotional recovery. It underscores that God cares for our whole being, not just our spiritual state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine provision for Elijah under the broom tree profoundly foreshadows Christ's compassionate ministry to the weary and broken. Just as God sent an angel to physically nourish Elijah, Jesus, the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), continually offers spiritual and physical sustenance to those who are exhausted and despairing. In the wilderness, Elijah was sustained by miraculous food; similarly, Jesus fed the multitudes in the wilderness, demonstrating His power to provide for every need ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). More deeply, Christ embodies the ultimate divine care, inviting all who are "weary and heavy-laden" to come to Him for rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). His own experience in Gethsemane, where an angel strengthened Him in His agony ([Luke 22:43](/luke/22-43 "Luke 22:43 - Angel Strengthens Jesus in Gethsemane")), resonates with Elijah's encounter, revealing God's unwavering commitment to sustain His servants through their darkest trials. Ultimately, the angelic provision for Elijah points to Jesus as the one through whom God fully provides for our deepest needs, offering not just physical sustenance but eternal life and spiritual renewal through His body and blood, the true bread from heaven ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")).

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

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Acts 12:7

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

Daniel 8:19

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

Psalms 34:7

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?