1 Kings 19:6

KJV

And he looked, and, behold, [there was] a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he looked {H5027}, and, behold, there was a cake {H5692} baken on the coals {H7529}, and a cruse {H6835} of water {H4325} at his head {H4763}. And he did eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and laid him down {H7901} again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on the hot stones and a jug of water. He ate and drank, then lay down again.

Berean Standard Bible

And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.

American Standard Version

And he looked, and, behold, there was at his head a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:6 captures a moment of profound divine compassion and provision for the prophet Elijah, who, after a dramatic spiritual victory and subsequent flight from Jezebel, had fallen into deep despair and exhaustion. This verse details God's immediate and tender care, as an angelic messenger provides simple yet vital sustenance—a freshly baked cake and a cruse of water—enabling Elijah to eat, drink, and rest, thereby preparing him for the arduous journey and renewed divine encounter that lay ahead. It powerfully illustrates God's attentiveness to the physical and emotional needs of His servants, even in their lowest moments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point following Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"). After demonstrating God's power through fire from heaven and the subsequent slaughter of Baal's prophets, Elijah, surprisingly, flees when Queen Jezebel threatens his life ([1 Kings 19:1-3](/1_kings/19-1 "1 Kings 19:1-3 - Jezebel's Threat and Elijah's Flight")). He retreats into the wilderness, reaching a point of utter despondency where he prays for death under a broom tree ([1 Kings 19:4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah's Prayer for Death")). While in this state of physical and emotional collapse, an angel of the Lord touches him and instructs him to eat, setting the immediate scene for the miraculous provision described in [1 Kings 19:5](/1_kings/19-5 "1 Kings 19:5 - The Angel Touches Elijah"). The act of eating, drinking, and resting in verse 6 is not merely a physical restoration but a divine intervention preparing Elijah for the next phase of his prophetic journey, specifically the long trek to [Mount Horeb](/1_kings/19-8 "1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's Journey to Horeb").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elijah's flight takes him deep into the wilderness, likely south towards Beersheba and beyond, a desolate and arid region where sustenance would be scarce. The provision of "a cake baken on the coals" and "a cruse of water" reflects the simple, essential diet of travelers in ancient Israel, particularly in wilderness settings. Bread and water were fundamental for survival. The method of baking on coals (likely hot stones or embers) was a common, quick way to prepare unleavened bread in the field. The "cruse" (Hebrew: _tsappachat_) was a small, narrow-necked jar, typically used for oil or water, indicating a modest but sufficient supply. This context underscores the miraculous nature of the provision—not just *what* was provided, but *where* and *when* it was provided, in a place of extreme need and isolation, highlighting God's direct intervention in a hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's faithful attentiveness to the physical and spiritual needs of His servants, even when they are at their weakest and most vulnerable. This is a recurring motif, from the manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")) to Jesus feeding the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Compassion in Despair**. Rather than rebuking Elijah for his fear or despair, God responds with tender, practical care, demonstrating that His restoration often begins with meeting fundamental physical and emotional needs before spiritual instruction. This anticipates the New Testament emphasis on God's grace and understanding for human weakness ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Finally, the provision serves as **Preparation for Future Service**. The physical sustenance was not an end in itself but was crucial for Elijah's recovery and the arduous journey to [Mount Horeb](/1_kings/19-8 "1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's Journey to Horeb"), where God would reveal Himself and commission Elijah anew, underscoring that God equips His servants for the tasks He calls them to.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cake (Hebrew, _‘ugah_):** This term refers to a flat, round cake, often unleavened, quickly baked directly on hot coals or stones. It signifies a simple, basic form of bread, readily prepared and consumed. Its presence here emphasizes the immediate and unadorned nature of God's provision—not a feast, but precisely what was needed for sustenance in a desolate place.
* **Cruse (Hebrew, _tsappachat_):** This denotes a small jug or flask, typically made of earthenware, used for carrying liquids like water or oil. The mention of a "cruse of water" highlights the vital necessity of hydration in the arid wilderness and underscores the specific, life-sustaining nature of the angel's provision. It wasn't an abundance, but a sufficient supply for immediate need.
* **Laid him down again (Hebrew, _yishkav od_):** The verb _shakav_ means "to lie down," often implying rest or sleep. The addition of _od_ ("again" or "still") emphasizes the continuation or repetition of the action. Elijah had already been sleeping ([1 Kings 19:5](/1_kings/19-5 "1 Kings 19:5 - The Angel Touches Elijah")); this phrase indicates that after eating and drinking, he resumed his rest, highlighting the profound exhaustion he experienced and the restorative power of the divine provision. It speaks to the holistic nature of God's care—not just food, but also the gift of restful sleep.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he looked, and, behold, [there was] a cake baken on the coals":** Elijah, roused from his sleep by the angel, opens his eyes to a miraculous sight. The "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) emphasizes the sudden, surprising, and divine nature of the discovery. The "cake baken on the coals" signifies immediate, fresh, and simple sustenance, prepared by divine intervention, perfectly suited for his urgent need in the wilderness.
* **"and a cruse of water at his head":** Positioned conveniently "at his head," the cruse of water underscores the tender, personal nature of God's care. It was not merely provided but placed within easy reach, anticipating Elijah's need for hydration alongside nourishment, especially in a dry land. This detail highlights the thoughtfulness and precision of the divine provision.
* **"And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again":** This final clause describes Elijah's immediate and complete response to the divine gift. He consumes the food and water, indicating his profound hunger and thirst. The act of "laid him down again" confirms his extreme exhaustion and the restorative power of the meal. It shows that God's provision was not just for survival but for genuine rest and recuperation, essential for his physical and emotional recovery before facing future challenges.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the mighty prophet who called down fire from heaven and executed Baal's prophets is now utterly helpless, dependent on an angel's humble provision. This stark contrast highlights human weakness and divine strength. **Symbolism** is also at play: the cake and water are not just physical sustenance but symbolize God's life-giving presence and restoration in despair. They represent spiritual nourishment and renewal, preparing Elijah for his encounter with God on Mount Horeb. The **repetition** of "eat and drink" (in [1 Kings 19:5](/1_kings/19-5 "1 Kings 19:5 - The Angel Touches Elijah") and [1 Kings 19:7](/1_kings/19-7 "1 Kings 19:7 - The Angel's Second Touch and Instruction")) underscores the critical importance of this physical restoration for Elijah's journey. The narrative also uses **pathos**, evoking sympathy for Elijah's plight, making God's tender care all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 19:6 is a profound testament to God's compassionate sovereignty, demonstrating that His care extends beyond grand displays of power to the most intimate and basic needs of His servants. It challenges the notion that spiritual strength precludes human weakness, revealing that even the most zealous prophets can experience profound despair and burnout. God's response is not condemnation but tender, practical provision, illustrating His commitment to restoring His people holistically—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This divine attentiveness underscores the truth that God sustains us not only for our own well-being but also to enable us to continue in His service, preparing us for the next steps in our journey of faith.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table in the Presence of Enemies")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of Elijah under the broom tree, utterly defeated and wishing for death, is a powerful reminder that even the most devout and spiritually powerful individuals are not immune to profound despair, exhaustion, and burnout. God's response in 1 Kings 19:6 is not a theological lecture or a spiritual rebuke, but a tangible, practical act of care: food, water, and rest. This teaches us the profound spiritual discipline of attending to our physical and emotional well-being. Sometimes, the most "spiritual" thing we can do when we are overwhelmed is to eat, drink, and rest, trusting that God uses these basic provisions to restore our strength and perspective. It encourages us to acknowledge our limits, to seek help when we are depleted, and to remember that God's grace meets us not just in our triumphs but, perhaps even more profoundly, in our moments of utter weakness and vulnerability. He provides not only for the journey ahead but for the immediate need of our weary souls and bodies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be inviting you to acknowledge your limits and receive His provision for rest and nourishment?**
* **How does God's gentle care for Elijah in his despair challenge your assumptions about how God deals with our weaknesses or failures?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize physical and emotional rest as a spiritual discipline, trusting God to sustain you?**

### FAQ

**Why did God provide physical sustenance instead of immediate spiritual revelation to Elijah?**

Answer: God's wisdom often addresses our immediate, foundational needs before moving to deeper spiritual instruction. Elijah was physically and emotionally depleted after his intense confrontation with the prophets of Baal and his subsequent flight. His body and mind were at their breaking point, making him unable to fully receive or process profound spiritual revelation. By providing a simple meal and rest, God demonstrated His tender compassion and restored Elijah's capacity to hear and respond to Him. This highlights a crucial principle: God cares for our holistic well-being, recognizing that our physical and emotional states profoundly impact our spiritual receptivity. It's a testament to God's practical love, meeting us where we are before calling us to where He wants us to go, as seen in Jesus' own ministry of feeding the hungry before teaching them ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")).

**Does this passage suggest that God will always provide food and water miraculously when we are in need?**

Answer: While God *can* and *does* intervene miraculously, as He did for Elijah, this passage primarily illustrates God's faithfulness to provide for His children's needs, often through ordinary means. The miracle here is not just the presence of the food, but its timely and specific provision in a desolate place by an angel. For us today, God's provision typically comes through natural means, such as the generosity of others, our own labor, or the resources of creation. The core message is God's unwavering commitment to sustain His people, whether through extraordinary intervention or through His providential care in everyday life. We are called to trust in His provision, knowing that He knows what we need before we ask ([Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 19:6, with its depiction of divine provision for a weary prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah's miraculous meal in the wilderness foreshadows Jesus, the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who offers eternal sustenance to all who are spiritually famished. Just as the angel ministered to Elijah, Jesus, our great High Priest, understands our weaknesses and provides for us in our moments of deepest despair, for He Himself was "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). He invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The physical bread and water given to Elijah point to the spiritual nourishment found in Christ's body and blood, offered as the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption ([John 6:53-58](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-58 - Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood")). Moreover, Elijah's restoration prepared him for further service; similarly, Christ not only sustains us but empowers us through His Spirit for the work of the Kingdom, promising that His grace is sufficient for us in our weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Grace is Sufficient for You")). In Christ, we find not just temporary relief but eternal rest and an inexhaustible supply for every need, enabling us to persevere in faith even when our strength fails.

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

Matthew 4:11

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

1 Kings 17:6

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

Isaiah 33:16

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

1 Kings 17:9

Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

1 Kings 17:15

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [many] days.

John 21:5

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

Matthew 6:32

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.