1 Kings 21:28

KJV

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Elijah {H452} the Tishbite {H8664}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the word of ADONAI came to Eliyahu from Tishbe:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 21:28 marks a profound moment of divine communication, demonstrating God's immediate and merciful response to King Ahab's unexpected, albeit temporary, humility. Following Elijah's pronouncement of severe judgment for the murder of Naboth and the seizure of his vineyard, Ahab's act of contrition, detailed in the preceding verse, prompts the LORD to speak again to His prophet. This verse underscores God's attentiveness to human actions and His readiness to temper justice with mercy, even when faced with profound wickedness, revealing a core aspect of His compassionate character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct divine interjection following the dramatic events of Naboth's vineyard. In [1 Kings 21:1-16](/1_kings/21-1 "Naboth's Vineyard"), King Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard, and his wife Jezebel orchestrates Naboth's murder through false witnesses, allowing Ahab to seize the property. Immediately, the word of the LORD comes to Elijah, who confronts Ahab in [1 Kings 21:17-24](/1_kings/21-17 "Elijah Confronts Ahab") with a devastating prophecy of judgment against him, his house, and Jezebel. Unexpectedly, in [1 Kings 21:27](/1_kings/21-27 "Ahab's Humiliation"), Ahab humbles himself, tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth, fasting, and walking mournfully. [1 Kings 21:28](/1_kings/21-28 "The Word of the LORD to Elijah") then records God's immediate response to this display of contrition, setting the stage for the modification of the previously declared judgment in [1 Kings 21:29](/1_kings/21-29 "Delayed Judgment on Ahab's House"). This sequence highlights God's dynamic interaction with human free will and response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Ahab's reign (c. 874-853 BC) was marked by significant political stability and economic prosperity in Israel, but also by profound spiritual apostasy. Ahab, heavily influenced by his Phoenician wife Jezebel, actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to a direct confrontation with Yahwism, championed by Elijah. The incident of Naboth's vineyard illuminates several cultural norms: the inalienable right to ancestral land in Israel (as per Mosaic law, [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "The Land is the LORD's")), the abuse of royal power (Ahab's covetousness and Jezebel's manipulation of legal processes), and the prophetic role as a divine check on royal authority. Elijah's direct confrontation of the king, even in the face of mortal danger, was characteristic of true prophets who spoke God's word without fear.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 21:28](/1_kings/21-28 "The Word of the LORD to Elijah") encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Communication and Sovereignty** are paramount, as "the word of the LORD came to Elijah," emphasizing God's active involvement in human history and His initiative in revealing His will. Secondly, the theme of **Justice and Mercy** is vividly displayed; despite Ahab's profound wickedness and the severe judgment pronounced, God's character as one who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Compassionate Character")) is revealed through His readiness to respond to even a superficial act of humility. Thirdly, the **Power of Repentance** (or at least, outward contrition) is highlighted, demonstrating that God observes and responds to human actions, offering a delay of judgment as an opportunity for genuine change. Finally, the **Role of the Prophet** as God's indispensable messenger, delivering both judgment and grace, is central to this narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (דָּבָר, _davar_):** This Hebrew term signifies not merely a sound or a letter, but a substantial, active, and authoritative communication. When used in the context of "the word of the LORD," it denotes a divinely initiated message, carrying the full weight of God's authority and often having a performative power—it accomplishes what it declares. It emphasizes that Elijah's subsequent message is not his own opinion or insight, but a direct revelation from the Almighty.
* **LORD (יְהוָה, _Yahweh_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "the LORD" in English translations. Its use here underscores that the communication originates from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one true God who actively intervenes in human affairs and holds ultimate sovereignty over kings and nations. It contrasts sharply with the impotent deities like Baal, whom Ahab and Jezebel championed.
* **Came (וַיְהִי, _vayhi_):** This verb, often translated as "and it came to pass" or "and it happened," conveys a sense of immediate, certain, and divinely orchestrated occurrence. In this context, it highlights the direct and undeniable arrival of God's message to Elijah, leaving no doubt about its origin or its urgency. It suggests a divine initiative that responds directly to the preceding events of Ahab's humility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD came":** This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, signaling a direct, authoritative, and undeniable divine revelation. It emphasizes God's initiative in communication, His active involvement in the unfolding drama, and the absolute certainty of the message that follows. It is not Elijah seeking God, but God actively reaching out to Elijah.
* **"to Elijah the Tishbite":** This specifies the recipient of the divine message, identifying Elijah by his common epithet, "the Tishbite," which likely refers to his hometown or region. This reiterates Elijah's established role as God's primary prophet during this tumultuous period, the one through whom God consistently speaks to confront Israel's apostasy and declare His will, especially to the royal house.
* **"saying":** This simple word introduces the content of the divine message. It indicates that the preceding phrase was not merely an observation but an introduction to a direct utterance from God, a specific command or declaration that Elijah is now commissioned to hear and, implicitly, to deliver. It creates immediate anticipation for God's response to Ahab's humility.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Prophetic Formula**, "And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying," which is a recurring literary device throughout the Old Testament prophetic books. This formula serves to establish the divine origin and unquestionable authority of the message that follows, distinguishing it from human opinion or wisdom. It imbues the subsequent words with ultimate weight and significance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Shift** or **Turning Point**, as this divine communication immediately follows Ahab's unexpected act of humility. The formula signals that God has observed Ahab's response and is about to issue a new directive, altering the immediate course of judgment. This also demonstrates **Divine Intervention**, showcasing God's active and immediate engagement with human actions, even those of a wicked king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's character as both just and merciful, demonstrating His attentiveness to human response. Even in the face of deep-seated wickedness and a seemingly superficial act of humility from Ahab, God's readiness to extend mercy and delay judgment shines through. It reveals that God is not rigidly bound by His pronouncements of judgment but is willing to alter their immediate execution based on any sign of turning, however incomplete. This flexibility underscores God's desire for repentance and His boundless compassion, offering a powerful testament to His patience and long-suffering nature, even towards those who are His enemies. It highlights that God's ways are higher than human ways, often extending grace where we might expect only wrath.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Justice")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the LORD")
* [Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7-8 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - The Potter and the Clay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine communication in [1 Kings 21:28](/1_kings/21-28 "The Word of the LORD to Elijah") offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is perpetually attentive to the human heart and our responses to His word. Even a partial or outwardly motivated act of humility, like Ahab's, can elicit a merciful response from God, demonstrating His boundless patience and desire for people to turn from their destructive paths. This should encourage us to cultivate genuine humility and quick repentance, knowing that God sees and responds. Furthermore, the verse underscores the enduring power and authority of God's word. Just as the word of the LORD "came" to Elijah with undeniable force, so too does God's word continue to speak to us through Scripture, guiding, convicting, and offering grace. We are called to listen attentively, respond obediently, and trust in the God who is both just in His judgments and abundant in His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does God's immediate response to Ahab's humility in this verse reveal about His character?**
* **How does God's willingness to delay judgment for Ahab encourage us in our own struggles with sin and repentance?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that our acts of humility and repentance are genuine and not merely superficial, like Ahab's?**
* **How does the phrase "the word of the LORD came" affirm the authority and relevance of Scripture for our lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why did God respond to Ahab's seemingly insincere repentance?**

Answer: God's response to Ahab's humility, even if temporary or superficial, highlights the depth of His mercy and patience. While Ahab's heart was not fully transformed, his outward act of contrition was observed by God. This demonstrates that God is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character")). His desire is always for repentance and life, and He will respond to even the slightest turning, offering an opportunity for deeper change. It also serves as a powerful theological lesson: God's justice is not an unbending force, but is tempered by His compassion, showing that He is sovereign over His own pronouncements and can modify their timing based on human response ([Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - The Potter and the Clay")).

**What is the significance of "the word of the LORD came to Elijah"?**

Answer: This specific phrasing is a classic prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize the divine origin and absolute authority of the message being delivered. It signifies that the message is not Elijah's own thought, opinion, or interpretation, but a direct, undeniable, and authoritative revelation from God Himself. It underscores God's active involvement in human history, His initiative in communicating His will, and the fact that Elijah is merely God's chosen mouthpiece. This phrase validates the prophet's message and demands attention and obedience from its hearers, establishing God as the ultimate speaker ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine communication in [1 Kings 21:28](/1_kings/21-28 "The Word of the LORD to Elijah"), where "the word of the LORD came to Elijah," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and final Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God spoke "at many times and in various ways through the prophets" ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), but in the "last days he has spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the full and perfect revelation of God's character and will. The mercy shown to Ahab, delaying judgment due to a superficial act of humility, points to the infinitely greater mercy found in Christ. While Ahab's repentance was incomplete, Christ's sacrifice provides the means for true, transformative repentance and forgiveness, where judgment for sin is fully borne by the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Christ, God offers not just a delay of judgment, but eternal salvation and reconciliation for all who genuinely turn to Him in faith ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Us")). He is the ultimate Prophet who perfectly declares God's truth, the ultimate Priest who offers the perfect sacrifice, and the ultimate King who reigns in justice and mercy.

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.