1 Kings 17:3
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan.
Get {H3212} thee hence, and turn {H6437} thee eastward {H6924}, and hide {H5641} thyself by the brook {H5158} Cherith {H3747}, that is before {H6440} Jordan {H3383}.
"Leave here, turn to the east, and hide in Vadi K'rit near the Yarden.
“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.
Cross-References
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Jeremiah 36:19 (2 votes)
Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be. -
Psalms 31:20 (2 votes)
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. -
Psalms 83:3 (2 votes)
They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. -
Acts 17:14 (2 votes)
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. -
Hebrews 11:38 (2 votes)
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth. -
1 Kings 22:25 (2 votes)
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. -
Jeremiah 36:26 (2 votes)
But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
Commentary
Commentary on 1 Kings 17:3 (KJV)
1 Kings 17:3 records a direct command from God to the prophet Elijah, immediately following his bold proclamation of a severe drought upon Israel (1 Kings 17:1). This verse marks the beginning of a period of divine provision and seclusion for Elijah, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His servant amidst challenging times.
Context
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, under the wicked reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, had plunged into deep idolatry, primarily worshipping Baal. Elijah, a prophet from Gilead, suddenly appears to confront Ahab, declaring that there would be no dew or rain for years, except by his word. This dramatic announcement sets the stage for a period of judgment on the land and a test of faith for both Israel and Elijah himself. God's instruction in verse 3 is a protective measure, guiding Elijah away from Ahab's wrath and into a place where he would be miraculously sustained.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The name "Cherith" (Hebrew: Keriyt, כְּרִית) is significant. It derives from a root meaning "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to separate." This etymology aptly describes Elijah's experience at the brook: he was "cut off" from the general population, "separated" for a specific divine purpose, and perhaps even experiencing a "cutting" away of self-reliance as he depended solely on God's daily provision. The location "before Jordan" places the brook likely to the east of the Jordan River, a relatively remote area.
Practical Application
This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:
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