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1 Kings 19:18

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Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Yet I have left {H7604} me seven {H7651} thousand {H505} in Israel {H3478}, all the knees {H1290} which have not bowed {H3766} unto Baal {H1168}, and every mouth {H6310} which hath not kissed {H5401} him.

Still, I will spare seven thousand in Isra'el, every knee that hasn't bent down before Ba'al and every mouth that has not kissed him."

Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Commentary

1 Kings 19:18 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the prophet Elijah, offering a profound revelation of God's hidden work and faithfulness amidst widespread apostasy in Israel.

Context

This verse comes at a moment of deep despair for Elijah. After his dramatic triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38), he flees into the wilderness, fearing for his life from Queen Jezebel. Overwhelmed and feeling utterly alone, Elijah laments to God, believing he is the only faithful servant left in Israel (1 Kings 19:10, 1 Kings 19:14). In response, God reveals Himself to Elijah, not in mighty displays of power, but in a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12), and then delivers this comforting truth: Elijah is not alone.

Key Themes

  • The Faithful Remnant: The central message is God's preservation of a faithful "remnant"—seven thousand people in Israel who had not succumbed to the pervasive worship of Baal. This demonstrates that even in the darkest times of spiritual decline, God always maintains a core of believers.
  • God's Sovereignty and Hidden Work: Elijah, with his limited human perspective, could only see the widespread idolatry and his own isolation. God's revelation shows that His work is often hidden from human eyes, and He is sovereignly preserving His people even when they are not visible to others.
  • Divine Encouragement: For Elijah, this was an immense source of encouragement. It corrected his mistaken belief that he was the sole faithful worshipper, reminding him that God's plan was still in motion and His people were not utterly lost.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bowed unto Baal" refers to the act of prostration and worship before the Canaanite deity, Baal, who was widely worshipped in Israel during this period, often associated with fertility and storms. "Kissed him" is another explicit gesture of devotion and homage to an idol. These phrases emphasize the physical and public acts of idolatry that the seven thousand had steadfastly refused to perform.

Significance and Application

This verse carries timeless significance. It reminds us that:

  • We Are Not Alone: In times of spiritual loneliness or perceived decline, it's easy to feel isolated, much like Elijah. This verse assures believers that God always has a faithful people, even if we cannot see them.
  • God Sees and Knows: God's knowledge is perfect; He knows those who are truly His, regardless of outward appearances or human assessment. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, particularly by Paul when he references this very passage in Romans 11:4-5 to explain God's preservation of a remnant in Israel.
  • Faithfulness Matters: The "seven thousand" represent those who stood firm against overwhelming cultural and religious pressure. Their quiet faithfulness, though unseen by Elijah, was seen and valued by God. This encourages steadfastness in one's convictions, even when unpopular.

Ultimately, 1 Kings 19:18 is a powerful testament to God's enduring grace and His unwavering commitment to preserve a people for Himself, even in the midst of widespread rebellion and despair.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 11:4 (19 votes)

    But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.

  • Romans 11:5 (19 votes)

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

  • Isaiah 1:9 (9 votes)

    Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

  • Isaiah 10:20 (8 votes)

    ¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

  • Isaiah 10:22 (8 votes)

    For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

  • Hosea 13:2 (7 votes)

    And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

  • Philippians 2:10 (5 votes)

    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;