1 Kings 19:7

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise [and] eat; because the journey [is] too great for thee.

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} came again {H7725} the second time {H8145}, and touched {H5060} him, and said {H559}, Arise {H6965} and eat {H398}; because the journey {H1870} is too great {H7227} for thee.

The angel came again, a second time, touched him and said, "Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you."

A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”

And the angel of Jehovah came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for thee.

Commentary

Context

This verse finds the great prophet Elijah in a state of profound physical and emotional exhaustion, bordering on despair. Having just experienced a monumental victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he fled into the wilderness after receiving a death threat from Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2). In his weariness, he lay down under a juniper tree, wishing to die (1 Kings 19:4). The "angel of the LORD" had already visited him once, providing food and water (1 Kings 19:5-6), and Elijah had fallen asleep again. This second angelic intervention highlights God's persistent and compassionate care for His servant, preparing him for the arduous journey ahead to Mount Horeb.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Sustenance: God actively intervenes to meet Elijah's most basic needs—food and rest—at his lowest point. This demonstrates God's consistent care for His people, even when they are weak or discouraged.
  • Understanding of Human Frailty: The angel's words, "because the journey is too great for thee," reveal God's perfect understanding of Elijah's physical and mental limitations. God doesn't condemn Elijah for his weakness but provides the necessary strength.
  • Preparation for Future Ministry: The sustenance provided was not merely for survival but specifically for the long and significant journey to Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai), where Elijah would have a profound encounter with God and receive new instructions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: mal'akh Yahweh) often refers to a divine messenger, sometimes interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's direct and personal involvement in Elijah's life. The word "touched" (Hebrew: naga') implies a gentle, comforting, and direct interaction, conveying care rather than judgment.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today. When we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or in despair, God is aware of our condition and ready to provide. It reminds us that:

  • God Cares for Our Physical and Emotional Well-being: Spiritual service does not exempt us from physical needs or emotional fatigue. God understands our limits and provides the means for rest and recovery.
  • It's Okay to Be Weak: We don't have to pretend to be strong all the time. God's strength is often made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Divine Provision Enables Our Calling: The strength God provides is often for the next step of our journey or the next assignment He has for us. Trust in His provision to equip you for the path He has laid out.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 103:13 (0 votes)

    Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

  • Psalms 103:14 (0 votes)

    For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.

  • Deuteronomy 33:25 (-2 votes)

    Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].