“My God Is Jehovah”

ELIJAH! It has been said of him that he bursts into the Bible record with the suddenness of a thunderclap. The history of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel had become a sad record of one wicked king after another. Ahab was the seventh such king, and Jehovah saw him as the worst of the lot. Ahab married a wicked foreign princess named Jezebel. Ahab worshipped idols, but his wife promoted an especially vile form of Baal worship in the land, one that likely involved child sacrifice. One day, though, Elijah appeared before Ahab. Jehovah had sent him to condemn the king and to announce His judgment.

Picture Elijah making the long trek from the rugged high country of Gilead to Samaria, the fortified city where Ahab had built his enormous palace. It was even referred to as a “house of ivory,” perhaps because of its opulence. (1 Ki. 22:39) We might imagine Elijah, dressed in his rough, simple garment of hair and his broad leather belt, walking into that luxurious palace, standing before the king, and telling him that his god, Baal, was powerless! And what if Jezebel was with the king? How would Ahab and his queen have reacted as Elijah spoke? The courageous prophet implied that the god that they saw as the bringer of rain would fail them. Jehovah was sending a drought on the land. And it would last for years​—until Jehovah’s servant Elijah announced that rain would come again!

Where did Elijah get the courage to speak as he did? Part of the answer may be found in his own words. He began his announcement this way: “As surely as Jehovah the God of Israel whom I serve is living.” The Hebrew expression rendered “whom I serve” literally means “before whom I stand.” Elijah stood before a powerful human king. The prophet knew something much more important, though, that he really stood before Jehovah God as His servant. Ahab and Jezebel may have seemed fearsome and powerful, but they were nothing in comparison to Jehovah. What an encouraging way to look at things!

Elijah continued to show courage in his service to Jehovah. He showed it when he obeyed Jehovah by taking refuge in a lonely valley during a drought and famine, relying on a mere stream to provide him with water and on ravens to bring him food. He showed courage when Jehovah sent him to Sidon, the hostile realm of Jezebel’s father, to help a poor widow who showed remarkable faith. And Elijah showed courage when he stood on Mount Carmel, facing 450 prophets of Baal; he represented his God in a showdown to prove that Jehovah alone is the true God. Again and again, Elijah lived up to the meaning of his name, “My God Is Jehovah.”

However, Elijah was also “a man with feelings like ours.” (Jas. 5:17) He was not immune to fear. When Ahab refused to change after the miracles at Mount Carmel and Jezebel swore an oath to have Elijah executed, the prophet’s courage failed him. He fled for his life. Deeply despondent, he even told Jehovah that he wanted to die and that he felt useless​—no better than his long-dead forefathers. Yet, Jehovah patiently listened to him. Later, Elijah twice told his God that he felt alone and afraid and was convinced that all his hard work was in vain. Jehovah reassured his prophet that he was far from alone and that he was still valued and useful. Jehovah even selected a helper for his prophet, a companion whom Elijah could train and prepare to carry on the work.

Soon thereafter, Elijah sought out that man, Elisha. Together, the two continued to stand up for Jehovah in those dark days. Elisha assisted his older companion and learned from him. With Jehovah’s help, Elijah’s courage was fully restored and he remained courageous to the end.

Read the Bible account:

• 1 Kings 16:29-33; 17:1-10a; 18:1–19:21

• 2 Kings 3:11

For discussion:

In what ways did Elijah show courage?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. Why were ravens a good choice to bring Elijah food? (it “Raven” ¶5) A

   Your answer

   

   Lior Kislev

2. 2. What miracles did Elijah perform? (it “Elijah” No. 1 ¶11)

   Your answer

3. 3. In the showdown on Mount Carmel, Elijah ordered men to fill a large trench with water. In the middle of a drought, where might the water have come from? (ba 17 ¶3) B

   Your answer

   

   Todd Bolen/​BiblePlaces.com

4. 4. What did Elijah’s official garment signify, and why did he throw it over Elisha’s shoulders? (w14 2/1 12 ¶3)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• Based on the way that Jehovah dealt with Elijah, how can we make it easier for our brothers and sisters to open up to us when they feel discouraged? (1 Ki. 19:1-18) C

  Your answer

  

• Elijah willingly shared his privileges with Elisha. How can we imitate his attitude as we train others and delegate responsibility?

  Your answer

• In what other ways might you imitate the courage of Elijah in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• What would I like to ask Elijah in the resurrection?

  Your answer

Learn More

See a vivid portrayal of how Jehovah strengthened Elijah to fulfill his commission.

A Pattern of Exercising Patience​—The Prophets—​Elijah (1:19)

What can young people learn from Elijah’s courage at Mount Carmel?

“Defend True Worship!” (Web series “Bible Study Activities”)