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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 18 - Verse 11

18:11
And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

Meaning

When the prophet Elijah appears before King Ahab's servant in 1 Kings 18:11 and declares, "Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here," he is sending a powerful message to the king. Elijah had been in hiding for a long time due to the persecution he faced from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. By revealing his presence to the servant, Elijah is signaling to King Ahab that the time has come for a showdown between the prophet of the Lord and the forces of evil that have been at work in the land. The declaration is a bold and prophetic challenge to the king's authority and a call to repentance for the sins that have been committed under his rule. It sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, including the famous confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Elijah sends his servant to deliver a message to King Ahab, telling him that Elijah is present. The theological interpretation of this verse lies in the significance of Elijah's presence. Elijah was a powerful prophet who stood up against the worship of false gods and idols, and his presence often brought fear and conviction to those who had turned away from God. By telling King Ahab that Elijah is here, it serves as a warning that the judgment and wrath of God is imminent. The word "lord" in this verse is significant as it refers to King Ahab, showing that even kings are subject to the authority and power of God's prophets. This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's messengers and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. It also underscores the fearlessness of Elijah in confronting the powers of the world in order to fulfill God's will.

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