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1 Kings 19:10

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:10 · King James Version

Meaning

Within this verse, we see the prophet Elijah expressing his deep devotion and loyalty to the LORD God of hosts. Elijah's zeal and passion for God's covenant is evident as he proclaims his jealousy for the Lord. He laments the fact that the children of Israel have turned away from God's covenant, destroyed His altars, and even killed His prophets. Despite the prevailing apostasy, Elijah remains steadfast in his dedication to God, boldly declaring that he is the only one left who is faithful to the Lord. In the face of persecution and threats on his own life, Elijah stands firm in his faith, trusting in the protection and sovereignty of God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the call to remain faithful and unwavering in our devotion to God, even in times of great adversity and opposition.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Elijah expresses his deep zeal and passion for the Lord God of hosts, emphasizing his intense loyalty and commitment to God's cause. The use of the term "jealous" conveys a sense of fervor and protectiveness for the covenant relationship between God and His people. Through his words, Elijah highlights the blatant disregard and disobedience of the children of Israel towards God, as they have forsaken His covenant, destroyed His altars, and killed His prophets. This reveals a stark contrast between Elijah's unwavering faithfulness and the faithlessness of the Israelites. Elijah’s sense of isolation and despair is palpable as he declares that he is the only one left who remains true to God amidst the prevailing apostasy. Despite the threats against his life, Elijah's declaration underscores his steadfast determination to stand for truth and righteousness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

1 Kings 19:10 in other translations

American Standard Version

And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

World English Bible

He said, “I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Douay-Rheims

And he answered: With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant: they have thrown down thy altars, they have slain thy prophets with the sword, and I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And he answered, I haue bene very ielous for the Lord God of hostes: for the children of Israel haue forsaken thy couenant, broken downe thine altars, and slayne thy Prophets with the sword, and I onely am left, and they seeke my life to take it away.