1 Kings 19:1-8

Elijah's Prayer for Death.

How erratic have been the movements of this prophet! Our first introduction to him is at the court of Ahab, whence, as soon as he utters his prophecy, he is away to Cherith in the east, among the wilds of Gilead. Next we find him in the north, at Zarephath of Zidon. Then he meets Obadiah, probably in the plain of Esdraelon, whence he passes over to Carmel in the west. From Carmel he runs before Ahab's horses to the entrance of Jezreel. The next day finds him on his way to Beer-sheba in the extreme south of Judah. The day following he is pushing his way into the wilderness of Sinai, where we now find him under a shrub, requesting for himself that he may die. Let us consider—

I. THE OCCASION OF THIS PRAYER .

1. Jezebel had threatened his life .

2 . To save his life hefted .

3. Alone with God he asks to die .

II. THE ANSWERS GIVEN TO IT .

1 . They come in the form of physical refreshment .

2 . They came to him in spiritual blessing .