[Linda Rodriguez]

“1 Kings 19” introduces the audience to a deeper understanding of the Hebraic Map through analyzing the power in government, the conflict within the community, and God’s resolution.
The passage opens confirming a form of governmental power when Elijah’s actions are brought forth to Jezebel. “Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword,”(1 Kings 19:1 HCSB). Jezebel responded with a message telling Elijah he will meet the same fate as those he struck down, “tomorrow,” as to avoid meeting the wrath of the Gods. We get an understanding that Theocracy ruled during this time frame with God’s and deity’s having supreme ruling authority over political individuals in place.
Elijah in fear runs to Beer-sheba, one of many geographics introduced: Also Wilderness of Damascus, and Horeb the mountain of God. There is finally clarification of Elijah’s proximate justice and why he took certain action when he informs God,”..but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword,”(1 Kings 19:10 HCSB). Not only is the conflict of the community introduced through the “worship of Baal”, but also whom the worshipers are. We can gather that these people needed a structural Theocracy government, but it could not impose on God’s ruling.
Which leads us to God’s resolution. This Surprised me and stuck out to me because in our walk as Christians were consistently overly taught of God’s grace/love almost softening the character of God. God told Elijah, “..anoint Hazel as King over Aram,..anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as King over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abelmeholah as prophet in your place,” (1 Kings 19:15 HCSB). A systemic government was put in place for the community of the Israelites while also continual favor of a Christian power management. God gave the people what they wanted while also the Fear of God was established. The passage ends with detailed consequences of physical power in “death” for those opposing God and those who continue to worship the deity “Baal.” All in all an amicable resolution.