Preaching and Reading the Old Testament Lessons:
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, in 1 Kings 18:20-40. Queen Jezebel of the northern kingdom is so angry with Elijah for slaying the prophets of Baal that she vows to kill him, and Elijah flees for his life. Many sermons from this passage have concentrated on the manner of revelation to Elijah and on the "still, small voice" of God that comes to him. Probably the emphasis of the passage, however, is on Elijah and his discouragement over his prophetic office.