1 Kings 19:3 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And when he saw that, he arose, &c.— It is very doubtful, whether juniper-tree be the proper rendering of the original word רתם rothem. Parkhurst says, that it signifies the broom or birch-tree, so called from its tenacity or toughness, which was so great that its twigs served for cords. See Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 24: cap. 9. The Arabians, and from them the Spaniards, still retain the name retama, for the birch-tree. See Job 30:4 and Scheuchzer. It must be acknowledged, that there is something not consistent with the other parts of his character in this conduct of Elijah: the truth is, he was a man subject to the like passions as we are; and, probably, it was with a view to this part of his behaviour that the apostle made that reflection. Elijah knew Jezebel, that she had all the faults incident to her sex in a superlative degree; that she was fierce, cruel, vindictive, and implacable: that in slaying the priests of Baal he had incurred her displeasure, and that, to revenge herself, she had all the power of the kingdom under her command. These notions made such an impression upon his spirits, as deprived him of that manly resolution otherwise so remarkable: nor was there wanting a wise design of Providence, in suffering this timidity to fall upon his servant. It was to shew him his natural imbecility, and the necessity that he had at all times of the divine assistance, which alone could fortify him with a spirit of intrepidity. It was to suppress all the little sentiments of pride and arrogance, which might possibly arise in his breast upon the contemplation of the gifts and graces bestowed on him, and the many great miracles which were wrought by his hands; that if he did glory, he might glory in the Lord, and not dare to take any part of his honour to himself. See 2 Corinthians 12:7 and Calmet.