Went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights— From Beer-sheba to mount Horeb is at the most not above a hundred and fifty miles, and the prophet, it seems, had advanced one day's journey into the wilderness; so that he had not now more to finish than any active man might have done in four or five days. How came the prophet then to make forty of it? To this some reply, that he, like the Israelites of old, was kept wandering up and down this pathless wilderness forty days, as they were forty years, till at length he came to the sacred mountain: others suppose, that he went about by private ways; and perhaps rested, and lay hid, in order to prevent discovery. The Jews have made a comparison between Moses and Elijah in many particulars, and given Moses the preference, especially in the matter of his forty days fast, though certainly without any reason; as it is very plain from the text, that Elijah, as well as Moses, took no other food during the forty days than that here mentioned. To make the miracle more remarkable, we are informed, that the food here mentioned was simple bread and water; and who can doubt that God could make its strength and nourishment sufficient for the time specified? His slightest volition can make the same meal which usually serves us for four-and-twenty hours support us for forty days, and much longer if he pleases. That meat of any kind should sustain us for four-and-twenty hours, if rightly considered, is a miracle, and that the like proportion should do it for the space of forty days, is still but a miracle; and with the same facility that God does the one, he can do the other. See Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 8:3.
REFLECTIONS.—Elijah entered Jezreel yesterday as in triumph, to-day he is driven thence in disgrace, and flies for his life: so changeable is this vain world!
1. Hardened Ahab relates to Jezebel the late transactions, and fails not to inform her of the death of her prophets: that though he dared not himself, for fear of the people, seize Elijah, he might incense her, whose furious passions would not fail to fire at the tidings. Note; With the wickedness to which we instigate others, we are as chargeable as if ourselves had committed it.
2. Jezebel, enraged, denounces vengeance on Elijah, and swears by her gods that he shall have met his death by to-morrow at that time. Note; (1.) Profaneness in a woman is doubly shocking. (2.) The presence of a good man is a burdensome restraint on the wicked, and they are always impatient to get him out of the way.
3. Elijah, who had not been intimidated by kings, priests, or people united, now trembles at the threats of a woman; and, without waiting God's orders, seeks to save himself by flight; and, as if he heard Jezebel's voice behind him, even at Beer-sheba, though out of the territories of Ahab, he cannot think himself safe, but hides himself a day's journey in the wilderness; thus deserting his post, when he was most wanted to carry on that reformation which was begun. Note; (1.) The strongest in faith, when left for a moment to themselves, turn cowards. (2.) We ought never to desert the path of duty, though it lead us through the valley of the shadow of death.
4. Fatigued with his journey, and impatient under his burdens, he grew weary of life, which he had shed so far to save: and, though unwilling to die by the hand of Jezebel, prays to die there by the hand of the Lord. He concludes his usefulness to be at an end; and, as not better than his fathers, desires his dismission, thinking that he has lived long enough. Note; (1.) However dark providences appear, we must not despair; we know not what further work God may have to do by us. (2.) Though to desire to be with Christ is laudable, to be weary of our warfare is sinful.
5. Grieved and weary, sleep stole upon his eyelids; and under a juniper-tree he lay down, careless whether he ever awoke again. But God, kinder to him than he deserved, awakes him by an angel; and there he sees a table spread for his refreshment, and a bright spirit his attendant. Having satisfied his hunger, and again composed himself to sleep, he is again called upon to rise and eat, because the journey was great to which God called him, even to Horeb. Thither in the strength of this repast he travels; and, during forty days and nights, needed no other refreshment. Note; (1.) How much better is God to his children than their frowardness desires! He supports them and feeds them, even in this wilderness; and when they are ready to despair, he is at hand to succour and save them. (2.) They who are travelling to Horeb, the mount of God in glory, will find strength ministered to them for their journey, and meat to eat which the world knoweth not of. (3.) The meanest child of God is more nobly attended than the kings of the earth; angelic spirits minister continually to these heirs of salvation.