And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
And when he saw that, х wayar' (H7200) The Jews, jealous of ascribing to the prophet the emotion of fear, as derogatory to his high character, have regulated the punctuation of this word so that it is referred to raa'aah (H7200), to see; instead of yaaree' (H3372), to be afraid. But it is evident from the whole tenor of the context that his hasty and distant flight was prompted by the influence of sudden fear].
He arose, and went for his life. He entered Jezreel full of hope. But a message from the incensed and hard-hearted queen, vowing speedy vengeance for her slaughtered priests, dispelled all his bright visions of the future. It is probable, however, that in the present temper of the people, even she could not have dared to lay violent hands on the Lord's server, and purposely threatened him because she could do no more. The threat produced the intended effect, because his faith suddenly failed him. He fled out of the kingdom into the southernmost part of the territories in Judah; nor did he deem himself safe even there, but dismissing his servant, he resolved to seek refuge among the mountain recesses of Sinai, and there longed for death (James 5:17) (Pye Smith's 'Scripture Testimony,' p. 380). This sudden and extraordinary depression of mind arose from too great confidence inspired by the miracles performed at Carmel, and by the disposition the people evinced there. Had he remained stedfast and immovable the impression on the mind of Ahab and the people generally might have been followed by good results. But he had been exalted above measure (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), and being left to himself, the great prophet, instead of showing the indomitable split of a martyr, fled from his post of duty.