13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantlej and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies,” he replied, “but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they’re looking for me to take my life.”k

15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go and return by the way you came to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazaell as king over Aram. 16 You are to anoint Jehum son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elishan son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael,o and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.p 18 But I will leave seven thousand in Israelq—every knee that has not bowed to Baalr and every mouth that has not kissed him.”s