Jezebel’s message (2) was a solid reality. The people’s frightened acclaim (18:39) was not the same class of commitment and would soon pass. In his extremity, Yahweh again cared for the tired servant (5–7). EVV an angel obscures the ambiguity of Heb. mal’āk (‘messenger’ in v. 2). A kindly villager could have served unless Elijah needed some more numinous experience to renew his determination. 8. forty days and forty nights recall Moses’ receiving of the law (Exod. 24:18). Horeb, the mountain of
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