A POTENT PARENTHETICAL

          A first glance might lead one to conclude that 1Kgs.16:34 is a misplaced observation, but a closer look reveals that this text serves as a potent parenthetical.  This verse is nestled in between a listing of King Ahab’s notorious deeds (1Kgs.16:29-33) and Elijah’s God-given omen against King Ahab and the Northern Kingdom (1Kgs.17:1).  The death of Hiel’s two sons came as a fulfillment of God’s decree spoken to Israel by Joshua in the aftermath of the battle of Jericho (c. 1,500 B.C.).  This turn of events should have served as a reminded of the sovereignty of Jehovah God.  Even though six centuries had come and gone, God had not forgotten.  Neither was He pre-occupied.  And He certainly was not dead.  The death of Hiel’s sons was a vivid reminder of God’s omniscience and omnipotence.  Although tragic, this event must have bolstered Elijah’s faith. 

          Elijah’s dire announcement fits perfectly into the narrative.  In the days following Israel’s exodus from Egypt, Moses spoke the word of God:

                            Beware, lest your hearts be deceived and you turn away and serve other gods and worship them.  Or the anger of the

Lord will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will

not yield its fruit; and you will perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving to you (Deut.11:16-17).   

Sadly, that day had now arrived (some six-hundred and fifty years later) and Elijah the prophet was called by God to testify to a wayward Israel.  In the New Testament the apostle Paul points out that Old Testament historical events were often recorded for the benefit of future generations (cf. Rom.15:4 and 1Cor.10:11)).  So what can we learn from the days of Elijah?  Among other things, God is alive; God rules; and God’s Word is true!!   

.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ