Then the word of the LORD came to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to just read past this, but notice it says "the word of the LORD came to him." This wasn't a thought Elijah had; it was a divine, active impartation of God's message. It highlights that God initiates communication, bringing His truth directly to those He's called.
Then the word of the LORD came to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Elijah declares a drought and flees to the Kerith Ravine, God miraculously sustains him with ravens. This verse marks the transition from that period of provision to God's next instruction, revealing that even in barren places, God's word is the ultimate source of direction and life. Following this, Elijah will be sent to a widow in Zarephath, further demonstrating God's ability to use unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Elijah is in hiding, probably feeling forgotten. Then, something extraordinary happens. The Lord speaks directly to him.
The Lord Initiates
This phrase, "the word of the LORD came to him," isn't just poetic language. It signifies a direct, undeniable, and authoritative communication from God Himself. It's not a suggestion, a feeling, or a whisper on the wind. It's a divine directive, an impartation of will and purpose.
An Urgent Mission
At this point, Elijah's life, and the spiritual direction of Israel, is about to dramatically shift. This wasn't a moment for passive reception; it was an initiation into action. God's word compels movement and obedience.
Elijah is hiding in the desolate Wadi Cherith, far from the center of Israel's religious life. Yet, God finds him.
Divine Presence Meets Human Need
God's communication isn't limited to sacred spaces or moments of spiritual clarity. Here, His word comes to Elijah in exile, in a place of obscurity.
Sovereignty and Care
This demonstrates God's sovereignty – He can speak and act anywhere. It also reveals His care for Elijah, ensuring he is not abandoned but guided and sustained even in his lowest moments. This divine word is an act of both authority and profound personal connection.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
dābār · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental communication from God to His people or prophets, carrying divine authority and creative power. It signifies that God is actively revealing His will and initiating events in history.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and His redemptive relationship with His people.
This passage shows another instance where the word of the Lord directly comes to Elijah, highlighting a recurring pattern of divine communication with the prophet.
Jeremiah 1:1-2Here, the word of the Lord also explicitly comes to Jeremiah, demonstrating that this way of initiating prophetic ministry and instruction is a consistent method God uses throughout Scripture.
Ezekiel 3:16This verse echoes the direct divine address, showing that the word of the Lord coming to a prophet was a clear sign of their calling and the message they were entrusted with.
1 Samuel 3:10This is another pivotal moment where the word of the Lord comes to Samuel, signifying his calling and the beginning of his prophetic ministry, much like it did for Elijah.
It's easy to just read past this, but notice it says "the word of the LORD came to him." This wasn't a thought Elijah had; it was a divine, active impartation of God's message. It highlights that God initiates communication, bringing His truth directly to those He's called.
After Elijah declares a drought and flees to the Kerith Ravine, God miraculously sustains him with ravens. This verse marks the transition from that period of provision to God's next instruction, revealing that even in barren places, God's word is the ultimate source of direction and life. Following this, Elijah will be sent to a widow in Zarephath, further demonstrating God's ability to use unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
After Elijah declares a drought and flees to the Kerith Ravine, God miraculously sustains him with ravens. This verse marks the transition from that period of provision to God's next instruction, revealing that even in barren places, God's word is the ultimate source of direction and life. Following this, Elijah will be sent to a widow in Zarephath, further demonstrating God's ability to use unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
"Then the word of the LORD came to him," — It's easy to just read past this, but notice it says "the word of the LORD came to him." This wasn't a thought Elijah had; it was a divine, active impartation of God's message. It highlights that G…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026