1 Kings 19:13-17

19:13 When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his robe and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. All of a sudden 1  a voice asked him, “Why are you here, Elijah?” 19:14 He answered, “I have been absolutely loyal 2  to the Lord, the sovereign God, 3  even though the Israelites have abandoned the agreement they made with you, 4  torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left and now they want to take my life.” 5  19:15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came and then head for the Desert of Damascus. Go and anoint Hazael king over Syria. 19:16 You must anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to take your place as prophet. 19:17 Jehu will kill anyone who escapes Hazael’s sword, and Elisha will kill anyone who escapes Jehu’s sword.

1 tn Heb “look.”

2 tn Or “very zealous.” The infinitive absolute preceding the finite verb emphasizes the degree of his zeal and allegiance.

3 tn Traditionally, “the God of hosts.”

4 tn Heb “abandoned your covenant.”

5 tn Heb “and they are seeking my life to take it.”