1 Kings 19:14-18

19:14 He answered, “I have been absolutely loyal 1  to the Lord, the sovereign God, 2  even though the Israelites have abandoned the agreement they made with you, 3  torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left and now they want to take my life.” 4  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. 19:18 I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him.” 5 

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

2 tn Traditionally, “the God of hosts.”

3 tn Heb “abandoned your covenant.”

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

5 tn Heb “I have kept in Israel seven thousand, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and all the mouths that have not kissed him.”