Prophet Pearls #41 – Pinchas (1 Kings 18:46-19:21)

that still small voice is real, we just have to listen.

now if these guys would stay away from all the heathen religions they study.

You guys have explained many times how Hebrew is an action language. Elijah‘s not lying he is the only prophet because he is the only one doing what profits are supposed to do at that time. Why did he have to go against the prophet a ball alone? because he is alone. maybe not in actuality overall, but in doing so he might as well be. It’s one thing to have a title, it’s another thing to work under it. he was the only prophet because he was the only one doing what the profit is called to do in that day and in that moment

My Dad searched for God’s Holy name for years. He did not know the Hebrew language. He called God, Ya and he called Jesus Ya’ish. I think these holy names correlate your salvation or not. How can you call upon his Holy name if you do not know it. When he died, my Mother dreamed of him in all white and smiling so big it scared her. His soul is with Yahovah, I am resolved in that belief. I think he got it right enough to send his soul to the right side of the great divide. I find myself lamenting and wanting to be there to. Thank you for confirming his Holy Name, Yahovah.

My 15 yr old daughter died in a car accident. Afterward I longed to be with her, not willing to kill myself but in a sense telling God that I would be ready to go also.

Perhaps Elijah requested to die because of the old banana skin that causes many ministers to slip ,ie that there was no visible success ,no converts or fruit.
This is difficult for many to deal with,there may be many but hiding and afraid to come out publicly and take a stand against a terror like Jezebel.
Perhaps Elijah felt that he was the last of the believers and the last candle to be snuffed out, this would be unbearable and he didnt want to give Jezebel and her corrupt court and followers the satisfaction.
Then again there was the horror of falling into the enemies hand ,like King Saul and others ,they preferred an honourable death to being tortured and humiliated and eviscerated.
Maybe Elihah saw this public contest as the definitive showdown the last and greatest card he had to play,and that it had failed to turn hearts and minds Yehovah and therefore all was lost.
Jonah also had a serious death wish.
Jonah 1:12 4:3,8
Many of Gods children are brought to the end of themselves, but through the mercy of God learn that He is only getting started.
It would be nice though if the 7,000 would show up every once in a while.
Love you guys and pray for you both.

They are comparing how some use it to prop up human ideas about how women need to be quiet and not have thoughts of their own. Whereas Biblically, the Spirit of Jezebel is talking about being determined to carry on with idolatry even when proved those gods are false. Even to the point of murdering and lying to not repent.

I’ve heard the voice of God before, on at least 3 occasions. The way I thought of it, it was as if Yehovah bypassed my hearing and auditory area of the brain that processes hearing and put the words in my mind at a more basic level of thought. I had not known about how God’s voice is spoken of here at 1 Kings before.

Now some people who have never had this experience may think of it as “hearing voices” but I have actually done that too… One time I was sick with a bad cold and decided to take Nyquil. I only took 1 adult regular dose of regular Nyquil and I was tripping for 2 days straight. I would dream while I was awake and was awake mentally while I was asleep. I actually saw dreams while my eyes were open, kind of like if you have transparency sheets, it overlaced my normal vision. And I could also hear my dreams, and that was definitely happening in the auditory part of my brain. I could tell my ears weren’t actually hearing it, but I was hearing it at the same time. God’s voice is different than that.

It is fascinating and faith-strengthening to know that Yehovah has spoken this way to people even back in ancient times.

Excellent commentary from all writers. Thank you all.

Thank you team Nehemia, Keith and Jono for what you have done and continue to do. I started listening recently. I wish it was longer. When Keith said that we need to study for ourselves, we do that but we don’t know Hebrew and translations are translations. But I am enjoying what you have put out there.
For Elijah I would like to think that he was confident serving the Almighty. But at one point when Jezebel threatened him, he realized that he was more relying on his own ability than God power. So he was confessing his sinful attitude. “I am not better than my father’s” they have sinned in their own ways and I am sinning also. The word of God said none of us is righteous on our right. We all fall short of the righteousness of the Father.
On another side he was spiritually and physically drained and he experience the tender love and care of the Father and that helped him realise that his God is faithful. He was sent to mount horeb so as to reconnect with Yehovah. That is what all believers should do, especially ministers to avoid suffering burn out. The battle belong to the LORD. Blessing

Elijah after being in spiritual battle was drained on all fronts. He need to be recharged. Spiritually, His armor had taken a huge beating, his head was throbbing. After all was done his cup was dry he was sleep deprived, leading into paranoia. He was weak and knew if they seized him he didn’t have the strength to fight back. The Bible says when we are weak He is strong. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding comforted him. We see that represented with the angel in even the natural. To complete his journey he must be spiritually charged, and physically jump started.

After also living with a terrible pain of my soul for several years, I finally resigned upon guiding my life myself, and asked Father to forgive me, fix what I did wrong, and rule my life. Though not asking for removal of the pain, I got instantly rid of it, and was shown that it happened according to Isaijah 53, 4-5. Yehovah joshijah, halelujah!

Jezebel is mentioned in Revelation 2:20 in connection with the Church of Thyatira which many Bible students take to be a type of the Roman Church:

“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

Jezebel’s actions towards Naboth the Jezreelite where she arranges for false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy so that he can be executed and she can claim his vineyard for her husband Ahab seem to be a foreshadowing of the Inquisition which did essentially the same thing to thousands of people. In fact, corpses would even be dug up, convicted of blasphemy or heresy and their heirs dispossesed.

And it is very interesting to note that the Spanish Inquisition was instituted by Queen Isabella whose name is derived from “Isabel” which is the the Spanish version of the name “Jezebel”. There are also several other interesting parallels between Queen Jezebella of Spain and the original Queen Jezebel. For example both had very strong personalities that really overshadowed those of their husbands. And both were noted for their religious devotion.

Revelation 2:22 contains a very serious warning to her and her followers: “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.”.

Malachi 4:5 says that Elijah will be back: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:”. Maybe Elijah will be involved in bringing down that tribulation.

So don’t use her name sarcastically to prove a point?

Amen…thank you so much…??
Maybe he was assuming if Jazabelle was adament on killing him she probably was doing all in her power to destroy every follower of Jehovah. I’m only assuming this.?

Could it be Elijah meant he was the only one with that rank as the “main” prophet?

Live by the Sword, Dye by the Sword. How many mortal men has Elijah Slain? Does Elijah lament over all the blind men with evil spirits he has slAIn before YeHoVaH?

Nehemia recalled how Yehovah delivered him on top of the mount from a very deep place. And even though there remains some pain it is no longer “all encompassing”.

This brings to mind Psalm 4:1 “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.”

The English translation here robs us of the profound meaning that is found in the Hebrew. Such as “distress” from the Hebrew “tsarar” meaning to be cramped or made narrow, which is contrasted by “relieved” from the Hebrew “rachab” meaning to be widened or enlarged.

Being in the depths of anguish and despair can feel like being squeezed so narrow that the thoughts of the heart cannot look beyond the pain. But when Yehovah answers prayer then He delivers from the “all encompassing” narrowness and provides a wide open space where healing can begin.

Shalom, shalom

Yeah he was the only one left. .. Sure there were more but they are in a cave hiding while he’s the only one putting in work!…. they couldn’t back a brother up at Carmel?…. must of been a stone blocking the cave entrance…. just a thought…. never occurred until now… great work on fellas!

I think it was Keith who brought up the topic of the traditional Mt Sinai vs the actual Mt Sinai. Would anyone care to comment on the traditional Temple Mount vs the actual Temple Mount? This isn’t outside the bounds of possibility.

Keith… I love your work and your teachings…. and I love Nehemiah’s also… sometimes Keith I think you’re too hard on Nehemiah.
Nehemiah, I can SO relate to what you were talking about being at a place where you were ready to just give up and Yehovah ‘plucked you out’ of the arms of death! I had asthma all my life and when my children were in their teens and pre teens I was also in deep depression and had an asthma attach so bad I almost died… the EMT’s couldn’t even get a blood pressure reading on me… I just so badly wanted to not struggle for that next breath, to just relax and be done… and God clearly said to me… ‘You’re not finished raising your children yet.” That brought me up short… in a shock… and caused me to draw in my next breath… and the next. and the next… I recently told my daughter, who’s been going through suicidal depression about that incident with me… and told her… sometimes we are only able to live one breath at a time… not just one day at a time or one minute at a time but one breath at a time, till it gets to where we can draw two breaths, then 5, etc until we can feel like wanting to live again.
As to Elijah, I have several pastor friends and some have told me they have to fight ‘being down’ on Mondays, especially after a really good spiritually blessed Sunday, and I took it from that, that maybe Elijah had the same problem in this passage. He’d just come from a spiritually blessed time… seeing Yehovah do His thing and eradicating the false prophets… he was bound to be physically exhausted, hungry, and lonely, (thinking he was the only one left of his kind)… I think of an acronym a friend taught me about being careful to H A L T, not get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, so that we don’t make poor choices.

” Now I’m the only one left…”

The realization of SELF in a vast Universe.
The reality that nobody else can or will become you in order to do what you were called to do.
A common emotion of those who are asked to make decisions on behalf of others when faced with life-changing decisions.
Staring at your mortality in the face of insurmountable odds.
The consequence that is often felt by one who chooses to OBEY the mitzvot instead of running with the crowd.
The place where we define our motives when no one is watching or listening.
The place we all need to arrive before climbing the ladder of success or else you will find it on your way back down.
A great definition of humility.

The word ” Now” = After all that, this is what is left of me. lol

Elijah had lost his friends , as many of these prophets who were killed must have been part of his circle of friends, at least to some extent. This must have been a traumatic experience. I don’t think this can be under estimated.

By declaring a drought, which no man could possibly perform of his own will or mastery, he had to leave the land. This alone should have been an indicator of a true prophet of God.

He returned back home to an even bigger baal establishment, he was then demonstrating the power of Yehovah and at the same time deminishing and humiliating the power of the baal establishment. The establishment could hardly face the humiliation and proclaimed a retaliation .

Yehovah , the almighty Creator doesn’t need to demonstrate himself, I understand this is not what he is about. In my understanding his Son Yeshua made this point clear. John 14:7

Elijah needed to perform for Yehovah to remind the people , and Elijah himself needed to be held up in the struggle for Yehovah. The still voice in my view is the voice of a Father being patient with his child, because the child is hurting…

Thank you for your insight into Jezabel

I just wanted to take the time to thank you two for all of your dedication and study. Saying that I’m really thanking Yehova. I have been trying to minister to my family my wife and my daughters and your program has become a part of my weekly study teaching them what it means to follow Yehova.

Elijah & Jonah – Elijah sees God’s power and fire etc and says “Let me die” – Jonah sees God’s mercy on Nineveh and says – “Let me die” Question are they both ‘worried’ about what people will think about them rather than God – none of these events happened in a corner including Elisha’s anointing and the Oxen B- b- Q Elisha does for the ‘people’ / audience. Great’ Pearl’ in this one – I have dealt with suicidal people at times in my ministry – Nehemia’s statement “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem” All will be resurrected so it is a temporary solution for the present – Rev.20:12

Shalom Nehemia & Keith, I believe the reason Elijah said he was the only prophet left, was no one knew that the other prophets were alive. I don’t think it’s a case of forgetfulness, I think he feels like he’s publicly been carrying this huge weight of responsibility, and it’s been wearing on him. Publicly he’s the sole face of speaking truth, and all eyes are on him. I believe when the creator gives us a burden or assignment, we become zealous to carry it out, but at the same time he will send people in our midst to come along side us to help carry it out. Thank you guys for spreading the truth and I pray you have a blessed day.

Is there something special about the “covenant of peace” spoken for Pinchas?

Greetings and blessings to all! Yes, very strange the happenings here positioned between extremes. On one hand, God Amighty showing “His stuff”. On the other hand, the degradation of mankind reflecting the supposed powers of HaSatan in such a one as Jezebel, a political leader.

We also see two world views. One from God’s perspective. The other from mankind’s perspective.

Now we must make sense out of these perplexing extremes and put things in order. The extremes are so powerful that they can bring one to wish to give up on this life! OH yes Nehemiah, I’ve been there also and hold that those who enter the fray will no doubt require a rescue from utter despair sooner or later.

Two more views also must be brought to light as they are at the heart of the extreme issues here that are so very powerful in our battles. One, a false view of mankind that says that man as he is in the flesh, is good. Mankind has great value to Yehovah, but not to be confused with good for there is none good, no not one. The second view is that mankind as in the flesh, is inherently evil. This is a true view. If it weren’t so, we wouldn’t be here in the flesh in the first place. But there can be value and goodness as given by God through faith in Him.

NOW, we can get down to business. Question; ever hear of one so evil and void of all good that they are “reprobate”? This type of mankind is doomed and will never have any capacity to make repentance. This is a marvelous thing and Elijah came up against one of these types. I doubt before these days in his life and subsequent instructions, he knew this kind was on the face of the earth! Therefore when God Amighty had shone Himself to be such, and it had no effect on a reprobate, Elijah was shocked and became despondent wishing to die as all seemed lost. He appeared powerless and altogether as his forefathers who led the Israelites to such a place of degradation in the first place. He needed some schooling and that is just what he (we) got. Then Yehovah took care of the reprobate. Yehovah used a reprobate to teach us all what we can expect “in the fray”. Now then, what about these days in which we live? Go in peace, me

Thank you Nehemiah for your teachings, I learn something new every time. I can relate to your experience of God saving you from suicide, and while it was such a dark time it was also one of the best. Only because “you know that you know” God rescued you, His presence is “real”, because it was something you could not do for yourself. There is such power in that “still small voice”. He said the same thing to me.

It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 1Kings 19:4
After seeing the punishment for sins, Though he is righteous, He knows He is not sinless.
I feel this is why Lot and his family could not look back, Lot was righteous, but not sinless.
So many today think when Messiah comes, they will point their finger at people being punished, and say you deserve this. We have to realize we deserve the same punishment.

Thank you for “keeping it real” during the Torah studies.. You deal with some difficult topics and include your personal experience. Thanks to YHVH for making this possible. I pray for your ministries and that YHVH will continue to bless you..
Angela

Thank you, so timely. I’ll run now with so much frustration. I am listening prepared for ‘ the still small voice.” And Nehemia ,it is not supersition, Yehovah.is doing things in my life. I am so tired, sleeping with depression. I am there. But still He is there.

Keith, I believe I saw the same incident where the denominations gathered at the vatican and… What I saw was these denominations and underneath was captions because it was a ceremony in Latin. What was shocking was the caption read and (I just last night spoke of this same incident) but the caption read: The denominations are swearing allegiance to the vatican they bowed and kissed the ring of the pope. They (the denominations were introduced singularly) I saw every denomination represented. I was shocked. I can’t remember who sent me the link or from which site it came.

Could you please expound on Elijah asking his soul to die? Could this be a reference to Messiah?

Why is it that when we experience our greatest victories, we sometimes are the most spiritually vulnerable? Eliyahu had just performed a Pinchas feat by destroying the prophets of baal, now he shudders at the threat of one. My thinking is that he was expecting the people to rise up and repent. Earlier when speaking at Mt, Carmel he challenges the people to let the god that answers by fire be God. If baal then let baal be god or if YHVH answers by fire then let Him be God. It does not appear that the people responded as they had promised. This was probably very disheartening to Eliyahu. He definitly felt alone even though Obadiah had told him that he had hidden 100 prophets. Where were they? Why did they not step up and Proclaim the Name? How will we respond to the challenges we face morally, socially and politically today? Are we goint to be prophets in hiding or are we going to boldly proclaim, “Thus saith YHVH”?

I like YHVH’s question. “What are you doing here, Eliyahu?” Will He ask the same question to us today? What are we doing?

May YHVH bless you as you complete the Prophet Pearls and continue to seek His purpose for yourselves and followers of YHVH.

Shalom.

Rick Johnson, Smithfield, NC

Elijah experienced PTSD and Compassion burnout. But, He is still believing in God. He is still obedient to God. Elijah does participate in the slaughtering, and he is seeing the slaughtering of these people. He is involved in spiritual/physical warfare. He may have felt zeal and may have fully believe in the cause. But, as a human that does not prevent him from feeling disgusted. Feeling Hopeless that he has just been involving at Mt Carmel and it wasn’t any better. Which means Jezebel is going to rally more against him. What he did seems to be null, void.Hopelessness and tunnel vision (look down a paper tube sometime) all he could see what is in front of him. He either could not see or was unaware that anyone else was actually following and preaching that God is real. He may have even doubted his own sanity. It is one thing to die from oneself (organ failure, self inflicted, or just giving up. The person chooses their time, place, moment, and method. As opposed to be killed by someone else which could be violent, protracted, cruel. Jezebel tone has already warned him his death will be violent. Depression causes fatigue. Even though Elijah at first ran away. The rest of the trip he obeyed an Angel/Messenger to take nourishment and go to the mountain. God is not in violence and destruction. Even though Elijah is fractured he still recognizes God. He is fried and can’t go one in this mission. God reassures him that he has it covered. In Counseling people may do individual therapy but also group therapy which reminds them they are not alone experiencing that dark tunnel vision of their events and see how others are struggling, experiencing, and growing in different phases of similar events. Yes, that still small voice is real.

I so enjoy listening to your teachings, banter and all. I have learned so much more from the ‘Pearls” than I had learned from my 30 odd readings through the Tanakh in past years. Thank you so much.