Congregation Bible Study for the Week of March 8-14, 2027

Chapter 29: “My God Is Jehovah”

In what ways did Elijah show courage?

Comment 1: Elijah showed courage by appearing before Ahab to announce the drought. He was not speaking to a king who respected Jehovah, but to one who had done more bad things than his predecessors. Even so, he did not let the king’s power or the luxury of the palace intimidate him. He kept clearly in mind that he served Jehovah, someone far more important than Ahab. His example teaches us that courage depends on whom we trust, not on how powerful our adversaries may seem.

Comment 2: He was also courageous when he obeyed instructions that required great trust. During the drought, he took refuge in an inhospitable valley, where he would depend on water from a stream and on food brought to him by ravens. Later he went to help a widow who lived in Sidon, where Jezebel’s father ruled. Elijah did not show courage only when speaking to powerful people. He also showed it by following Jehovah’s direction when his own safety and sustenance depended on trusting him.

Comment 3: At Mount Carmel, Elijah represented Jehovah before 450 prophets of Baal. But the chapter also relates that afterward he became afraid and ran away from Jezebel. This helps us view his courage realistically: he was not a person incapable of feeling fear. When he became deeply discouraged, he told Jehovah how he felt and accepted his help. With that support, he regained his strength to continue serving. Being courageous also means allowing Jehovah to help us get back on our feet.

1. Why was it very appropriate for God to use ravens to feed Elijah? (it “Raven,” par. 5). A

Comment 1: It was appropriate because ravens usually live in uninhabited areas, including mountainous and desert regions. Elijah was hiding beside the Valley of Cherith, so the location fit the environment in which these birds normally live. This detail helps us better understand Jehovah’s choice. It does not mean that feeding Elijah was something the ravens did on their own initiative; it was a miraculous provision, but Jehovah used birds whose habits were well suited to that setting.

Comment 2: Another interesting detail is that ravens customarily keep food that remains. They may hide it in cracks in the rocks or bury it under leaves. Thus, transporting and storing food is part of their normal behavior. This helps us understand why it was so appropriate for Jehovah to choose these birds. Of course, their bringing bread and meat to a prophet twice a day cannot be explained simply by that habit. The account shows that they were carrying out what Jehovah had arranged.

1 Kings 17:2-6 — The word of Jehovah came to him, saying: “Leave here, and turn eastward and hide at the Valley of Cherith, east of the Jordan. You should drink from the stream, and I will command the ravens to supply you food there.” He immediately went and did according to the word of Jehovah; he went and stayed by the Valley of Cherith, east of the Jordan. And the ravens were bringing him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.

Comment 3: The passage emphasizes that Jehovah announced how he would feed Elijah and then fulfilled his word. The ravens brought him food in the morning and at evening, while he drank from the stream. For his part, Elijah obeyed without delay. This teaches me that he did not need to know every detail of how that provision would work in order to act in faith. We do not expect to receive food in that miraculous way, but we can learn from his willingness to trust Jehovah and follow his instructions.

2. What miracles did Elijah perform? (it “Elijah” No. 1, par. 11).

Comment 1: Two of the eight miracles were related to rain: stopping the rain and, later, ending the drought. The reference explains that the rain returned in response to a prayer. These miracles had special significance because Baal was supposedly the one who brought the rains. Yet he could neither prevent the drought nor bring it to an end. Thus it was demonstrated that Elijah represented the true God and that the power was not in Baal or in the prophet himself, but in Jehovah.

Comment 2: Two other miracles benefited the widow of Zarephath and her son. Elijah caused her supplies of flour and oil not to run out, and he also resurrected the boy. These events show a very tender aspect of the account. Jehovah used his prophet not only to denounce a king’s wickedness or to prove that Baal was false. He also used him to help a suffering family. His power could care for needs as personal as food and the loss of a son.

Comment 3: On three occasions, fire descended from heaven. One was at Mount Carmel, in response to Elijah’s prayer. The other two affected two captains of King Ahaziah and the 50 men accompanying each of them. The reference counts these two interventions separately. Although we usually remember especially what happened at Carmel, the complete list allows us to distinguish the different episodes and see that Elijah’s miracles were not limited to the period of the drought.

3. During the confrontation at Mount Carmel, Elijah ordered that a large trench be filled with water. Where could all that water have come from in the middle of the drought? (ba 17 par. 3). B

Comment 1: The water could have come from the Mediterranean Sea, because Mount Carmel is beside the coast. The drought had caused a very serious shortage, but that did not prevent water from being obtained from the sea. It is important to say that this is a possible explanation, not something the account explicitly confirms. The sea’s proximity helps us understand how so much water could have been obtained.

1 Kings 18:43 — Then he said to his attendant: “Go up, please, and look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked and said: “There is nothing at all.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”

Comment 2: This verse provides a geographical detail that helps answer the question: from that area Elijah’s attendant could look toward the sea. The writer does not introduce this information to explain where the water for the sacrifice came from; he mentions it while relating what happened afterward. Nevertheless, the detail fits the possibility that Mediterranean water was used. To me, this is a good example of how the Bible’s own context can clarify a difficulty without our having to invent an explanation.

Comment 3: The reference explains that, in this case, the lack of an explanation can add credibility to the account. The writer acknowledges both the seriousness of the drought and the abundance of water used on the altar, without stopping to resolve the apparent difficulty. For the Israelites, Carmel’s location beside the sea was well known. This teaches me not to confuse something the Bible does not explain with a contradiction. Sometimes it is enough to know the geography better and read the context carefully.

4. What did Elijah’s official garment represent, and why did he put it on Elisha’s shoulders? (w14 2/1 12 par. 3).

Comment 1: The official garment represented the special commission Elijah had received from Jehovah. The reference explains that it was probably a kind of cloak made of sheepskin or goatskin. Thus, putting it on Elisha’s shoulders was not simply lending him a piece of clothing. It was a meaningful act indicating his appointment as successor. What mattered was not the garment’s material, but the responsibility to serve Jehovah that it represented and that Elisha would assume.

1 Kings 19:19 — So he went from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat while he was plowing with 12 pairs of bulls ahead of him, and he was with the 12th pair. So Elijah went over to him and threw his official garment on him.

Comment 2: The account shows that Elijah went to find Elisha and performed the gesture indicating his appointment. Jehovah had told him to anoint Elisha as prophet to take his place, and he acted in harmony with that instruction. The reference emphasizes that he did so willingly. This teaches me that trusting Jehovah includes accepting his decisions about who will handle a responsibility. Elijah did not treat his commission as his personal property, but as a service under God’s direction.

Comment 3: I find it noteworthy that the reference does not claim to know whether Elijah felt insecure about the prospect of being replaced. It acknowledges that he had feelings like ours, but focuses attention on what he did: he obeyed and trusted Jehovah. This is very practical. When sharing a responsibility, we may need to adjust our feelings. What matters is that we do not allow them to prevent us from willingly cooperating and helping the one who receives the opportunity to serve in a new way.

Thinking about the way Jehovah treated Elijah, what can we do to make it easier for the brothers to open up to us when they are discouraged? (1 Ki. 19:1-18). C

1 Kings 19:1-18 — Then Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. At that Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying: “So may the gods do to me and add to it if by this time tomorrow I do not make you like each one of them!” At that he became afraid, so he got up and ran for his life. He came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah, and he left his attendant there. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree, and he asked that he might die. He said: “It is enough! Now, O Jehovah, take my life away, for I am no better than my forefathers.” Then he lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree. But suddenly an angel touched him and said to him: “Get up and eat.” When he looked, there at his head was a round loaf on heated stones and a jug of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. Later the angel of Jehovah came back a second time and touched him and said: “Get up and eat, for the journey will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and in the strength of that nourishment he went on for 40 days and 40 nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of the true God. There he entered a cave and spent the night; and look! Jehovah’s word came to him, telling him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” To this he said: “I have been absolutely zealous for Jehovah the God of armies; for the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, your altars they have torn down, and your prophets they have killed with the sword, and I am the only one left. Now they are seeking to take my life away.” But He said: “Go out and stand on the mountain before Jehovah.” And look! Jehovah was passing by, and a great and strong wind was splitting mountains and breaking crags before Jehovah, but Jehovah was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but Jehovah was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but Jehovah was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a calm, low voice. As soon as Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his official garment and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice asked him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” To this he said: “I have been absolutely zealous for Jehovah the God of armies; for the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, your altars they have torn down, and your prophets they have killed with the sword, and I am the only one left. Now they are seeking to take my life away.” Jehovah said to him: “Return, and go to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. And you should anoint Jehu the grandson of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you should anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet to take your place. Anyone escaping from Hazael’s sword, Jehu will put to death; and anyone escaping from Jehu’s sword, Elisha will put to death. And I still have left 7,000 in Israel, all whose knees have not bent down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Comment 1: Jehovah allowed Elijah to explain how he felt, even when he repeated his concerns. He did not treat him as though he no longer deserved attention because he had expressed the same thing before. We can imitate him by listening patiently, without rushing to interrupt or offer a solution. If a brother speaks to us again about something that hurts him, perhaps he still needs to feel understood. Showing him that we have time to listen can make it easier for him to open up rather than making him think his feelings are a burden.

Comment 2: Before Elijah continued his journey, Jehovah cared for his physical needs through an angel. He provided food and allowed him to rest. This reminds me that a discouraged person does not always need to begin with a long conversation. Perhaps we can offer him a meal or a quiet time of companionship. The illustration of the brother sharing breakfast with the discouraged young man conveys that idea. A practical gesture of love can create an atmosphere in which the person finds it easier to talk.

Comment 3: Elijah was convinced that he was left alone, but Jehovah let him know that there were still 7,000 Israelites who had not worshipped Baal. In this way he helped him see that his impression did not reflect the whole reality. We can imitate that balance: take a brother’s pain seriously without reinforcing negative conclusions about his worth or situation. After listening to him, we can kindly remind him that he has support and help him recognize specific reasons not to feel alone.

Elijah willingly shared his responsibilities with Elisha. How can we imitate his attitude when training others and delegating tasks?

Comment 1: We can begin by viewing training as a way to support Jehovah’s work, not as a threat to our place in it. Elijah accepted that Elisha would eventually take his position and cooperated with that decision. If we have learned how to perform a task, what matters is not that it always depend on us, but that others also be able to do it well. This way of thinking helps us generously share what we know and rejoice when someone else receives responsibilities.

Comment 2: The chapter says that Elijah and Elisha continued serving together, and that the younger man helped his companion and learned much from him. We can imitate this method by including others in the tasks we perform. In addition to explaining the steps, we can let them observe how we work and then give them opportunities to participate. Training does not consist only of transmitting instructions. It also requires time spent together, during which the other person can ask questions, gain experience, and learn from our example.

Comment 3: Willingly delegating involves being ready for the other person to advance and take on real responsibilities. Elijah did not merely receive Elisha as an assistant; he prepared him to continue the prophetic work. We can ask ourselves whether we are teaching someone to perform a task or merely leaving him the simplest parts without helping him progress. His example encourages us to train with the future in mind, desiring that the service continue even when we no longer perform the same function.

In what other ways can you copy Elijah’s example of courage?

Comment 1: I can imitate him when I am afraid to speak about my beliefs with someone who seems very self-confident or who has authority. Elijah remembered that although he was standing before Ahab, he actually served Jehovah. Thinking about that can help me remain calm and express myself respectfully, without hiding my convictions because I fear the other person’s reaction. This does not mean adopting a defiant tone, but giving greater importance to Jehovah’s approval than to human approval.

Comment 2: Another way is not to measure what is right by the number of people who support it. At Mount Carmel, Elijah faced 450 prophets of Baal, but that did not make the worship they promoted true. When the people around me do not share my convictions, I can remember that Elijah based his position on loyalty to Jehovah. This encourages me to stand firm without needing the majority’s approval and without treating those who think differently with contempt.

Comment 3: I can also copy his example by being honest with Jehovah when I feel weak. Elijah did not hide his anguish or pretend to have strength he no longer had. He told Jehovah what was happening and received help to continue. If I ever lack courage, I do not have to conclude that I can no longer be useful to him. I can express my concerns to him in prayer and accept the support of others. The account reminds me that it is possible to regain courage after a very difficult time.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah is the true God and that no false god can compare with him. Baal was supposedly the one who brought the rains, but he could not prevent the drought Jehovah announced through Elijah. And at Mount Carmel it was demonstrated who deserved the people’s worship. This strengthens my confidence because Elijah was not defending an unfounded belief. He served the God who could act and fulfill his word, even though those promoting false worship seemed to have much influence.

Comment 2: I see that Jehovah pays attention to the specific needs of his servants. During the drought he fed Elijah through ravens; when Elijah was exhausted, he provided food and rest; and when he needed support, he gave him a companion. He did not always help him in the same way. This allows me to appreciate that his care was neither distant nor impersonal. The account does not promise us those same miraculous provisions, but it does reveal that Jehovah knew his servant’s situation well and was interested in him.

Comment 3: I am moved by the patience with which Jehovah treated Elijah when he felt like a failure. The prophet thought he was no longer useful, but Jehovah continued to value him and showed him that he could still be useful. He did not reduce Elijah’s entire life of service to that moment of fear. This teaches me that Jehovah understands the limitations of those who love him. When we feel discouraged, remembering how he treated Elijah can help us approach him with confidence rather than withdraw from him out of shame.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Comment 1: The account relates to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. The issue at Mount Carmel was not who had more followers or which prophet seemed more impressive, but who was the true God. By acting through Elijah, Jehovah made clear that Baal worship was false. Even Elijah’s name, meaning “My God Is Jehovah,” harmonized with his work. His life helps us see the importance of honoring Jehovah’s name and recognizing that he alone deserves our worship.

Comment 2: It also highlights Jehovah’s right to direct his people. Ahab had abandoned Jehovah’s commandments and promoted false worship, but his position as king did not place him above God. Elijah had the courage to point out that the harm to Israel resulted from that disobedience. The account helps us distinguish between whatever power a person may have and Jehovah’s authority. Serving the true God means recognizing his standards, even when others try to turn us away from them.

Comment 3: Ahab and Jezebel’s opposition did not succeed in wiping out true worship. Although Elijah came to think that he was alone, Jehovah revealed that there were still 7,000 Israelites who had not worshipped Baal. In addition, he arranged for Elisha to continue the prophetic work. This shows that the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose does not depend on the strength of one servant. Elijah had an important role, but Jehovah saw the complete picture and was directing matters beyond what Elijah could perceive.

What would I like to ask Elijah when he is resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask him what helped him maintain confidence in Jehovah during the journey to Samaria, before appearing before Ahab. The chapter explains that he remembered whom he served, but it would be very interesting to hear him describe how he kept that reality in mind as he approached the palace. We do not know all the thoughts he had during that journey. Precisely for that reason, I would like to know about his personal experience and better understand how he prepared to deliver such a difficult message to such a wicked king.

Comment 2: I would ask him which aspect of Jehovah’s help he remembers most fondly from the period when he was so discouraged. He received food, rest, opportunities to express his feelings, and the assurance that he was not alone. I would like to know how he experienced that recovery and what it meant to him to see that Jehovah still entrusted him with work. We cannot answer for him, but the account already allows us to appreciate how much care he received when he felt he had reached the limit of his strength.

Comment 3: I would like to ask him what it was like to teach Elisha and serve alongside him. The chapter says that Elisha learned much from him, but it does not relate all the conversations or experiences they shared. It would be wonderful to hear what memories Elijah retained from those years and how he saw his companion progress. That question makes me value the training we can give and receive today. Sharing what we have learned can strengthen others and help them continue work that is also very valuable to us.

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