Introduction
Before the introduction of Elijah in the book of 1st Kings, we are given a synoptic account of the condition of the Israel’s king, an account which stands in blinding contrast to the instructions of the Lord for a king over Israel:
“Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him [When he has taken the throne of his kingdom, he shall have a copy of this law written for him in the presence of the levitical priests…so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God]. And as if it had been a light thing for him [Ahab] to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he took as his wife Jezebel daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, […you are not permitted to put a foreigner over you…he must not acquire …show more content…
We are introduced to the most beautiful girl in all the land (Abishag the Shunammite), an influential queen mother (Bathsheba), a royal daughter who becomes a royal wife (Pharaoh’s daughter), an ambassador queen from a foreign land (Sheba), a compliant and chameleonic king’s wife, (Jeroboam’s wife), prostitutes, and two widows.
Although socially outcast, vulnerable, and powerless, it is the prostitutes that initially expose the life-taking character of the monarchic way and the widows, not the women of influence, power, and wealth, who are empowered by God to offer a remedy to a failed social structure. Kings use women who are beautiful, socially outstanding, politically connected and especially groomed for their ambitious purposes. God, however, uses women who are considered expendable by the powers—mothers without husbands, to act in such a way that death is defeated and life is restored.
Preparing the …show more content…
She gives a very reasonable and detailed account of her meager resources and the hopelessness of any future earnings (17:12). In a non-kingly manner, Elijah does not demand that the command of the Lord be immediately obeyed, but assuages her fears. We see Elijah acknowledge the vulnerability of the widow, her need for comfort, protection, assurances, and provision (17:13-14). This particular scene is contrasted with King Solomon’s compassionless words to the prostitute who brings her case to his court. Her fears are not quelled, but intensified as Solomon wields his sword and calls for the death of her son (3:23-28). The prophetic and the monarchic stand in opposite corners of reign and
Before the introduction of Elijah in the book of 1st Kings, we are given a synoptic account of the condition of the Israel’s king, an account which stands in blinding contrast to the instructions of the Lord for a king over Israel:
“Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him [When he has taken the throne of his kingdom, he shall have a copy of this law written for him in the presence of the levitical priests…so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God]. And as if it had been a light thing for him [Ahab] to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he took as his wife Jezebel daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, […you are not permitted to put a foreigner over you…he must not acquire …show more content…
We are introduced to the most beautiful girl in all the land (Abishag the Shunammite), an influential queen mother (Bathsheba), a royal daughter who becomes a royal wife (Pharaoh’s daughter), an ambassador queen from a foreign land (Sheba), a compliant and chameleonic king’s wife, (Jeroboam’s wife), prostitutes, and two widows.
Although socially outcast, vulnerable, and powerless, it is the prostitutes that initially expose the life-taking character of the monarchic way and the widows, not the women of influence, power, and wealth, who are empowered by God to offer a remedy to a failed social structure. Kings use women who are beautiful, socially outstanding, politically connected and especially groomed for their ambitious purposes. God, however, uses women who are considered expendable by the powers—mothers without husbands, to act in such a way that death is defeated and life is restored.
Preparing the …show more content…
She gives a very reasonable and detailed account of her meager resources and the hopelessness of any future earnings (17:12). In a non-kingly manner, Elijah does not demand that the command of the Lord be immediately obeyed, but assuages her fears. We see Elijah acknowledge the vulnerability of the widow, her need for comfort, protection, assurances, and provision (17:13-14). This particular scene is contrasted with King Solomon’s compassionless words to the prostitute who brings her case to his court. Her fears are not quelled, but intensified as Solomon wields his sword and calls for the death of her son (3:23-28). The prophetic and the monarchic stand in opposite corners of reign and