The Hiding Place ∙∙∙

The Hiding Place ∙∙∙

Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah was afraid and fled . . . – 1 Kings 19:2-3

1 Kings 19:3-15

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around, and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So, he ate and drank and lay down again.

Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came.”

A Testament of Courage and Faith

The Hiding Place was first published in 1971, with its movie adaptation released in 1975. This powerful story tells of a Dutch family, a father and his two daughters, who remained steadfast in their faith as children of the King. During the difficult days of World War II, they risked everything to save Jewish people from the horrors of Nazi capture and extermination.

Corrie ten Boom, an unmarried watchmaker, lived a peaceful and content life with her sister Betsie and their elderly father in a modest home above their watch shop. Their days were simple, filled with love and devotion to one another. However, their tranquil existence was shattered when the Nazis invaded and occupied Holland. In response to the atrocities around them, the ten Boom family became leaders in the Dutch Underground resistance.

Their tiny home became a shelter for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. They built a secret room, a literal hiding place, where those in danger could find safety. For a while, their efforts went unnoticed, but eventually, the family was discovered. Arrested for their courageous actions, Corrie and Betsie were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where they endured unimaginable suffering. Despite the horrors, their unwavering faith carried them through. Tragically, Betsie did not survive, but Corrie emerged from the ordeal, sharing their story of faith, resilience, and love with the world.

Mountaintop Experiences and the Valleys Below

Throughout history, many children of the King have experienced profound spiritual highs, often called “mountaintop experiences,” where they feel an extraordinary connection to the Father. A notable example is the prophet Elijah, who experienced this literally on Mount Carmel. On the mountain, he witnessed the Father’s majestic power through a miraculous event. He prayed fervently, and in response, the Father sent down fire from heaven, securing a decisive victory over his enemies. That moment marked a peak of spiritual triumph, leaving Elijah with an exhilarating feeling as if he were on top of the world.

However, mountaintop experiences, no matter how intense, are often fleeting. They are frequently followed by challenging periods of struggle and hardship in the valleys below. For Elijah, the victory on Mount Carmel did not bring lasting spiritual joy. Like many of us, he faced challenges that tested his faith and resolve as the excitement of that spiritual high faded.

The Father – Our Hiding Place

In times of trial and adversity, the Father provides refuge for His children. As the psalmist declares in Psalms 94:22: “The LORD is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide.” The Father is a master at creating hiding places, both literal and spiritual, where His children can find safety and renewal.

The Father’s provision is often unexpected yet perfectly timed. For Elijah, this provision came in the form of one of his earliest “B&B” adventures. After his triumph on Mount Carmel, the Father provided Elijah with food and rest, ensuring he had the strength to continue his journey. This divine care serves as a reminder that even in the valleys, the Father’s presence is constant, offering protection and renewal to those who trust in Him.

A Legacy of Faith

The stories of Corrie ten Boom and Elijah illustrate that faith is not solely about experiencing joyous, triumphant moments; it also encompasses enduring hardships. Whether through a literal refuge or the spiritual comfort found in His presence, God empowers His children to confront life’s challenges with courage and resilience.

His systematic approach showcases God’s intimate care for His children. Rather than overwhelming them with the entirety of His plans, He offers guidance in manageable portions, fostering growth in trust and reliance on Him. This gradual process not only fortifies faith but also deepens the relationship between the Father and His children.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Lord often leads His faithful followers one step at a time, guiding them as they align their hearts with His Word. This principle is beautifully illustrated in the life of Elijah. The Father did not give Elijah a detailed, long-term plan or a three-year schedule. Instead, He guided His servant at every crucial moment, providing direction exactly when it was needed. Elijah responded with unwavering faith and obedience, trusting the Father’s wisdom and timing (Wiersbe).

Father, thank You for Your steadfast commitment to me, an undeserving child. You have graciously invited me into Your Forever Family, and I am humbled by Your love. Lead me wherever You desire, and help me to follow Your guidance with faith and trust.

INSIGHT

Ahab’s Despair and Jezebel’s Threats

Picture the scene: Ahab, the king of Israel, returns home defeated and humiliated. Frustration and despair consume him as he recounts the events to his wife, Jezebel. Perhaps his lament sounded something like this: “Jez, honey, Elijah, Yahweh’s troublemaking prophet, has been so cruel to me. He humiliated me in front of everyone. He prayed, and fire came down from heaven, while my prophets stood there clueless. And now, because of him, all of my prophets are dead. Jez, honey, what am I going to do?”

Jezebel, however, was not one to wallow in self-pity. She knew exactly what to do: retaliate with threats and intimidation, a little bit of trash talk. Elijah, who had just faced and defeated the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah in a dramatic showdown, now found himself the target of Jezebel’s anger.

Jezebel’s Threat and Elijah’s Fear

Jezebel’s menacing bluster is recorded in 1 Kings 19:1-3: “When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: ‘May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.’ Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.”

Despite his earlier triumph, Elijah was now emotionally and physically drained. His limited capacity was overwhelming. Jezebel’s words struck fear into his heart, and he fled for his life. As chronicled in 1 Kings 19:3-15. Exhausted, hungry, and overwhelmed, perhaps he was suffering from hypoglycemia. Elijah spiraled into despair, even expressing a desire to die as he rested under a broom tree.

The Father’s Provision at Mount Sinai

Elijah continued on his journey to Mount Sinai. There, he found a hiding place in a cave, which became a sanctuary of divine care. The best B&B ever. The accommodations, though simple, were remarkable for that time and place. The Father provided for Elijah in miraculous ways. Angelic room service delivered sustenance, with “angel food” on the menu. Beyond physical nourishment, Elijah experienced a deep spiritual encounter with the Father Himself.

The LORD’s question to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:9 was both piercing and convicting,“What are you doing here, Elijah?” This divine confrontation prompted Elijah to pull himself together and refocus on his mission. Following the Father’s instructions, Elijah “hired an assistant,” Elisha, who would eventually become his successor.

The Fate of Ahab and Jezebel

While Elijah found restoration and purpose, Ahab and Jezebel’s story took a far darker turn. Their actions were marked by unparalleled evil in the sight of the LORD. 1 Kings 21:25 describes their wickedness: “No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife, Jezebel.”

Their end was as gruesome as their deeds. Both were hunted down and killed, suffering a final indignity that fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy. Jezebel’s death was particularly horrific, as her remains were consumed by dogs and scattered.

2 Kings 9:36-37: “‘This fulfills the message from the LORD, which he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: “At the plot of land in Jezreel, dogs will eat Jezebel’s body. ‘Her remains will be scattered like dung on the plot of land in Jezreel so that no one will be able to recognize her.’”

A Play on Jezebel’s Name

The scattering of Jezebel’s remains provides an interesting linguistic twist. In Hebrew, the consonants ZBL in her name can be shown in two different ways.  When rendered as “Zebul,” it means “prince,” but when rendered as “Zebel,” it means “dung.” While her hometown of Sidon likely referred to her as “Jezebul,” meaning “Where is the prince?” the Hebrews mockingly called her “Jezebel,” meaning “Where is the dung?” The answer, of course, was that she was scattered, just as the prophecy foretold.

A Sobering Legacy

The story of Ahab and Jezebel serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying the LORD and leading others into evil. In contrast, Elijah’s journey illustrates the Father’s faithfulness in providing strength, guidance, and restoration to those who trust in Him, even in their moments of fear and weakness.

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© Dr. H 2025