1-Kings - 17:3



3 "Go away from here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of 1-Kings 17:3.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Get thee hence, and go towards the east and hide thyself by the torrent of Carith, which is over against the Jordan,
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the torrent Cherith, which is before the Jordan.
Depart hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
Go from this place; and thou hast turned for thee eastward, and been hidden by the brook Cherith, that is on the front of the Jordan,
Go from here in the direction of the east, and keep yourself in a secret place by the stream Cherith, east of Jordan.
Go away from here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Wadi Cherith, that is near the Jordan.
"Withdraw from here, and go toward the east, and hide at the torrent Cherith, which is opposite the Jordan.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Brook Cherith - Rather, "the torrent course," one of the many which carry the winter rains from the highlands into that stream.

Hide thyself by the brook Cherith - This brook, and the valley through which it ran, are supposed to have been on the western side of Jordan, and not far from Samaria. Others suppose it to have been on the eastern side, because the prophet is commanded to go eastward, 1-Kings 17:3. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, on the first drought, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. But what a proof was this of the power of God, and the vanity of idols! As God's prophet prayed, so there was rain or drought; and all the gods of Israel could not reverse it! Was not this sufficient to have converted all Israel?

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward,.... From the place where he was, being in danger from Ahab and Jezebel, provoked by his reproofs, threatenings, and prophecies:
and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan; in some wood or cave near it, or among the reeds and rushes that grew on the banks of it; and Bochart (o) takes it to be the same with the river Kanah, on the borders of Ephraim, which has its name from reeds, Joshua 16:8, and Cherith by anticipation, from the prophet's being fed there; and Adrichomius (p) places this brook in the tribe of Ephraim; though Fuller (q) in the half tribe of Manasseh, beyond Jordan; but Bunting says (r) it runs from Mount Ephraim between Bethel and Jericho, eight miles from Jerusalem towards the north, and so, passing along towards the east, falls into Jordan.
(o) Hierozoic. par. 2. l. 2. c. 13. col. 216. (p) Theatrum Terrae Sanct. p. 26. (q) Pisgah-Sight, &c. B. 2. c. 3. p. 97. (r) Travels, &c. p. 205.

Hide thyself - Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him. That Ahab did not seize on him immediately upon these words must be ascribed to God's over - ruling providence.

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