“Seven thousand”
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel. —1 Kings 19:18
Read 1 Kings 19:9-21
For the second time, the Lord asked, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (v.13). It was not until God revealed His plan for His people and His plan for the future that his objections were taken away.
Did you notice how Elijah approached the Lord? He took his mantle and covered his head in a sign of reverence and of how insignificant he felt. But at the same time he must not think too little of God; His work would continue. Elijah was also encouraged when he heard that there were still seven thousand who feared the God of Israel. The Lord knew those seven thousand by name. They were the “left-overs,” the remnant.
As a result of God’s revelation, Elijah was convinced that the Lord would not allow sin to go unpunished; God’s judgment is sure. Hazael would be anointed king over Syria and be used as a scourge in God’s hand, having a sword for war in his possession. He would be anointed by God’s own prophet. Though Elijah had been commanded to anoint Hazael, Elisha was the one who did so. (2 Kings 8:7-15.) Jehu, as a sword of righteousness, would be anointed king over Israel. Elisha would succeed Elijah as prophet and he would bear the sword of the Spirit.
To what does the number seven thousand point?