Definition: And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 19:14. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about David’s journey through the wilderness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: David is deeply upset and feeling incredibly alone. He feels betrayed by God's people – specifically, the Israelites – for breaking a covenant (a promise or agreement) he made with God. He’s essentially saying he’s the only one left who cares about their fate. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…” : This is David's voice, and it sets the stage for his intense emotion. “…I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts…” : This is the root of his anger. He feels a deep, overwhelming jealousy towards God. It’s not just a little annoyance; he believes God has wronged him. “Because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant…” : This is a crucial part. “Covenant” means a binding agreement – like a promise to do or not do something. The Israelites left their covenant with God. They didn’t honor it, and they broke it. It's a significant act of disrespect. “Thrown down thine altars…” : This is a very serious statement. Altars were sacred spaces where people prayed and worshipped. By throwing them down, the Israelites were essentially rejecting God’s presence and his way of worshiping. “…and slain thy prophets with the sword…” : David also seems to be blaming the Israelites for harming God’s messengers – the prophets. He's accusing them of deliberately trying to disrupt or harm those who tried to communicate with him. “And I, [even] I only, am left…” : This is where the intensity increases. David realizes he’s the only one left who isn’t involved in these negative actions. He feels a sense of isolation and responsibility. “They seek my life, to take it away.” : This is the final blow. He's warning that they are actively trying to kill him! They want to end his existence – essentially, they want to erase him from history. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of profound loneliness and desperation. David is facing a crisis – he’s exiled, alone, and feeling abandoned by the very people he was supposed to serve. It shows his growing despair and a desperate plea for divine intervention or guidance. It’s a moment of immense emotional pain and a shift in his perspective. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it's a pivotal point in the story of David. It highlights his exile, his struggle with God's judgment, and ultimately, his eventual return to God. It’s a moment where he acknowledges his own vulnerability and asks for help. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Bible? Discuss what this verse might suggest about David's character?