The stories about Elijah in the book of 1 Kings begin with Elijah telling King Ahab that it will no longer rain unless he says so. We know from other Scriptures that it did not rain for a period of 3 years and 6 months after that (Luke 4:25; James 5:17). Elijah is sent by God himself to the Brook Cherith. There is water and he will be nourished by ravens, who bring him bread and meat.
to investigate
That is of course a beautiful story, but when we look beneath the surface, it is even more beautiful. Because the entire Scripture speaks of one person, Jesus Christ. This story is no exception. And because the believer is one with Him and shares in His position, it also speaks of us.
Christ
Elijah means YAHWEH is God. He is an image of Jesus (=YAHWEH saves). He makes himself known to Ahab, by saying: As surely as YAHWEH, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand (1 Kings 17:1). Ellia represents YAHWEH, just like the Lord Jesus Christ.
He tells Ahab that there will be no dew or rain. Heaven is closed: a representation of Israel’s unbelief.
Ahab
Elijah appears in a world where Ahab rules. This Ahab, who is known for his godlessness, is a type of the god of this aeon, Satan. Christ, and with him those who belong to Him, come to stand outside the system in this world, outside the established order: outside the camp.
Hebrews 13
12 Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13 If so, then let us also go out to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
life!
But what happens outside the camp? There God feeds us, with water, bread and meat, that is: life, word and solid food. Ravens are an image of death. These ravens bring meat and bread, images of life that comes from death!
hidden
Elijah, the man of God, is brought by God to the brook Cherith. That means separated or cut off. Elijah is hidden there, we read (1 Kings 17:3), a picture of Christ, hidden at God’s right hand (Col. 3:1-3). And that is our position too. Dead to the world, but alive to God (Gal. 2:20). Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
the Firstfruits
The brook Cherith is a brook that flows to the river Jordan. Passing through the (death) Jordan speaks of death and resurrection. Elijah’s position is over the Jordan (beyond death).
Elijah, by drinking the water from the brook Cherith, already partakes of the blessings of the water, before the water enters the Jordan. He is thus a beautiful image of the Firstfruits Christ, who was the first to receive imperishable life (1 Cor. 15:20) and we with Him