Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹⁷ But, they still sinned against Him and provoked the Highest in the wilderness

¹⁸ and tempted God in their hearts, requiring food for their lust.

¹⁹ They also spoke against God, saying, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

²⁰ “Behold, He struck the rock so that the water gushed out and the streams overflowed. Can He also give bread, or prepare flesh for His people?”

⁵² But, He made His people go out like sheep and led them in the wilderness like a flock.

⁵³ Indeed, He carried them out safely, and they did not fear; and the sea covered their enemies.

⁵⁴ And He brought them to the borders of His Sanctuary, to this Mountain which His right hand purchased.

⁵⁵ He also cast out the heathen before them and caused them to fall to the lot of His inheritance; and made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tabernacles.

⁹ And he entered into a cave there and lodged there. And behold, the LORD spoke to him, and said to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

¹⁰ And he answered, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts. For the children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, broken down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword. And I alone am left. And they seek my life, to take it away.”

¹¹ And He said, “Come out and stand upon the Mount, before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD went by. And a mighty, strong wind tore the mountains and broke the rocks before the LORD. The LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind came an earthquake. The LORD was not in the earthquake.

¹² And after the earthquake came fire. The LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still and soft voice.

¹³ And when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

¹⁴ And he answered, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts, because the children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, cast down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword. And I alone am left. And they seek my life, to take it away.”

¹⁵ And the LORD said to him, “Go. Return by the wilderness to Damascus. And when you come, anoint Hazael king over Aram.

¹⁶ “And Jehu, the son of Nimshi, shall you anoint king over Israel. And Elisha, the son of Shaphat, of Abel Meholah, shall you anoint to be Prophet in your room.

¹⁷ “And he who escapes from the sword of Hazael, shall Jehu kill. And he who escapes from the sword of Jehu, shall Elisha kill.

¹⁸ “Still, I will leave seven thousand in Israel: all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

11 I say then, has not God thrust away His people? Absolutely not! For I am also an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

² God has not thrust away His people, whom He knew before. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah; how he intercedes with God against Israel, saying,

³ “Lord, they have killed your Prophets, and dug down Your altars. And I am left alone. And they seek my life”?

⁴ But what does God say in response to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal”.

⁵ Even so then, at this present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

⁶ And if it is of grace, it is no more of works. Or else grace would no longer be grace. And if it is of works, it is no longer grace. Or else work would no longer be work.