Eliyahu at Chorev/2
Eliyahu at Chorev
Exegetical Approaches
Overview
The revelation to Eliyahu at Chorev has been viewed in diametrically opposed manners by commentators. Many exegetes maintain that it comprises a condemnation of the prophet, who acted contrary to Hashem's wishes. Thus, the Mekhilta suggests that Hashem rebuked Eliyahu for his overly zealous and harsh attitude towards the Children of Israel, teaching him that his job was to defend rather than prosecute the people. Abarbanel, instead, has Hashem chastise Eliyahu for acting independently and not seeking Divine sanction for his deeds, thereby overstepping his authority as prophet.
In contrast to the above, a minority of sources view the revelation as an expression of Hashem's approval of the prophet. Radak claims that the revelation served to honor Eliyahu, and was a reward for his deeds on Mt. Carmel, when he brought the nation back to belief in Hashem. Prof. Simon, instead, views it as a second annunciation of the prophet. When the people reverted back to idolatry, Eliyahu despaired of ever changing them, leading him to tender his resignation. Hashem, though, was unwilling to accept the resignation and instead offers Eliyahu encouragement and assistance, renewing his prophetic mission.
Condemnation
Hashem's revelation constituted a rebuke of Eliyahu and the termination of his tenure as prophet. This position divides regarding the reason for the rebuke:
Overly Zealous
Hashem chastised Eliyahu for his overly harsh and accusatory attitude towards the Children of Israel.
- Malbim views the question as a critique of the prophet and his forsaking of the nation. Hashem asks Eliyahu why he is in the Wilderness ("פֹה") rather than among the people, as he should be teaching and chastising them, not wandering off alone.2
- R"M Alshikh adds that, through the word "פֹה", Hashem alludes to the fact that in this very place, Mt. Sinai, Moshe had requested that Hashem display compassion to the people, and Hashem had then revealed to him the 13 attributes of mercy. Hashem, thus, questions Eliyahu: if your intention is to ask for vengeance, then what are you doing specifically here, in a place marked by mercy? Hashem hints to Eliyahu that he should be praying on behalf of the nation, asking that they be saved not destroyed.3
- Acceptance of resignation – Malbim6 views the appointment of Elisha as Hashem's acceptance of Eliyahu's resignation. Since Eliyahu had asked to die and cease prophesying, Hashem replaced him with a new prophet.
- Termination of prophecy – The Mekhilta, Seder Eliyahu, and Rashi present Hashem as acting more harshly, and suggest that Hashem actively "fired" Eliyahu from his job, telling him that if prosecuting the nation was his goal, then Hashem no longer wanted him to prophesy ("אֵי אֶפְשִׁי בִנְבוּאָתָךְ").
R"E Samet7 suggests that this was actually a test and punishment for Eliyahu.8 Hashem agrees to Eliyahu's demand for vengeance, but tells him that he must be the one to execute the destruction by appointing kings to destroy Israel. Hashem Himself, in contrast, is the One who will continue to have mercy and preserve a remnant of the righteous.9
Overstepped Authority
Hashem was angry at Eliyahu for going rogue and not seeking Divine sanction for his deeds or miracles.
- The wind recalled the spirit (רוח) of anger which led Eliyahu to declare drought. It is described as strong enough to break rocks, because the drought brought much destruction to the world.14
- The noise ("רַעַשׁ") symbolized the revival of the boy. Abarbanel points to Yechezkel's vision of resurrection which also mentions רַעַשׁ, as he describes, "וְהִנֵּה רַעַשׁ וַתִּקְרְבוּ עֲצָמוֹת עֶצֶם אֶל עַצְמוֹ" (Yechezkel 37:7).
- Finally, the fire represented the fire which Eliyahu called down to the altar on Mt. Carmel.
Approval
Through Hashem's revelation, He expressed His approval of Eliyahu's deeds. Commentators divide regarding the specific motive of the demonstration.
Reward: Display of Honor
The revelation at Chorev was a reward for Eliyahu's sanctification of Hashem's name on Mt. Carmel and his bringing the Children of Israel back to Divine worship.
Encouragement: Second Annunciation
Through the revelation, Hashem renewed Eliyahu's appointment and encouraged him to continue in his mission.
- Despair of the prophet and request to die
- Declaration of failure in fulfilling his mission
- Blaming of the nation
- Renewal of prophecy, via encouragement to the prophet30