Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 19 - Verse 18

This verse comes from the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament and is spoken by the prophet Elijah. It refers to a time when the people of Israel had turned away from the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, and had instead begun to worship the pagan god Baal. Despite this widespread idolatry, there were still seven thousand faithful followers of God who had not bowed down to Baal or kissed his idols. This verse serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there will always be a remnant of faithful believers who remain true to their faith. It also highlights the importance of staying true to God's commandments, even when it may seem like everyone else is following a different path. By highlighting the existence of these faithful followers, Elijah's words offer hope and encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

According to theological interpretation, this verse from 1 Kings 19:18 emphasizes the idea of a remnant within Israel who remain faithful to God amidst widespread idolatry. The mention of seven thousand individuals who have not bowed down to Baal signifies a small but significant group who have remained loyal to the one true God. This concept of a faithful remnant is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the idea that God always preserves a righteous remnant even in times of great spiritual apostasy.

In terms of word studies, the mention of "knees" that have not bowed down to Baal and "mouths" that have not kissed him carries a symbolic significance. In the ancient Near East, bowing down and kissing the image of a deity was a common form of worship and allegiance. Therefore, the mention of those who have not participated in such acts signifies a rejection of false gods and a commitment to the worship of the Lord alone. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God in the midst of prevailing cultural norms and pressures to compromise one's beliefs.