Today's first reading describes the aftermath of Elijah's embarrassment of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel threatens Elijah's life, and he flees in despair; he even asks God to let him die. Instead, God restores Elijah's health and courage and even allows Elijah to witness his presence, which is memorably described as a stillness or a silence.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how Ahab tried to buy a neighboring vineyard belonging to Naboth. When Naboth refuses to sell the land long owned by his family, Ahab complains to Jezebel, who orchestrates Naboth's murder. After Ahab takes possession of the vineyard, Elijah returns and declares God's judgment of Ahab, promising the imminent defeat of the kingdom of Israel.
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If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 19-22 today.
