1 Kings 18:31: “Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, ‘Your name shall be Israel.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Elijah takes twelve stones to rebuild the altar of the Lord. Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity of the nation and their covenant relationship with God. By using the stones, Elijah is reminding the people of their identity as God’s chosen people, descended from Jacob, whom God renamed Israel. This act is not just about building an altar—it’s a symbolic act that recalls the promises God made to their forefathers and calls the people back to their spiritual heritage.
Historical Context
At this time in Israel’s history, the nation was divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Elijah’s use of twelve stones, however, is a deliberate reference to the united nation of Israel as it was originally established. The twelve tribes descended from Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, and they were chosen by God to be His people. Over time, however, the northern kingdom, led by kings like Ahab, had fallen into idolatry, turning to the worship of Baal. Elijah’s act of rebuilding the altar with twelve stones was a call for all the people, regardless of their political divisions, to return to the one true God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Elijah’s use of twelve stones emphasizes the importance of remembering the covenant God made with Israel. The stones represent not only the physical nation but the spiritual promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This act is a call to return to faithfulness to God, reminding the people that despite their disobedience and division, they are still God’s chosen people. It also highlights God’s desire for unity among His people. Elijah’s restoration of the altar with these stones reflects the need for spiritual renewal and the restoration of Israel’s relationship with God.
Literary Analysis
The verse is rich with symbolism. The twelve stones are a direct reference to the tribes of Israel, and Elijah’s act of gathering these stones is highly symbolic of gathering the people back to God. The phrase “to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, ‘Your name shall be Israel,’” is a reminder of Israel’s identity as a people chosen and named by God. This statement contrasts with the idolatry of Baal worship, as it points back to the origin of their identity and calling as a nation. The imagery of stones—solid and foundational—emphasizes the idea of returning to the firm foundation of God’s promises.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 32:28: This is where Jacob is renamed Israel by God, establishing the identity of God’s chosen people.
- Exodus 24:4: Moses sets up twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel when renewing the covenant with God, similar to Elijah’s symbolic act here.
- Joshua 4:5-7: Joshua sets up twelve stones as a memorial when the Israelites cross the Jordan River, marking God’s faithfulness to His promises.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of remembering who we are in God. Just as Elijah reminded Israel of their identity as God’s chosen people, we are reminded that we, too, have been called by God into a relationship with Him. The twelve stones represent unity and the foundation of faith that God established with His people. As believers, we are called to return to the foundations of our faith and to remain faithful to the promises of God. This verse challenges us to examine whether we have strayed from our spiritual heritage and, if so, to return to the solid foundation of God’s Word.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to restore His people to Himself. Despite their idolatry and disobedience, God still viewed Israel as His chosen people, descended from Jacob, whom He had renamed Israel. By reminding the people of their identity and calling them back to the covenant, God was extending His grace and love to them, offering them the opportunity to repent and return to Him. God’s love is not based on their perfect behavior, but on His commitment to the promises He made to their ancestors. This verse shows that God’s love is steadfast and always calls His people back to Him, no matter how far they have strayed.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Elijah’s use of the twelve stones to represent the tribes of Israel points forward to Jesus Christ, who came to restore not just Israel, but all of humanity, to God. Just as Elijah reminded Israel of their covenant with God, Jesus came to fulfill the covenant and establish a new covenant through His death and resurrection. Jesus is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the foundation upon which our faith is built. Just as Elijah rebuilt the altar with stones symbolizing the unity of God’s people, Jesus came to unite all people—Jew and Gentile—under the new covenant of grace. Through Jesus, we are brought back into a relationship with God and made part of His family.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you need to be reminded of your identity in Christ? How can this verse encourage you to return to the foundations of your faith?
- How does Elijah’s act of using twelve stones to represent the tribes of Israel challenge you to think about unity and the importance of community in your faith journey?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your relationship with God is built on the firm foundation of His promises, much like Elijah rebuilt the altar as a symbol of Israel’s relationship with God?