1 Kings 18:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Elijah gathers twelve stones for the twelve tribes, recalling God's naming of Jacob as Israel.
What Does 1 Kings 18:31 Mean?
Elijah takes twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, the man to whom God gave the name Israel. The number is deliberate, a reminder of the whole covenant people and the God who claimed them as His own.
Though the kingdom was divided and many tribes had strayed, Elijah builds as if all twelve still belonged to the LORD. He appeals to God's ancient promise and Israel's true identity. The Lord has not forgotten His covenant, even when His people have forsaken it. To rebuild rightly is to remember who we are and to whom we belong before God.
1 Kings 18:31 in the Original Language
Yisra'el (יִשְׂרָאֵל), 'Israel' -- the name God gave Jacob, marking the people as those who belong to Him by covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 18:31
What does 1 Kings 18:31 mean?
Elijah gathers twelve stones for the twelve tribes, recalling God's naming of Jacob as Israel.