Why couldn’t the religious leaders in those days see the symbolism in 1 Kings 19?
If I ask a question, know that I have an answer to offer.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
What value is there in knowing the scriptures if we cannot apply the warning to our own failed attitudes and behaviors?
Luke 11:42-44 English Standard Version
42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”
Luke 20:45-47English Standard Version
45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
The Word of our Lord.
The Old Testament is full of scriptures pointing us all towards Jesus. Pharisees were religious leaders and scribes were teachers, both should have led others to a saving grace knowledge of Jesus Christ.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching he declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” When the Pharisees and scribes heard this they screamed heretic and blasphemer. Pride would not allow them to see the truth.
When Jesus said “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”, their response was to try and kill Him.
No truer words have ever been spoken “I will have no part with this Jesus.” With that they condemned themselves.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.