1 Kings 19:15

15. Return on thy way Go forth into the fields of labour where my Spirit shall hereafter lead thee, and let my Spirit, not thy frail judgment, guide thee.

To the wilderness of Damascus The wild country between Gilead and Damascus is probably meant. This was near Elijah’s early home, (see note on 1 Kings 17:1,) and a place whence he might easily go forth to utter the word of God to either Israelite or Syrian, and again quickly retire into solitude. The wilderness near where Israel’s and Jehovah’s interests are pending, not the wilderness of Horeb, is now the place where the prophet is needed. There must he instruct Elisha and other prophets in the revelations of the Divine nature which he has received.

When thou comest, anoint Hazael Rather, (for these verbs are not in the imperative, like Go and Return,) and thou wilt come and anoint Hazael. It is the word of the Lord foretelling the agencies by which the wicked house of Ahab shall be destroyed. We know not that Elijah ever saw or anointed Hazael or Jehu, though he may have done so privately, as Samuel did Saul, (1 Samuel 9:27; 1 Samuel 10:1,) and no account of it have been preserved. But as this was actually done by Elisha (who was anointed prophet in Elijah’s room, 1 Kings 19:16) and another prophet whom Elisha, in turn, commissioned, the spirit and real import of this prediction was thoroughly fulfilled. 2 Kings 8:10-13; 2 Kings 9:1-7. This fulfilment by Elisha instead of Elijah was specially significant in this case, since it was partly the design of this communication at Horeb to indicate to Elijah, and through him to all who read this history, how manifold may be the agencies which accomplish the Divine purposes. Hence, too, Jehovah speaks in these words not to Elijah only, but also to his successors in office.