Elijah appears on the scene in 1 Kings 17. He represents God's Word and the drought which God brings on the land through him represents the drought and famine of God's Word from the people. Elijah is removed from Israel to places "east of the Jordan" or "in the area of Sidon". God will keep His true followers safe even in times of distress. Ultimately, God's word will survive and the history of His people will culminate in the death and revival of a son.