Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 17:3

Get thee hence, and turn thee East-ward, and hide thy self by the brook Cherith , that is before Jordan.

Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Iezabel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him. Qu. Why did not Ahab seize upon him immediately upon these Words? Answ. 1. This must be ascribed to God's over-ruling Providence, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands; and hath oft protected his Prophets and Servants in such cases. 2. He might say this, not by word of Mouth, but by Letter and Message sent to him; as that Word is sometimes used, as Exod. 18. 6.