1 Kings 18:46

46The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

46Then the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he 18:46 I.e., for travelbelted his cloak around his waist and 18:46 Lit ran ahead ofoutran Ahab 18:46 Lit until your coming toto Jezreel.

46Then the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab to Jezreel.

46Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah [giving him supernatural strength]. He 18:46 This phrase is related to the type of clothing worn in ancient times. To keep from impeding the wearer during any vigorous activity, e.g. battle, exercise, strenuous work, etc., the loose ends of garments (tunics, cloaks, mantles, etc.) had to be gathered up and tucked into the girdle. The girdle was a band about six inches wide that had fasteners in front. It was worn around the loins (the midsection of the body between the lower ribs and the hips) and was normally made of leather. Expensive or embroidered girdles were also worn and were made of cotton, flax or silk. The girdle also served as a kind of pocket or pouch and was used to carry personal items such as a dagger, money or other necessary things. The commands Gird up your mind or gird up your heart are examples of variants of this phrase and call for mental or spiritual preparation for a coming challenge.girded up his loins and outran Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel [nearly twenty miles].

46And the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt18:46 Hebrew he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

46The power of the Lord came on Elijah. He tucked his coat into his belt. And he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.