In the story of Elijah the idea of a small remnant of the true people of God is first met (1 Kings 19: 18). Chapter 9: 8-10 takes up this idea. The worthless people will be destroyed but not all the descendants of Jacob will perish. The idea of the remnant becomes increasingly important in later prophets. Through the faithful remnant, the promises of God will be fulfilled and blessing will come to the nations.