no nation or kingdom: In the ancient Near East, it was common to return fugitives or runaway slaves. This is noted in the treaty between Pharaoh Ramses II and the Hittite king Hattusilis. However, Elijah did not need to ask a foreign king for protection. God kept him safe at Kerith Brook (1 Kings 17:3) and with the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9).