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Text -- 1 Kings 18:1-19 (NET)
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics
collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: 1Ki 18:1 - -- Either, From the time when he went to hide himself by the brook Cherith; six months before which time the famine might begin. And so this being toward...
Either, From the time when he went to hide himself by the brook Cherith; six months before which time the famine might begin. And so this being towards the end of the third year, it makes up these three years and six months, Jam 5:17. Or, From the time of his going to Sarepta, which probably was a year after the famine begun; So this might be in the middle of the third year, which also makes up the three years and six months.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:1 - -- To acquaint him with the cause of this judgment, and to advise him to remove it, and upon that condition to promise him rain.
To acquaint him with the cause of this judgment, and to advise him to remove it, and upon that condition to promise him rain.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:1 - -- According to thy word and prayer, which thou shalt make for it. Thus God takes care to maintain the honour of his prophet, and in judgment remembers m...
According to thy word and prayer, which thou shalt make for it. Thus God takes care to maintain the honour of his prophet, and in judgment remembers mercy to Israel, for the sake of the holy seed yet left among them, who suffered in this common calamity.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:2 - -- Wherein he shews a strong faith, and resolute obedience, and invincible courage, that he durst at God's command run into the mouth of this raging lion...
Wherein he shews a strong faith, and resolute obedience, and invincible courage, that he durst at God's command run into the mouth of this raging lion.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Being valued by Ahab for his great prudence and fidelity, and therefore indulged as to the worship of the calves and Baal. But how could he and some o...
Being valued by Ahab for his great prudence and fidelity, and therefore indulged as to the worship of the calves and Baal. But how could he and some other Israelites be said to fear the Lord, when they did not go up to Jerusalem to worship, as God had commanded? Although they seem not to be wholly excusable in this neglect, yet because they worshipped God in spirit and truth, and performed all moral duties to God and their brethren, and abstained from idolatry, being kept from Jerusalem by violence, God bares with their infirmity herein.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:4 - -- This name is not only given to such as are endowed with an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, but to such ministers as devoted themselves to the servic...
This name is not only given to such as are endowed with an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, but to such ministers as devoted themselves to the service of God in preaching, praying, and praising God.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:4 - -- With the hazard of his own life, and against the king's command; as wisely considering, that no command of an earthly prince could over - rule the com...
With the hazard of his own life, and against the king's command; as wisely considering, that no command of an earthly prince could over - rule the command of the king of kings.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:4 - -- With meat and drink. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people where one would least expect them!
With meat and drink. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people where one would least expect them!
By this profound reverence, shewing his great respect and love to him.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:8 - -- Ahab: whom, though a very wicked man, he owns for Obadiah's Lord and king; thereby instructing us, that the wickedness of kings doth not exempt their ...
Ahab: whom, though a very wicked man, he owns for Obadiah's Lord and king; thereby instructing us, that the wickedness of kings doth not exempt their subjects from obedience to their lawful commands.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:9 - -- Wherein have I offended God, and thee, that thou shouldest expose me to certain ruin.
Wherein have I offended God, and thee, that thou shouldest expose me to certain ruin.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:10 - -- Near his own, where he could in reason think that Elijah had hid himself. It does not appear, that Ahab sought him, in order to put him to death: but ...
Near his own, where he could in reason think that Elijah had hid himself. It does not appear, that Ahab sought him, in order to put him to death: but rather in hopes of prevailing upon him, to pray for the removal of the drought.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:12 - -- Such transportations of the prophets having doubtless been usual before this time, as they were after it.
Such transportations of the prophets having doubtless been usual before this time, as they were after it.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:12 - -- Either as one that hath deluded him with vain hopes: or, because I did not seize upon thee, and bring thee to him.
Either as one that hath deluded him with vain hopes: or, because I did not seize upon thee, and bring thee to him.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:12 - -- He speaks not these words, in a way of boasting; but that he might move the prophet to spare him, and not put him upon that hazardous action.
He speaks not these words, in a way of boasting; but that he might move the prophet to spare him, and not put him upon that hazardous action.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:17 - -- Have I at last met with thee, O thou disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and all our calamities?
Have I at last met with thee, O thou disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and all our calamities?
Wesley: 1Ki 18:18 - -- These calamities are not to be imputed to me, but thine and thy father's wickedness. He answered him boldly, because he spoke in God's name, and for h...
These calamities are not to be imputed to me, but thine and thy father's wickedness. He answered him boldly, because he spoke in God's name, and for his honour and service.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:18 - -- All of you have forsaken the Lord, and thou in particular, hast followed Baalim.
All of you have forsaken the Lord, and thou in particular, hast followed Baalim.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Messengers, that this controversy may be decided, what is the cause of these heavy judgments.
Messengers, that this controversy may be decided, what is the cause of these heavy judgments.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:19 - -- By their heads, or representatives, that they may be witnesses of all our transactions.
By their heads, or representatives, that they may be witnesses of all our transactions.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Not that Carmel, in Judah, but another in Issachar by the midland sea, which he chose as a convenient place being not far from the center of his kingd...
Not that Carmel, in Judah, but another in Issachar by the midland sea, which he chose as a convenient place being not far from the center of his kingdom, to which all the tribes might conveniently resort, and at some distance from Samaria, that Jezebel might not hinder.
Who were dispersed in all the parts of the kingdom.
Wesley: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Who attended upon those Baal's or idols that were worshipped in the groves, which were near the royal city, and much frequented by the king and the qu...
Who attended upon those Baal's or idols that were worshipped in the groves, which were near the royal city, and much frequented by the king and the queen.
JFB: 1Ki 18:1 - -- In the New Testament, it is said there was no rain "for the space of three years and six months" [Jam 5:17]. The early rain fell in our March, the lat...
In the New Testament, it is said there was no rain "for the space of three years and six months" [Jam 5:17]. The early rain fell in our March, the latter rain in our October. Though Ahab might have at first ridiculed Elijah's announcement, yet when neither of these rains fell in their season, he was incensed against the prophet as the cause of the national judgment, and compelled him, with God's direction, to consult his safety in flight. This was six months after the king was told there would be neither dew nor rain, and from this period the three years in this passage are computed.
JFB: 1Ki 18:1 - -- The king had remained obdurate and impenitent. Another opportunity was to be given him of repentance, and Elijah was sent in order to declare to him t...
The king had remained obdurate and impenitent. Another opportunity was to be given him of repentance, and Elijah was sent in order to declare to him the cause of the national judgment, and to promise him, on condition of his removing it, the immediate blessing of rain.
JFB: 1Ki 18:2 - -- A marvellous proof of the natural intrepidity of this prophet, of his moral courage, and his unfaltering confidence in the protecting care of God, tha...
A marvellous proof of the natural intrepidity of this prophet, of his moral courage, and his unfaltering confidence in the protecting care of God, that he ventured to approach the presence of the raging lion.
JFB: 1Ki 18:2 - -- Elijah found that the famine was pressing with intense severity in the capital. Corn must have been obtained for the people from Egypt or the adjoinin...
Elijah found that the famine was pressing with intense severity in the capital. Corn must have been obtained for the people from Egypt or the adjoining countries, else life could not have been sustained for three years; but Ahab, with the chamberlain of his royal household, is represented as giving a personal search for pasture to his cattle. On the banks of the rivulets, grass, tender shoots of grass, might naturally be expected; but the water being dried up, the verdure would disappear. In the pastoral districts of the East it would be reckoned a most suitable occupation still for a king or chief to go at the head of such an expedition. Ranging over a large tract of country, Ahab had gone through one district, Obadiah through another.
JFB: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Although he did not follow the course taken by the Levites and the majority of pious Israelites at that time of emigration into Judah (2Ch 11:13-16), ...
Although he did not follow the course taken by the Levites and the majority of pious Israelites at that time of emigration into Judah (2Ch 11:13-16), he was a secret and sincere worshipper. He probably considered the violent character of the government, and his power of doing some good to the persecuted people of God as a sufficient excuse for his not going to worship in Jerusalem.
JFB: 1Ki 18:4 - -- Not men endowed with the extraordinary gifts of the prophetic office, but who were devoted to the service of God, preaching, praying, praising, &c. (1...
Not men endowed with the extraordinary gifts of the prophetic office, but who were devoted to the service of God, preaching, praying, praising, &c. (1Sa 10:10-12).
JFB: 1Ki 18:4 - -- These articles are often used to include sustenance of any kind. As this succor must have been given them at the hazard, not only of his place, but hi...
These articles are often used to include sustenance of any kind. As this succor must have been given them at the hazard, not only of his place, but his life, it was a strong proof of his attachment to the true religion.|| 09349||1||10||0||@Obadiah was in the way . . . Elijah met him==--Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah having dispelled all the apprehensions entertained about the Spirit's carrying him away, Obadiah undertook to convey the prophet's message to Ahab and solicit an interview. But Ahab, bent on revenge, or impatient for the appearance of rain, went himself to meet Elijah.
JFB: 1Ki 18:17-18 - -- A violent altercation took place. Ahab thought to awe him into submission, but the prophet boldly and undisguisedly told the king that the national ca...
A violent altercation took place. Ahab thought to awe him into submission, but the prophet boldly and undisguisedly told the king that the national calamity was traceable chiefly to his own and his family's patronage and practice of idolatry. But, while rebuking the sins, Elijah paid all due respect to the high rank of the offender. He urged the king to convene, by virtue of his royal mandate, a public assembly, in whose presence it might be solemnly decided which was the troubler of Israel. The appeal could not well be resisted, and Ahab, from whatever motives, consented to the proposal. God directed and overruled the issue.
JFB: 1Ki 18:19 - -- From the sequel it appears that the former only came. The latter, anticipating some evil, evaded the king's command.
From the sequel it appears that the former only came. The latter, anticipating some evil, evaded the king's command.
JFB: 1Ki 18:19 - -- That is, not at the royal table where she herself dined, but they were maintained from her kitchen establishment (see on 1Sa 20:25 and 1Ki 4:22). They...
Clarke: 1Ki 18:1 - -- After many days - in the third year - We learn from our Lord, Luk 4:25, that the drought which brought on the famine in Israel lasted three years an...
After many days - in the third year - We learn from our Lord, Luk 4:25, that the drought which brought on the famine in Israel lasted three years and six months. St. James, Jam 5:17, gives it the same duration. Probably Elijah spent six months at the brook Cherith, and three years with the widow at Sarepta
Clarke: 1Ki 18:1 - -- I will send rain upon the earth - The word האדמה haadamah should be translated the ground or the land, as it is probable that this drought d...
I will send rain upon the earth - The word
Clarke: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Obadiah feared the Lord greatly - He was a sincere and zealous worshipper of the true God, and his conduct towards the persecuted prophets was the f...
Obadiah feared the Lord greatly - He was a sincere and zealous worshipper of the true God, and his conduct towards the persecuted prophets was the full proof both of his piety and humanity.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:4 - -- Fed them with bread and water - By these are signified the necessaries of life, of whatsoever kind.
Fed them with bread and water - By these are signified the necessaries of life, of whatsoever kind.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:5 - -- Unto all fountains of water - All marshy or well-watered districts, where grass was most likely to be preserved.
Unto all fountains of water - All marshy or well-watered districts, where grass was most likely to be preserved.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:10 - -- There is no nation or kingdom - He had sent through all his own states and to the neighboring governments to find out the prophet, as he knew, from ...
There is no nation or kingdom - He had sent through all his own states and to the neighboring governments to find out the prophet, as he knew, from his own declaration, that both rain and drought were to be the effect of his prayers. Had he found him, he no doubt intended to oblige him to procure rain, or punish him for having brought on this drought
Clarke: 1Ki 18:10 - -- He took an oath - Ahab must have had considerable power and authority among the neighboring nations to require and exact this, and Elijah must have ...
He took an oath - Ahab must have had considerable power and authority among the neighboring nations to require and exact this, and Elijah must have kept himself very secret to have shunned such an extensive and minute search.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:12 - -- The Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee - Obadiah supposed that the Spirit of the Lord had carried him to some strange country during the three year...
The Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee - Obadiah supposed that the Spirit of the Lord had carried him to some strange country during the three years and a half of the drought; and as he had reason to think that Ahab would slay Elijah if he found him, and that the God of the prophet would not suffer his servant to fall into such murderous hands, he took for granted that as soon as he should come into danger, so soon would the Spirit of the Lord carry him away, or direct him to some hiding place.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:13 - -- When Jezebel slew the prophets - This persecution was probably during the dearth, for as this bad woman would attribute the public calamity to Elija...
When Jezebel slew the prophets - This persecution was probably during the dearth, for as this bad woman would attribute the public calamity to Elijah, not being able to find him, she would naturally wreak her vengeance on the prophets of Jehovah who were within her reach.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:18 - -- I have not troubled Israel - Here the cause of the dearth is placed on its true ground: the king and the people had forsaken the true God, and God s...
I have not troubled Israel - Here the cause of the dearth is placed on its true ground: the king and the people had forsaken the true God, and God shut up the heavens that there was no rain. Elijah was only the minister whom God used to dispense this judgment.
Clarke: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Gather to me all Israel - The heads of tribes and families; the rulers of the people
Gather to me all Israel - The heads of tribes and families; the rulers of the people
Clarke: 1Ki 18:19 - -- The prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty - the prophets of the groves four hundred - The king and queen had different religious establishments; t...
The prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty - the prophets of the groves four hundred - The king and queen had different religious establishments; the king and his servants worshipped Baal, the supreme lord and master of the world, the sun. For this establishment four hundred and fifty priests were maintained. The queen and her women worshipped
TSK: 1Ki 18:1 - -- am 3098, bc 906
after many days : Luk 4:25; Jam 5:17; Rev 11:2, Rev 11:6
in the third year : This form of expression, both in Hebrew and Latin, means ...
am 3098, bc 906
after many days : Luk 4:25; Jam 5:17; Rev 11:2, Rev 11:6
in the third year : This form of expression, both in Hebrew and Latin, means ""after the third year,""i.e., some time between the third and fourth year. 1Ki 17:1, 1Ki 17:7, 1Ki 17:15; Luk 4:25; Jam 5:17
Go : 1Ki 18:2, 15-40
I will send rain : Lev 26:4; Deu 28:12; Psa 65:9-13; Isa 5:6; Jer 10:13, Jer 14:22; Joe 2:23; Amo 4:7
TSK: 1Ki 18:2 - -- went to show : Psa 27:1, Psa 51:4; Pro 28:1; Isa 51:12; Heb 13:5, Heb 13:6
a sore : Lev 26:26; Deu 28:23, Deu 28:24; 2Ki 6:25; Jer 14:2-6, Jer 14:18; ...
TSK: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Obadiah : Heb. Obadiahu
the governor of his house : Heb. over his house. Gen 24:2, Gen 24:10, Gen 39:4, Gen 39:5, Gen 39:9, Gen 41:40
feared the Lord ...
TSK: 1Ki 18:4 - -- Jezebel : Heb. Izabel
cut off the prophets : Neh 9:26; Mat 21:35; Rev 17:4-6
in a cave : Heb 11:38
fed them : 1Ki 18:13; 2Ki 6:22, 2Ki 6:23; Mat 10:40...
TSK: 1Ki 18:5 - -- grass : Psa 104:14; Jer 14:5, Jer 14:6; Joe 1:18, Joe 2:22; Hab 3:17; Rom 8:20-22
we lose not all the beasts : Heb. we cut not off ourselves from the ...
grass : Psa 104:14; Jer 14:5, Jer 14:6; Joe 1:18, Joe 2:22; Hab 3:17; Rom 8:20-22
we lose not all the beasts : Heb. we cut not off ourselves from the beasts
TSK: 1Ki 18:7 - -- was in the way : 1Ki 11:29
he knew : 2Ki 1:6-8; Mat 3:4, Mat 11:8
fell on : Gen 18:2, Gen 50:18; 1Sa 20:41; 2Sa 19:18; Isa 60:14
my lord Elijah : Gen ...
TSK: 1Ki 18:10 - -- the Lord : 1Ki 18:15, 1Ki 1:29, 1Ki 2:24, 1Ki 17:1, 1Ki 17:12; 1Sa 29:6
whither my lord : Psa 10:2; Jer 26:20-23
they found thee not : 1Ki 17:5, 1Ki 1...
TSK: 1Ki 18:12 - -- the Spirit of the Lord : 2Ki 2:11, 2Ki 2:16; Eze 3:12-14, Eze 8:3, Eze 11:24, Eze 37:1, Eze 40:1, Eze 40:2; Mat 4:1; Act 8:39; 2Co 12:2, 2Co 12:3
he s...
the Spirit of the Lord : 2Ki 2:11, 2Ki 2:16; Eze 3:12-14, Eze 8:3, Eze 11:24, Eze 37:1, Eze 40:1, Eze 40:2; Mat 4:1; Act 8:39; 2Co 12:2, 2Co 12:3
he shall slay me : 1Sa 22:11-19; Dan 2:5-13; Mat 2:16; Act 12:19
from my youth : 1Sa 2:18, 1Sa 2:26, 1Sa 3:19, 1Sa 3:20; 2Ch 34:3; Psa 71:17, Psa 71:18; Pro 8:13; Ecc 7:18; Isa 50:10; Luk 1:15; 2Ti 3:15
TSK: 1Ki 18:13 - -- what I did : 1Ki 18:4; Gen 20:4, Gen 20:5; Psa 18:21-24; Act 20:34; 1Th 2:9, 1Th 2:10
I hid an hundred : Mat 10:41, Mat 10:42
fed them : Mat 25:35
TSK: 1Ki 18:15 - -- As the Lord : 1Ki 18:10; Heb 6:16, Heb 6:17
of hosts liveth : Gen 2:1; Deu 4:19; Job 25:3; Psa 24:8-10, Psa 103:21, Psa 148:2, Psa 148:3; Isa 6:3; Jer...
TSK: 1Ki 18:17 - -- he that troubleth Israel : 1Ki 21:20; Jos 7:25; Jer 26:8, Jer 26:9, Jer 38:4; Amo 7:10; Act 16:20, Act 17:6, Act 24:5
TSK: 1Ki 18:18 - -- I have not : Eze 3:8; Mat 14:4; Act 24:13, Act 24:20
in that ye have : 1Ki 9:9; 2Ch 15:2; Pro 11:19, Pro 13:21; Isa 3:11; Jer 2:13, Jer 2:19; Rev 2:8,...
TSK: 1Ki 18:19 - -- mount Carmel : Mount Carmel is situated north of Dora and south of Ptolemais or Acre, from which it is distant, according to Josephus, 120 stadia, or,...
mount Carmel : Mount Carmel is situated north of Dora and south of Ptolemais or Acre, from which it is distant, according to Josephus, 120 stadia, or, according to Thevenot, 10 miles; one of its principal points advancing considerably into the Mediterranean, and forming an elevated promontory. It is described as a flattened cone, about 2,000 feet (some say 1,500) in height, very rocky, its sides steep and rugged, and the soil neither deep nor rich. Capt. Mangles says its is now quite barren, though at the north-eastern foot of it there are some pretty olive-grounds. 1Ki 18:42, 1Ki 18:43; Jos 19:26; 1Sa 15:12; 2Ki 2:25; Jer 46:18; Amo 1:2, Amo 9:3
the prophets of Baal : 1Ki 22:6; 2Pe 2:1; Rev 19:20
prophets of the groves : 1Ki 15:13, 1Ki 16:33; 2Ki 13:6; Though
eat at Jezebel’ s table : 1Ki 19:1, 1Ki 19:2; 2Ki 9:22; Rev 2:20
collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: 1Ki 18:1 - -- The third year - i. e., in the third year of his sojourn with the widow. The whole period of drought was three years and a half Luk 4:25; Jam 5...
Barnes: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Obadiah’ s name, "servant of Yahweh,"indicates his religious character. It corresponds to the modern Arabic name Abdallah. Ahab could scarcely ...
Obadiah’ s name, "servant of Yahweh,"indicates his religious character. It corresponds to the modern Arabic name Abdallah. Ahab could scarcely have been ignorant of Obadiah’ s faithfulness to Yahweh; and it tells in favor of the monarch’ s tolerance that he should have maintained an adherent of the old religion in so important an office. There seems to be no doubt that the worst deeds of Ahab’ s reign sprang less from his own free will and natural disposition than from the evil counsels, or rather perhaps the imperious requirements, of his wife.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:4 - -- We have no details of Jezebel’ s deed of blood. Some have conjectured that it was the answer of Jezebel to Elijah’ s threat, and that the ...
We have no details of Jezebel’ s deed of blood. Some have conjectured that it was the answer of Jezebel to Elijah’ s threat, and that the command given him to hide in Cherith alone saved him from being one of the victims. This view receives some support from Obadiah’ s act and words 1Ki 18:13.
Fifty in a cave - The limestone formation of Judaea and Samaria abounds with large natural caverns, the size of which is easily increased by art. These "caves"play an important part in the history of the country, serving especially as refuges for political offenders and other fugitives Jdg 6:2; 1Sa 13:6; Heb 11:38.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:5 - -- Unto all fountains of water and unto all brooks - Rather, "to all springs of water and to all torrent-courses."The former are the perennial str...
Unto all fountains of water and unto all brooks - Rather, "to all springs of water and to all torrent-courses."The former are the perennial streams; the latter are the torrent-courses which become dry in an ordinary summer.
All the beasts - Rather, some, or, "a portion of our beasts."
Barnes: 1Ki 18:9 - -- Obadiah thinks that to execute this commission will be fatal to him 1Ki 18:12.
Obadiah thinks that to execute this commission will be fatal to him 1Ki 18:12.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:10 - -- There is no nation ... - This is expressed in the style of Oriental hyperbole. What Obadiah means is: "there is no nation nor kingdom, of those...
There is no nation ... - This is expressed in the style of Oriental hyperbole. What Obadiah means is: "there is no nation nor kingdom, of those over which he has influence, whither the king has not sent."He could scarcely, for example, have exacted an oath from such countries as Egypt or Syria of Damascus. But Ahab may have been powerful enough to expect an oath from the neighboring Hittite, Moabite, and Edomite tribes, perhaps even from Ethbaal his father-in-law, and the kings of Hamath and Arpad.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:17 - -- Art thou he ... - Meaning, "Can it possibly be that thou dost venture to present thyself before me, thou that troublest Israel by means of this...
Art thou he ... - Meaning, "Can it possibly be that thou dost venture to present thyself before me, thou that troublest Israel by means of this terrible drought?"The charge of "troubling"had never before been brought against anyone but Achan (marginal reference "e"); it was one which must have called to the prophet’ s recollection Achan’ s miserable fate.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:18 - -- Instead of apologies, and pleas for pardon, Elijah meets the charge with a countercharge, and makes a sudden demand. "Gather to me,"etc. This boldne...
Instead of apologies, and pleas for pardon, Elijah meets the charge with a countercharge, and makes a sudden demand. "Gather to me,"etc. This boldness, this high tone, this absence of the slightest indication of alarm, seems to have completely discomfited Ahab, who ventured on no reply, made no attempt to arrest the prophet, did not even press him to remove his curse and bring the drought to an end, but simply consented to do his bidding. There is no passage of Scripture which exhibits more forcibly the ascendancy that a prophet of the Lord, armed with His spiritual powers, could, if he were firm and brave, exercise even over the most powerful and most unscrupulous of monarchs.
Baalim - i. e., the various aspects under which the god, Baal, was worshipped, Baal-shamin, Baal-zebub, Baal-Hamman, etc.
Barnes: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Carmel (Jos 12:22 note) was chosen by the prophet as the scene of the gathering to which he invited, or rather summoned, Ahab. Its thick jungles of ...
Carmel (Jos 12:22 note) was chosen by the prophet as the scene of the gathering to which he invited, or rather summoned, Ahab. Its thick jungles of copse and numerous dwarf-oaks and olives, would furnish abundant wood for his intended sacrifice. Here was a perennial fountain; and here again an ancient "altar of the Lord"1Ki 18:30, belonging probably to the old times of non-idolatrous high-place worship - perhaps an erection of one of the patriarchs. On the one hand, there would be a view of the Mediterranean, from where the first sign of rain was likely to come, and on the other of Jezreel, the residence of the court at the time, with its royal palace and its idol-temples, so that the intended trial would take place in the sight (so to speak) of the proud queen and her minions.
The prophets of Baal - The priests of Baal are so called not so much because they claimed a power of foretelling the future, as because they were "teachers"of the false religion, and more especially because they stand here in antagonism to the "prophet of the Lord,"with whom they are about to contend.
The prophets of the groves, four hundred - Rather, "of the grove"- the prophets, or priests, attached to the "grove"-
Which eat at Jezebel’ s table - Rather, "which eat from Jezebel’ s table."Oriental etiquette would not have allowed them to eat "at"the table of the queen, which was spread in the seraglio. They were fed from the superfluity of her daily provision, which was no doubt on a sumptuous scale. Compare 1Ki 4:22-23.
Poole: 1Ki 18:1 - -- In the third year either,
1. From the time when he went to hide himself by the brook Cherith; six months before which time the famine might begin, ...
In the third year either,
1. From the time when he went to hide himself by the brook Cherith; six months before which time the famine might begin, though it was not yet come to extremity. And so this being in or towards the end of the third year, it makes up these three years and six months, Jam 5:17 . Or,
2. From the time of his going to Sarepta, which probably was a year after the famine began; See Poole "1Ki 17:7" ; and so this might be in the middle of the third year, which also makes up the three years and six months.
Show thyself unto Ahab to acquaint him with the cause of this judgment, 1Ki 18:18 , and to advise him to remove it, and upon that condition to promise him rain.
I will send rain upon the earth according to thy word and prayer, which thou shalt make for it. Thus God takes care to maintain the honour and authority of his prophet, and in judgment remembers mercy to Israel for the sake of the holy seed yet left among them, who suffered in this common calamity.
Poole: 1Ki 18:2 - -- Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab wherein he shows a strong faith, and resolute obedience, and invincible courage, that he durst at God’ s c...
Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab wherein he shows a strong faith, and resolute obedience, and invincible courage, that he durst at God’ s command run into the mouth of this raging lion; which was a degree of martyrdom.
Poole: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Which was the governor of his house being valued by Ahab for his great prudence and fidelity, and therefore indulged as to the worship of the calves ...
Which was the governor of his house being valued by Ahab for his great prudence and fidelity, and therefore indulged as to the worship of the calves and Baal.
Obadiah feared the Lord greatly
Quest. How could he and some other Israelites be said to fear the Lord, when they did not go up to Jerusalem to worship, as God had commanded?
Answ Although they seem not to be wholly excusable in this neglect, because they should have preferred God’ s service before their worldly commodity, according to the good example of the priests and Levites, and the generality of the godly people who did so, 2Ch 11:13,16 ; yet because they worshipped God in spirit and truth, and performed all moral duties to God and their brethren, and abstained from idolatry, and being kept from Jerusalem by violence, they thought necessity and the apparent hazard of their lives would excuse them from ceremonial services; and God bare with their infirmity herein.
Poole: 1Ki 18:4 - -- Prophets: this name is not only given to such as are endowed with an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, but to such ministers as devoted themselves to...
Prophets: this name is not only given to such as are endowed with an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, but to such ministers as devoted themselves to the service of God in preaching, praying, praising God, and the like, as 1Sa 10:10-12 ; and in this place compared with 1Ki 18:22 , where Elijah saith,
I only remain a prophet of the Lord to wit, strictly so called; and Mat 10:41 1Co 12:28,29 1Co 14:29 .
Fed them with the hazard of his own life, and against the king’ s command; as wisely considering that no command of an earthly prince could overrule the command of the supreme Lord, the King of kings, or discharge him from those acts of piety to God, and charity to men, which God’ s law indispensably required.
With bread and water either properly, which was a great kindness in those circumstances; or figuratively, i.e. with meat and drink.
Poole: 1Ki 18:5 - -- Unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks about which grass was most probably to be found in that great drought.
Unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks about which grass was most probably to be found in that great drought.
Poole: 1Ki 18:6 - -- Ahab went one way by himself not daring to trust any other, Obadiah excepted, lest being bribed by such as had grass for their own use, they should n...
Ahab went one way by himself not daring to trust any other, Obadiah excepted, lest being bribed by such as had grass for their own use, they should not give him a true account.
By this profound reverence showing his great respect and love to him.
Poole: 1Ki 18:8 - -- Tell thy lord Ahab; whom, though a very wicked man, he owns for Obadiah’ s lord and king; thereby instructing him that he did well in owning him...
Tell thy lord Ahab; whom, though a very wicked man, he owns for Obadiah’ s lord and king; thereby instructing him that he did well in owning him as such, and that the wickedness of kings doth not exempt their subjects from obedience to their lawful commands.
Poole: 1Ki 18:9 - -- What have I sinned? wherein have I so offended God and thee, that thou shouldst inflict this punishment upon me, and expose me to certain ruin by thi...
What have I sinned? wherein have I so offended God and thee, that thou shouldst inflict this punishment upon me, and expose me to certain ruin by this means?
Poole: 1Ki 18:10 - -- There is no nation or kingdom to wit, near to his own, where he could in reason think that Elijah had hid himself. Nothing is more frequent than to u...
There is no nation or kingdom to wit, near to his own, where he could in reason think that Elijah had hid himself. Nothing is more frequent than to understand general expressions with such limitations.
He took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not not that he could force other kingdoms to take an oath, but that by his persuasions he prevailed with the chief persons in several kingdoms for his satisfaction to swear that they did not know of Elijah’ s being among them; which was not hard for him to obtain. For Ahab was a great prince, and had a great interest among the neighbouring kings, the king of Tyre was his father-in-law; the king of Moab tributary to him; Jehoshaphat his friend and relation, to whom the king of Edom was tributary. We read also of
all the kings of Arabia, and of all the kings of the Hittites, and of Syria 1Ki 10:15,29; which as they corresponded with Solomon, so how far they might be allied to or confederate with Ahab we know not; nor what articles or agreements were between him and them, among which this might be one, that they should deliver up to one another all their fugitive or banished subjects upon demand; which might give sufficient ground for his desire or expectation of this oath.
Quest. How then could Elijah lie hid in the house of the widow of Sarepta?
Answ . That might easily be, either because she herself, or at least others, did not know particularly who he was; or because she used all possible care to conceal him, her conscience and interest both obliging her so to do; or because God secured him there.
Poole: 1Ki 18:12 - -- The Spirit of the Lord the Holy Ghost, to whom the inspiration and conduct of the prophets is commonly ascribed in Holy Scripture, as Isa 48:16 61:1 ...
The Spirit of the Lord the Holy Ghost, to whom the inspiration and conduct of the prophets is commonly ascribed in Holy Scripture, as Isa 48:16 61:1 Mat 4:1 Act 16:6,7 , who might do this either immediately by his own power, or by an angel, or by a strong wind.
Shall carry thee whither I know not such transportations of the prophets having doubtless been usual before this time, as they were after it. See 2Ki 2:16 Eze 3:12,14 Mt 4:1 Act 8:39 .
He will slay me either as a cursed impostor that hath deluded him with vain hopes; or rather, because I did not forthwith seize upon thee, and bring thee to him to receive punishment.
I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth: he speaks not these nor the following words in way of vain boasting, but only for his own necessary vindication and preservation, that he might move the prophet to pity and spare him, and not put him upon that hazardous action; which yet he was resolved to do, if the prophet peremptorily required it.
Poole: 1Ki 18:15 - -- As the Lord of hosts liveth the Lord of all the creatures, which are called God’ s hosts, Gen 2:1 Deu 4:19 Psa 103:21 Psa 148:2 , and are all su...
As the Lord of hosts liveth the Lord of all the creatures, which are called God’ s hosts, Gen 2:1 Deu 4:19 Psa 103:21 Psa 148:2 , and are all subject to his command. He mentions this title as his shield, under the protection whereof he did and durst venture to come into Ahab’ s presence.
Poole: 1Ki 18:17 - -- Have I at last met with thee, O thou great disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and of all our disquiets and calamities?
Have I at last met with thee, O thou great disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and of all our disquiets and calamities?
Poole: 1Ki 18:18 - -- These calamities are not to be imputed to my passions, but thine and thy father’ s wickedness, which God punisheth by this means. He answered h...
These calamities are not to be imputed to my passions, but thine and thy father’ s wickedness, which God punisheth by this means. He answered him thus boldly, because he spoke and acted in God’ s name, and for his honour and service, whose vassal Ahab was.
Poole: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Now therefore send to wit, messengers, that this controversy between thee and me may be decided, the true cause of these heavy judgments discovered a...
Now therefore send to wit, messengers, that this controversy between thee and me may be decided, the true cause of these heavy judgments discovered and removed, that so this plague may be removed.
Gather to me all Israel by their deputies, or heads, or representatives, that they may be witnesses of all our transactions.
Unto Mount Carmel not that Carmel in Judah, 1Sa 15:12 , but another in Issachar by the midland sea, Jos 19:26 Jer 46:18 ; which he chose as a very convenient place, being not far from the centre of his kingdom, to which all the tribes might conveniently resort; and at some good distance from Samaria, that Jezebel might not hinder his design; and a very high mountain, Amo 9:3 , and that upon the sea, whence he might have the opportunity to discover the rain at its first approach, which he did, 1Ki 18:42 , &c.
And the prophets of Baal which were dispersed in all the parts of the kingdom.
The prophets of the groves which attended upon those Baals or idols which were worshipped in the groves, which were near the royal city, and much valued and frequented by the king and the queen, 1Ki 15:13 16:33 2Ki 13:6 , and therefore were maintained at the queen’ s charges.
Haydock: 1Ki 18:1 - -- Call ye. He does not order them to invoke idols; but challenges them to prove their divinity, if they can. ---
By fire. On such trying occasions,...
Call ye. He does not order them to invoke idols; but challenges them to prove their divinity, if they can. ---
By fire. On such trying occasions, it is not tempting God to ask for a miracle. God had given this proof of fire repeatedly, Genesis xv. 17., Leviticus ix. 24., and 2 Paralipomenon vii. 1. He will restrain the devil's power, to confirm the truth, Mark xvi. 20. (Worthington)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:1 - -- Year of his sojourning at Sarephta. As other six months elapsed before the drought was removed, it is probable that Elias had spent them at Carith, ...
Year of his sojourning at Sarephta. As other six months elapsed before the drought was removed, it is probable that Elias had spent them at Carith, James v. 17. (Calmet) ---
Earth. God is pleased to withdraw his chastisement, though the guilty were not yet reclaimed. (Salien)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:2 - -- Samaria, and the vicinity. The people could procure corn from a distance. But Achab is solicitous to find grass, ver. 5.
Samaria, and the vicinity. The people could procure corn from a distance. But Achab is solicitous to find grass, ver. 5.
Haydock: 1Ki 18:3 - -- Abdias. Some suppose that he was the fourth of the minor prophets, or the husband of the Sunamitess, (4 Kings iv.) or the third of the captains, who...
Abdias. Some suppose that he was the fourth of the minor prophets, or the husband of the Sunamitess, (4 Kings iv.) or the third of the captains, who were ordered by Ochozias to seize Elias, 4 Kings i. 13. (Tirinus) ---
But this is uncertain. He took care of the persecuted prophets, (ver. 4, 13.) judging it better to obey God than man. (Calmet)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:6 - -- Himself. So Providence ordered it, that the prophet might declare his sentiments to him freely. (Haydock) ---
Achab would go in person, another wa...
Himself. So Providence ordered it, that the prophet might declare his sentiments to him freely. (Haydock) ---
Achab would go in person, another way, that he might not be imposed upon. He was more solicitous for his cattle than for his subjects. (Menochius)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:7 - -- Face, to shew him a religious veneration, due to the servant of God. (Worthington)
Face, to shew him a religious veneration, due to the servant of God. (Worthington)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:9 - -- Kill me, as an impostor, or an accomplice of thy escape, if afterwards thou shouldst disappear, ver. 12. (Calmet)
Kill me, as an impostor, or an accomplice of thy escape, if afterwards thou shouldst disappear, ver. 12. (Calmet)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:10 - -- An oath of every kingdom, adjuring all his neighbours to tell if they knew any thing about Elias. (Haydock) ---
Achab wished to make him restore ra...
An oath of every kingdom, adjuring all his neighbours to tell if they knew any thing about Elias. (Haydock) ---
Achab wished to make him restore rain, or to punish him for the refusal. (Calmet) ---
How stupid he must have been, not to perceive that God was punishing him! (Haydock) ---
Elias must have kept himself very retired, not to be discovered at Sarephta, which was so near, (Calmet) and where Jezabel's father reigned. But God could render him invisible, even upon the high road, when he went thither. (Haydock)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:12 - -- Spirit. Abdias supposed that the prophet had been transported to some unknown country, (Calmet) as he was afterwards to paradise. His disciples ima...
Spirit. Abdias supposed that the prophet had been transported to some unknown country, (Calmet) as he was afterwards to paradise. His disciples imagined, by a violent wind, 4 Kings ii. 16. (Haydock) ---
Thus the spirit of the Lord took away Philip, (Acts viii. 39,) and conducted Jesus into the desert, Matthew iv. 1., and Mark i. 12. (Calmet) ---
Infancy. This he mentions, that the prophet might take pity on him. (Menochius)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:13 - -- A hundred. Hence we may judge how numerous they were. These prophets were not perhaps all inspired: but they had such at their head; and spent thei...
A hundred. Hence we may judge how numerous they were. These prophets were not perhaps all inspired: but they had such at their head; and spent their time in working and in the divine praises. They were the salt and light of the earth, the pillars of the true religion, against whom Jezabel bent all her fury, during the first years of the drought. (Calmet)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:14 - -- Kill me. He had expressed this fear twice before. Elias perceiving how much he was agitated, confirmed him with an oath. (Haydock)
Kill me. He had expressed this fear twice before. Elias perceiving how much he was agitated, confirmed him with an oath. (Haydock)
Meet Elias, out of respect, (Abulensis) or rather to upbraid him.
Haydock: 1Ki 18:17 - -- Troublest Israel? Thus the wicked esteem those disturbers of the public repose, who will not suffer them to go on in their wickedness unmolested. T...
Troublest Israel? Thus the wicked esteem those disturbers of the public repose, who will not suffer them to go on in their wickedness unmolested. Thus the Jews complain of Jesus Christ, Luke xxiii. 5. Such a war is better than a false peace: and Achab, in fact, proclaims the praise of Elias, who strove by easy means to make the people open their eyes and return to their God. (Calmet)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:18 - -- House. Your impiety has brought on this scourge. I only denounced it. (Salien)
House. Your impiety has brought on this scourge. I only denounced it. (Salien)
Haydock: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Fifty, attached to Baal, and fed by the king; while the prophets of the groves, or of Astarte, lived at the queen's expense. They imitated the l...
Fifty, attached to Baal, and fed by the king; while the prophets of the groves, or of Astarte, lived at the queen's expense. They imitated the lives of the true prophets, to delude the people. ---
Carmel was long after famous fo the worship of Apollo, who was the same with Baal, or the sun, Josue xix. 26. (Calmet) ---
No mention is made of rain: but it was understood that it would be given, when the people should assemble to hear God's determination. (Menochius) ---
Achab durst not therefore refuse to convoke them. (Haydock)
Gill: 1Ki 18:1 - -- And it came to pass after many days,.... When two years and more were gone from the time the drought and famine began; or rather from the time of the ...
And it came to pass after many days,.... When two years and more were gone from the time the drought and famine began; or rather from the time of the prophets departure to the brook Cherith, which might be six months after the famine began:
that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year; of his absence from Ahab:
saying, go show thyself unto Ahab; whom he had not seen so long, and who had been seeking for him, but to no purpose:
and I will send rain upon the earth; the term of three years and six months being almost expired, see Jam 5:17.
Gill: 1Ki 18:2 - -- And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab,.... Which showed his cheerful and ready obedience to the will of God, and his great courage and magnanimity...
And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab,.... Which showed his cheerful and ready obedience to the will of God, and his great courage and magnanimity, to face a king enraged against him, and that sought his life:
and there was a sore famine in Samaria; the metropolis of the kingdom, where Ahab kept his court, and therefore must be sensible of it, and bore the greater indignation against the prophet who had foretold it.
Gill: 1Ki 18:3 - -- And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house,.... Perhaps his steward: the Jews m take him to be Obadiah the prophet, who wrote the sm...
And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house,.... Perhaps his steward: the Jews m take him to be Obadiah the prophet, who wrote the small prophecy that goes by his name:
(now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly:) who, though he did not go up to Jerusalem to worship, which ceremonial service was dispensed with in him, yet he did not worship the calves, nor Baal, but served the Lord in a spiritual manner.
Gill: 1Ki 18:4 - -- For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord,.... Or slew them, as the Targum; put them to death some way or another; such as were bro...
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord,.... Or slew them, as the Targum; put them to death some way or another; such as were brought up in the schools of the prophets, trained up in religious exercises, and instructed others therein:
that Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave; fifty in one cave and fifty in another; for there were large caves in the land of Israel capable of holding such a number, and many more, see 1Sa 22:1 and fed them with bread and water; which in this time of famine were very acceptable; though these may be put for all the necessaries of life.
Gill: 1Ki 18:5 - -- And Ahab said unto Obadiah, go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks,.... To observe in what condition they were, and the pl...
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks,.... To observe in what condition they were, and the places adjoining to them, the meadows and valleys:
peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive; particularly those which belonged to the king's stables, to find provisions for which it was found difficult:
that we lose not all the beasts; many of them, doubtless, were lost through the drought already, and there was great danger of the rest, and so, in time, of there being none to procreate and preserve their species, and to prevent which Ahab proposed to take this method.
Gill: 1Ki 18:6 - -- So they divided the land between them, to pass through it,.... And one took one part, and the other the other part:
Ahab went one way by himself, a...
So they divided the land between them, to pass through it,.... And one took one part, and the other the other part:
Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself; Ahab not caring to trust any but Obadiah, who he knew was a faithful man, lest they should be bribed by those that had grass not to discover it.
Gill: 1Ki 18:7 - -- And as Obadiah was in the way,.... In his district, making his observations:
behold, Elijah met him: where is not said; but he was, no doubt, upon ...
And as Obadiah was in the way,.... In his district, making his observations:
behold, Elijah met him: where is not said; but he was, no doubt, upon the road from Zarephath to Samaria:
and he knew him that is, Obadiah knew Elijah, having seen him at Ahab's court before he absconded:
and fell on his face, and said, art thou that my lord Elijah? thus doing him honour and reverence both by words and gesture, as being an extraordinary prophet of the Lord.
Gill: 1Ki 18:8 - -- And he answered him, I am,.... He did not desire to be concealed, his orders were to show and make himself known to Ahab, and Obadiah was one of his d...
And he answered him, I am,.... He did not desire to be concealed, his orders were to show and make himself known to Ahab, and Obadiah was one of his domestic servants:
go tell thy lord, behold, Elijah is here; in such a place, ready to face him at any time. Elijah, by calling Ahab the lord of Obadiah, as he tacitly reproves him for calling him lord, shows reverence to Ahab as a king, and yet that he was fearless of him, as he was the prophet and ambassador of the Lord of hosts to him.
Gill: 1Ki 18:9 - -- And he said, what have I sinned,.... Or in what have I offended God or his prophet, that revenge should be taken on me in this way:
that thou would...
And he said, what have I sinned,.... Or in what have I offended God or his prophet, that revenge should be taken on me in this way:
that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to slay me? for that he supposed would be the consequence of it, as he argues and more plainly expresses his sense in the following words.
Gill: 1Ki 18:10 - -- As the Lord thy God liveth,.... Which is the form of an oath he thought fit to make, to ascertain the truth of what he was about to say:
there is n...
As the Lord thy God liveth,.... Which is the form of an oath he thought fit to make, to ascertain the truth of what he was about to say:
there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee; which is either an hyperbolical expression, signifying he had sought for him in many places, and in every place he could think of; or it must be understood either of the ten tribes, which were as so many nations and kingdoms as they had been; or were more in the times of the Canaanites; or of the nations round about, that were in alliance with or tributary to the king of Israel:
and when they said, he is not there, he took an oath of the kingdom and nation that they found thee not; which he might exact of his own subjects, but could not of other nations, unless they were free to it of themselves; or he might take it of their ambassadors or merchants that came into his land, of whom he inquired, and adjured them to tell him the truth.
Gill: 1Ki 18:11 - -- And now thou sayest, go tell thy lord, behold, Elijah is here. Which, if I should not be able to make good, would be of fatal consequence to me; and t...
And now thou sayest, go tell thy lord, behold, Elijah is here. Which, if I should not be able to make good, would be of fatal consequence to me; and that it is plain he feared, by what he next says.
Gill: 1Ki 18:12 - -- And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not,.... This he supposed might...
And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not,.... This he supposed might possibly, and very probably, be the case, since small raptures might have been already, and known to Obadiah, as there were afterwards, see 2Ki 2:16, and then he should not know where he was, nor be able to direct his master where to find him:
and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me; for telling him a lie, and deceiving and mocking him; or for not seizing on Elijah, and bringing him, when he knew he was so desirous of getting him into his hands:
but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth; and therefore did not deserve to be treated after this manner, having been an early and conscientious worshipper of the true God.
Gill: 1Ki 18:13 - -- Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord? how I hid one hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, an...
Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord? how I hid one hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? See Gill on 1Ki 18:4, this he said not in a way of ostentation, but to show that it would be very ungenerous and ungrateful, as well as impolitic, to sacrifice such a friend at court to the Lord's prophets as he had been, and might still continue to be.
Gill: 1Ki 18:14 - -- And now thou sayest, go tell my lord, behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. That is, should he carry such a message to him, and Elijah should...
And now thou sayest, go tell my lord, behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. That is, should he carry such a message to him, and Elijah should be removed elsewhere, and not to be found.
Gill: 1Ki 18:15 - -- And Elijah said, as the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand,.... In whose presence he was, and whose prophet and minister he was; he takes this ...
And Elijah said, as the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand,.... In whose presence he was, and whose prophet and minister he was; he takes this oath, to assure Obadiah that he would certainly be upon the spot, or to be found, and not expose him to any danger:
I will surely show myself unto him today; he was determined at all events to present himself to him that day.
Gill: 1Ki 18:16 - -- So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him,.... That Elijah was in such a place, and had desired him to inform him of it, and was ready to appear befo...
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him,.... That Elijah was in such a place, and had desired him to inform him of it, and was ready to appear before him that day wherever he pleased; for upon the prophet's oath Obadiah was entirely satisfied, and was in no fear of delivering the message:
and Ahab went to meet Elijah; though perhaps the bold message of the prophet might make him fear he had something to say to him not very agreeable.
Gill: 1Ki 18:17 - -- And it came to pass when Ahab saw Elijah,.... As soon as he came up to him, and knew who he was; Abarbinel thinks, because his hair was grown so long ...
And it came to pass when Ahab saw Elijah,.... As soon as he came up to him, and knew who he was; Abarbinel thinks, because his hair was grown so long that Ahab did not know him certainly, and therefore put the following question:
that Ahab said unto him, art thou he that troubleth Israel? by opposing the religion of Baal, which prevailed among them; but chiefly rain being withheld from them according to his word, and at his prayer.
Gill: 1Ki 18:18 - -- And he answered,.... That is, Elijah, with great boldness and undaunted courage, not fearing the face of the king, being sent to show himself to him i...
And he answered,.... That is, Elijah, with great boldness and undaunted courage, not fearing the face of the king, being sent to show himself to him in the name of the King of kings:
I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy father's house; they, by their sins, were the cause of all the troubles, those sore evil and sad calamities that were upon them:
in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord: to have no other gods before him, and not to make images, and worship them, which they had done:
and thou hast followed Baalim; the several Baals, the Sun, moon, and stars, the whole host of heaven, worshipped under this name; or, not content with the Phoenician Baal, or Baal of the Zidonians, followed others, see Jdg 2:11.
Gill: 1Ki 18:19 - -- Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel..... No doubt but more discourse passed between Ahab and Elijah, though not recorded...
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel..... No doubt but more discourse passed between Ahab and Elijah, though not recorded, before he made this motion to him; it is very probable, that after some dispute between them, who was the true God, and about idolatry, as the cause of want of rain, Elijah proposed to the king what he afterwards did to the people, to which he could not object; and being desirous of gratifying his curiosity, and especially of having rain, which the prophet might promise him in the issue of this affair, he agreed unto it; and therefore Elijah desired that all Israel might be convened, that it might be openly and publicly done, and to the conviction and reformation of them, which was what was chiefly designed; and he chose Carmel, a mountain in the tribe of Issachar, well situated for the people that came from all parts; and the rather this than Samaria, that he might meet with no obstruction from Jezebel, and from whence: he might be able to see the rain when coming, as he did. Of this mountain; see Gill on Jer 46:18, to which may be added, the description of it by Mr. Sandys n.
"Mount Carmel stretcheth from east to west, and hath its uttermost basis washed with the sea; steepest towards the north, and of an indifferent altitude; rich in vines and olives when farmed, and abounding with several sorts of fruits and herbs, both medicinal and fragrant, though now much overgrown with woods and shrubs of sweet savour.''
From the following solemn transaction at it, it seems in later times, to have become sacred, and was very venerable with the Heathens; from this mountain, a deity with them had the name of Carmel, and was worshipped here, without an image or a temple, only had an altar erected for it, in imitation of the God of Israel, worshipped here in like manner; here Vespasian sacrificed to this deity, assisted by the priest of it, Basilides, as Tacitus o relates; Suetonius p also makes mention of this deity, and of Vespasian's consulting its oracle, which gave him hopes of obtaining the empire; and from hence, in Popish times, there were an order of friars called Carmelites, instituted in the year 1180, pretending to be the successors of the children of the prophets Elijah left there:
and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty; who are supposed to be dispersed in the various parts of the kingdom, to teach and practise the worship of Baal, and encourage and spread it in the nation:
and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table; for it seems there were now more groves than that one Ahab first made, 1Ki 16:33, for which such numbers were appointed to attend, and which, perhaps, were near Samaria, since they ate at Jezebel's table, and were a sort of domestic chaplains of her's. "Asheroth", we render "groves", the learned Selden q takes to be Ashtoreth, or Ashtareth, or Astarte, the goddess of the Zidonians, for whom, and so for these prophets, Jezebel might have a peculiar respect, see 1Ki 11:5.
expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes -> 1Ki 18:1; 1Ki 18:2; 1Ki 18:3; 1Ki 18:4; 1Ki 18:5; 1Ki 18:5; 1Ki 18:6; 1Ki 18:7; 1Ki 18:8; 1Ki 18:8; 1Ki 18:9; 1Ki 18:9; 1Ki 18:10; 1Ki 18:11; 1Ki 18:12; 1Ki 18:12; 1Ki 18:12; 1Ki 18:12; 1Ki 18:13; 1Ki 18:14; 1Ki 18:15; 1Ki 18:15; 1Ki 18:16; 1Ki 18:17; 1Ki 18:17; 1Ki 18:18; 1Ki 18:18; 1Ki 18:19; 1Ki 18:19
NET Notes: 1Ki 18:3 Heb “now Obadiah greatly feared the Lord.” “Fear” refers here to obedience and allegiance, the products of healthy respect for...
NET Notes: 1Ki 18:6 The Hebrew text has “alone” here and again in reference to Obadiah toward the end of the verse.
NET Notes: 1Ki 18:13 Heb “Has it not been told to my master what I did…?” The rhetorical question expects an answer, “Of course it has!”
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:1 And it came to pass [after] many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the ( a ) third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I wil...
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:3 And Ahab called Obadiah, which [was] the governor of [his] house. (Now Obadiah ( b ) feared the LORD greatly:
( b ) God had begun to work his fear in...
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah ( c ) met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, [Art] thou that my lord Elijah?
( c ) G...
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:12 And it shall come to pass, [as soon as] I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and [so] when I come and...
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:15 And Elijah said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew ( e ) myself unto him to day.
( e ) By my presence I will dec...
Geneva Bible: 1Ki 18:18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but ( f ) thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou h...
expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 1Ki 18:1-46
TSK Synopsis: 1Ki 18:1-46 - --1 In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah.9 Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah.17 Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven c...
MHCC -> 1Ki 18:1-16; 1Ki 18:17-20
MHCC: 1Ki 18:1-16 - --The severest judgments, of themselves, will not humble or change the hearts of sinners; nothing, except the blood of Jesus Christ, can atone for the g...
MHCC: 1Ki 18:17-20 - --One may guess how people stand affected to God, by observing how they stand affected to his people and ministers. It has been the lot of the best and ...
Matthew Henry -> 1Ki 18:1-16; 1Ki 18:17-20
Matthew Henry: 1Ki 18:1-16 - -- In these verses we find, I. The sad state of Israel at this time, upon two accounts: - 1. Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord (1Ki 18:4), s...
Matthew Henry: 1Ki 18:17-20 - -- We have here the meeting between Ahab and Elijah, as bad a king as ever the world was plagued with and as good a prophet as ever the church was bles...
Keil-Delitzsch -> 1Ki 18:1-19
Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ki 18:1-19 - --
As the judgment of drought and famine did not bring king Ahab to his senses and lead him to turn from his ungodly ways, but only filled him with exa...
Constable: 1Ki 16:29--22:41 - --1. Ahab's evil reign in Israel 16:29-22:40
Ahab ruled Israel from Samaria for 22 years (874-853 ...
Constable: 1Ki 18:1-16 - --God's revelation of His people 18:1-16
Elijah would next learn from God how the Israelit...
Constable: 1Ki 18:17-40 - --The vindication of Yahweh 18:17-40
Ahab had a problem of perception similar to Obadiah's...
Guzik -> 1Ki 18:1-46
Guzik: 1Ki 18:1-46 - --1 Kings 18 - Elijah's Victory at Carmel
A. Elijah meets Ahab.
1. (1-2) The end of the drought.
And it came to pass after many days that the word o...
expand allIntroduction / Outline
JFB: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF KINGS, in the ancient copies of the Hebrew Bible, constitute one book. Various titles have been given them; in the Septu...
JFB: 1 Kings (Outline)
ABISHAG CHERISHES DAVID IN HIS EXTREME AGE. (1Ki 1:1-4)
ADONIJAH USURPS THE KINGDOM. (1Ki. 1:5-31)
SOLOMON, BY DAVID'S APPOINTMENT, IS ANOINTED KING....
TSK: 1 Kings 18 (Chapter Introduction) Overview
1Ki 18:1, In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah; 1Ki 18:9, Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah; 1Ki 18:17, Elijah...
Poole: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) FIRST BOOK OF KINGS COMMONLY CALLED
THE THIRD BOOK OF THE KINGS
THE ARGUMENT
THESE two Books called Of the Kings, because they treat of the kings of...
Poole: 1 Kings 18 (Chapter Introduction) KINGS CHAPTER 18
Elijah in the extremity of famine is sent to Ahab; meeteth good Obadiah, 1Ki 18:1-7 ; chargeth him to certify the king of his comi...
MHCC: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) The history now before us accounts for the affairs of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, yet with special regard to the kingdom of God among them; for ...
MHCC: 1 Kings 18 (Chapter Introduction) (v. 1-16) Elijah sends Ahab notice of his coming.
(1Ki 18:17-20) Elijah meets Ahab.
(v. 21-40) Elijah's trial of the false prophets.
(1Ki 18:41-46)...
Matthew Henry: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Book of Kings
Many histories are books of kings and their reigns, to which the affairs of the...
Matthew Henry: 1 Kings 18 (Chapter Introduction) We left the prophet Elijah wrapt up in obscurity. It does not appear that either the increase of the provision or the raising of the child had caus...
Constable: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) Introduction
Title
The Books of 1 and 2 Kings received their names because they docume...
Constable: 1 Kings (Outline) Outline
I. The reign of Solomon chs. 1-11
A. Solomon's succession to David's throne 1:1-2:12...
Constable: 1 Kings 1 Kings
Bibliography
Aharoni, Yohanan. "The Building Activities of David and Solomon." Israel Exploration Journ...
Haydock: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) THE THIRD BOOK OF KINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
This and the following Book are called by the holy Fathers, The Third and Fourth Book of Kings; but b...
Gill: 1 Kings (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS
This, and the following book, properly are but one book, divided into two parts, and went with the Jews under the common na...
Gill: 1 Kings 18 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 18
In this chapter Elijah has an order from the Lord to show himself to Ahab, who, going first, and meeting with a servant ...
