1 Kings 18:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass [after] many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after many {H7227} days {H3117}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Elijah {H452} in the third {H7992} year {H8141}, saying {H559}, Go {H3212}, shew {H7200} thyself unto Ahab {H256}; and I will send {H5414} rain {H4306} upon {H6440} the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A long time passed. Then, in the third year, the word of ADONAI came to Eliyahu: "Go, present yourself to Ach'av, and I will send rain down on the land."

Berean Standard Bible

After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after many days, that the word of Jehovah came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 18:1 marks a pivotal turning point in the narrative of Elijah, signaling the imminent end of a severe, divinely ordained drought that had afflicted Israel for a prolonged period. This verse initiates the Lord's direct intervention, commanding Elijah to emerge from hiding and confront King Ahab, thereby setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of Yahweh's sovereignty over nature and His ultimate supremacy over the false god Baal. It underscores divine timing, Elijah's courageous obedience, and God's faithfulness to His promises, even amidst widespread national apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of miraculous provision for Elijah, during which he was hidden by God first by the brook Cherith and then with the widow of Zarephath. [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought") records Elijah's initial pronouncement of the drought, which served as a divine judgment. Chapters [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath") and [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel") are tightly interwoven, showcasing God's care for His prophet and His preparation of Elijah for the epic confrontation on Mount Carmel. The "third year" mentioned in this verse refers to the third year since Elijah's initial declaration of the drought, or possibly the third year of his stay in Zarephath, implying a total drought duration of approximately three and a half years, as later referenced in [James 5:17](/james/5-17 "James 5:17 - Elijah's Prayer for Rain"). This period of waiting and suffering served to intensify the nation's desperation, preparing them for a decisive revelation of God's power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King Ahab's reign (c. 874-853 BC) was marked by unprecedented religious apostasy in Israel, primarily due to the influence of his Phoenician wife, Jezebel. She actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, establishing temples and supporting hundreds of prophets of these pagan deities, even persecuting the prophets of Yahweh (as seen in [1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides Prophets")). Baal was worshipped as the god of storm, rain, and fertility, making the prolonged drought a direct challenge to his perceived power and a profound theological statement by Yahweh. The drought was not merely a natural disaster but a divine judgment, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute control over the natural elements, a domain Baal was supposedly sovereign over. For Elijah to "shew thyself unto Ahab" was an act of immense courage, as Ahab had been desperately searching for him, viewing him as the cause of the national calamity ([1 Kings 18:10](/1_kings/18-10 "1 Kings 18:10 - Ahab Searches for Elijah")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Timing** are paramount, as the "word of the LORD" initiates the end of the drought at God's precise moment, not man's. This highlights God's absolute control over creation and history, demonstrating that He brings judgment and offers restoration according to His perfect plan. Secondly, **Confrontation with Idolatry** is central; the drought and the subsequent command to Elijah are God's direct challenge to the widespread Baal worship, asserting His unique claim as the only true God. Thirdly, **Prophetic Obedience and Courage** are exemplified by Elijah's willingness to face a hostile king and a nation steeped in apostasy, trusting in God's command despite personal danger. This sets the stage for the dramatic vindication of Yahweh on Mount Carmel, where His power to send fire and rain would unequivocally prove His supremacy ([1 Kings 18:38-39](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire Falls on Mount Carmel") and [1 Kings 18:45](/1_kings/18-45 "1 Kings 18:45 - Rain Returns")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dāḇār'_):** The phrase "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה, _dāḇār Yahweh_) is a powerful theological statement. _Dāḇār_ signifies not just a spoken word but an active, effective, and authoritative utterance. It implies a divine decree or command that carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares. Here, it underscores that the end of the drought and the subsequent events are not random occurrences or human initiatives, but direct, intentional acts of God, revealing His will and power.
* **Third Year (Hebrew, _šālîšît šānāh'_):** The "third year" (הַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁלִישִׁית, _haššānāh haššəlîšît_) is a significant temporal marker. While the total drought duration is often understood as three and a half years (cf. [Luke 4:25](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25 - Elijah and the Widow") and [James 5:17](/james/5-17 "James 5:17 - Elijah's Prayer")), this "third year" likely refers to the third year since Elijah's public declaration of the drought in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought"), or the third year of his stay in Zarephath. This specific timing emphasizes God's sovereign control over the duration of judgment and the precise moment of His intervention, indicating that the period of testing and suffering had reached its divinely appointed conclusion.
* **Show Thyself (Hebrew, _rāʾāh'_):** The command "Go, shew thyself" (לֵךְ הֵרָאֵה, _lēḵ hērāʾēh_) uses the Hithpael stem of the verb _rāʾāh_, which means "to see" or "to appear." In the Hithpael, it conveys the reflexive sense of "to show oneself" or "to make oneself visible." This is a direct, imperative command from God, requiring Elijah to emerge from his hidden, protected state and re-enter the public sphere, specifically confronting the hostile King Ahab. It signifies a transition from divine sustenance in isolation to active prophetic engagement and confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass [after] many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the specific timing of God's intervention. The "many days" and "third year" emphasize the prolonged nature of the drought and the suffering it caused, highlighting God's patience and the severity of the judgment. The phrase "the word of the LORD came to Elijah" underscores that this was a direct, authoritative, and timely revelation from God, not Elijah's own decision or a random event. It signifies God's active involvement in history and His direct communication with His chosen prophet.
* **"Go, shew thyself unto Ahab;"**: This is a direct, imperative command to Elijah, requiring an act of profound courage and obedience. Ahab had been actively searching for Elijah, blaming him for the drought and likely intending to harm him. For Elijah to "show himself" meant confronting the king who represented the very idolatry God was judging. This command marks the end of Elijah's period of hiding and preparation, ushering him into public ministry and direct confrontation with the forces of Baal worship.
* **"and I will send rain upon the earth."**: This is God's promise and the ultimate purpose of Elijah's mission. It reveals God's sovereign control over the natural world, directly challenging Baal's supposed domain as the god of rain and fertility. This promise serves as a divine assurance to Elijah, guaranteeing God's ultimate victory and the restoration that would follow the demonstration of His power. It sets the expectation for the dramatic events on Mount Carmel, where the cessation of the drought would be a direct result of Yahweh's vindication.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the command to "shew thyself unto Ahab" and the promise "I will send rain upon the earth" directly anticipate the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel and its outcome. The drought itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's judgment on Israel's spiritual barrenness and apostasy, while the promised rain symbolizes divine restoration and blessing contingent on repentance. The phrase "the word of the LORD came to Elijah" is an example of **Direct Revelation**, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the message. The entire passage is structured with a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Ahab seeks Elijah to punish him, unaware that Elijah's appearance is the prelude to God's decisive intervention and the ultimate downfall of Baal worship. The use of specific temporal markers like "many days" and "the third year" creates a sense of **Suspense** and emphasizes the long-awaited climax of God's judgment and redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Kings 18:1 powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active engagement in human history, particularly in judging sin and bringing about His redemptive purposes. The prolonged drought, initiated by God, served as a profound theological statement against Baal worship, proving Yahweh's exclusive control over the very elements Baal was worshipped for. God's timing for ending the drought, "in the third year," highlights His perfect wisdom and patience, allowing the judgment to run its course to bring about repentance and a clear demonstration of His power. Elijah's courageous obedience to "shew thyself unto Ahab" exemplifies faithful prophetic ministry, serving as a model for believers to boldly stand for truth even in hostile environments, trusting in God's protection and promised vindication. This verse is a foundational moment in the narrative of God's ongoing battle against idolatry and His relentless pursuit of His people's faithfulness.

* [James 5:17](/james/5-17 "James 5:17 - Elijah's Prayer for Rain")
* [Deuteronomy 11:16](/deuteronomy/11-16 "Deuteronomy 11:16 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Amos 4:7](/amos/4-7 "Amos 4:7 - God Withholds Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Kings 18:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even prolonged periods of difficulty or "drought" in our lives or in the world. Just as God had a perfect timing for ending the drought in Israel, He has a perfect timing for every season of our lives, working all things according to His wise and good purposes. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of patient waiting and unwavering trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or His intervention delayed. Furthermore, Elijah's immediate and courageous obedience to a dangerous command challenges us to examine our own willingness to "show ourselves" for God's truth in a world that often opposes it. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, confront spiritual apathy or idolatry in our spheres of influence, and speak God's word, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and protection, and ultimately fulfill His promises? Our faith is not merely passive belief but active, courageous obedience in response to God's clear call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you currently see a "drought" or a prolonged period of difficulty? How does 1 Kings 18:1 encourage you to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereignty in those situations?**
* **What "Ahabs" or hostile environments might God be calling you to "shew thyself unto" with truth and courage? What fears might be holding you back, and how can you rely on God's promise of provision and victory?**
* **How does the understanding of God's control over natural elements (sending rain) impact your view of His power and authority over all aspects of your life and the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did God wait "many days" or "the third year" to send rain?**

Answer: God's timing is always perfect and purposeful, even when it seems prolonged from a human perspective. The "many days" and "third year" (which, combined with the initial period, likely totaled three and a half years, as referenced in [Luke 4:25](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25 - Elijah and the Widow") and [James 5:17](/james/5-17 "James 5:17 - Elijah's Prayer for Rain")) served several divine purposes. Firstly, it intensified the judgment on Israel for their widespread idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, who was supposedly the god of rain and fertility. The prolonged drought unequivocally demonstrated Baal's impotence and Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over nature. Secondly, it created a desperate situation that would make God's eventual intervention undeniably miraculous and undeniable to the people. This period also allowed for Elijah's personal preparation and growth in faith while in hiding, and it set the stage for a dramatic public confrontation that would leave no doubt about who the true God was. God's delay was not indifference but strategic patience, designed to bring about a more profound and lasting impact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Kings 18:1, while rooted in the Old Testament narrative of judgment and restoration, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah, the prophet empowered by the "word of the LORD," emerges from hiding to confront the spiritual darkness of his age, much like Jesus, the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who emerged into public ministry to confront the spiritual blindness and idolatry of His generation. The drought, a consequence of Israel's sin, points to the spiritual barrenness of humanity under the curse of sin, a condition from which only Christ can bring true **spiritual rain and refreshment** ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Just as God promised to send physical rain through Elijah, Jesus promises the **living water** of the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him, bringing life and fruitfulness to parched souls ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). The confrontation with Baal on Mount Carmel, where Yahweh's power was unequivocally displayed, prefigures Christ's ultimate victory over all demonic powers and false gods through His death and resurrection, demonstrating His absolute **sovereignty over all creation and spiritual forces** ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, the promise of rain after judgment points to the **new covenant of grace** established through Christ, where forgiveness and spiritual renewal are poured out, fulfilling the deepest longings for divine presence and blessing ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 4:25

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

James 5:17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Deuteronomy 28:12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

1 Kings 18:15

And Elijah said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

1 Kings 18:40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

1 Kings 18:2

And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And [there was] a sore famine in Samaria.