1 Kings 18:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

1 Kings 18:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Elijah, signaling the end of a severe drought that had afflicted Israel for years. This verse sets the stage for one of the most dramatic confrontations in biblical history between the God of Israel and the pagan deity Baal.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "after many days" refers to a prolonged period of severe drought, specifically mentioned as the "third year." This drought was a direct divine judgment upon Israel for its widespread idolatry, primarily the worship of Baal and Asherah, heavily promoted by King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel. Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, had previously declared this drought in 1 Kings 17:1, stating that there would be neither dew nor rain except by his word. For three and a half years, the land suffered, demonstrating God's power over nature and His response to the nation's spiritual apostasy. During this time, Elijah had been in hiding, sustained miraculously by God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Timing and Sovereignty: The "word of the LORD" coming to Elijah at this specific time highlights God's perfect timing. He initiates the end of the drought, not Ahab or any human effort, underscoring His absolute control over creation and history. The judgment had run its course, and it was time for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness.
  • Obedience and Courage: Elijah is commanded to "shew thyself unto Ahab." This was a dangerous directive, as Ahab had been desperately searching for Elijah, blaming him for the drought. Elijah's immediate obedience demonstrates profound faith and courage in the face of a hostile king and a nation steeped in idolatry. His willingness to confront power for God's truth is a central theme.
  • Preparation for Confrontation: This verse is the prelude to the epic showdown on Mount Carmel, where Elijah would challenge the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to prove whose God was real. The promise, "I will send rain upon the earth," serves as God's assurance of His ultimate victory and the restoration that would follow the people's repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: dabar Yahweh) emphasizes that this was a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself, not Elijah's own initiative. It signifies God's active involvement in the unfolding events and His direct communication with His chosen prophet. The "third year" is a significant period, often used in Scripture to denote a time of divine fulfillment or completion, indicating that God's judgment had reached its intended duration before His promised restoration.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that God operates according to His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem bleak or prolonged. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of obedience and courage, even when called to difficult or dangerous tasks, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and protection. Just as God intervened to end the drought and confront idolatry, He continues to work in the world, bringing light to darkness and demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all things. We are called to be like Elijah, faithful messengers of God's truth in a world that often rejects it, confident in God's ultimate victory and His promise of restoration and blessing.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 4:25 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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