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1 Kings 18:41
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
A.B. Simpson
Samuel ChadwickSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Get thee up, eat and drink - It appears most evidently that Ahab and the prophet were now on good terms, and this is a farther evidence that the slaying of the false prophets was by the king's consent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said to his servant,.... Whom some take to be the son of the widow of Sarepta, but he must be too young to be employed in such service as this was: go up now; still higher on Mount Carmel; than where he was, even to the highest point of it: look towards the sea: or the west, as the Targum, the Mediterranean sea, which lay to the west of the land of Israel: and he went up and looked, and he said, there is nothing; there was nothing in the sky, or arising out of the sea, that looked like or foreboded rain: and he said, go again seven times; till he should see something.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Israel being thus far reformed that they had acknowledged the Lord to be God, and had consented to the execution of Baal's prophets, that they might not seduce them any more, though this was far short of a thorough reformation, yet it was so far accepted that God thereupon opened the bottles of heaven, and poured out blessings upon his land, that very evening (as it should seem) on which they did this good work, which should have confirmed them in their reformation; see Hag 2:18, Hag 2:19. I. Elijah sent Ahab to eat and drink, for joy that God had now accepted his works, and that rain was coming; see Ecc 9:7. Ahab had continued fasting all day, either religiously, it being a day of prayer, or for want of leisure, it being a day of great expectation; but now let him eat and rink for, though others perceive no sign of it, Elijah, by faith, hears the sound of abundance of rain, Kg1 18:41. God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets; and yet, without a revelation, we may foresee that when man's judgments run down like a river God's mercy will. Rain is the river of God, Psa 65:9. II. He himself retired to pray (for though God had promised rain, he must ask it, Zac 10:1), and to give thanks for God's answer by fire, now hoping for an answer by water. What he said we are not told; but, 1. He withdrew to a strange place, to the top of Carmel, which was very high and very private. Hence we read of those that hide themselves in the top of Carmel, Amo 9:3. There he would be alone. Those who are called to appear and act in public for God must yet find time to be private with him and keep up their converse with him in solitude. There he set himself, as it were, upon his watch-tower, like the prophet, Hab 2:1. 2. He put himself into a strange posture. He cast himself down on his knees upon the earth, in token of humility, reverence, and importunity, and put his face between his knees (that is, bowed his head so low that it touched his knees), thus abasing himself in the sense of his own meanness now that God had thus honoured him. III. He ordered his servant to bring him notice as soon as he discerned a cloud arising out of the sea, the Mediterranean Sea, which he had a large prospect of from the top of Carmel. The sailors at this day call it Cape Carmel. Six times his servant goes to the point of the hill and sees nothing, brings no good news to his master; yet Elijah continues praying, will not be diverted so far as to go and see with his own eyes, but still sends his servant to see if he can discover any hopeful cloud, while he keeps his mind close and intent in prayer, and abides by it, as one that has taken up his father Jacob's resolution, I will not let thee go except thou bless me. Note, Though the answer of our fervent and believing supplications may not come quickly, yet we must continue instant in prayer, and not faint nor desist; for at the end it shall speak and not lie. IV. A little cloud at length appeared, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently overspread the heavens and watered the earth, Kg1 18:44, Kg1 18:45. Great blessings often arise from small beginnings, and showers of plenty from a cloud of a span long. Let us therefore never despise the day of small things, but hope and wait for great things from it. This was not as a morning cloud, which passes away (though Israel's goodness was so), but one that produced a plentiful rain (Psa 68:9), and an earnest of more. V. Elijah hereupon hastened Ahab home, and attended him himself. Ahab rode in his chariot, at ease and in state, Kg1 18:45. Elijah ran on foot before him. If Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom. But his corruptions got the better of his convictions, and he was glad to get clear of him, as Felix of Paul, when he dismissed him, and adjourned his conference with him to a more convenient season. But, since Ahab invites him not to ride with him, he will run before him (Kg1 18:46) as one of his footmen, that he may not seem to be lifted up with the great honour God had put upon him or to abate in his civil respect to his prince, though he reproved him faithfully. God's ministers should make it appear that, how great soever they look when they deliver God's message, yet they are far from affecting worldly grandeur: let them leave that to the kings of the earth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:41-45 The servant . . . saw a little cloud on the horizon that appeared to be the size of a hand. Yet it heralded the approach of a terrific rainstorm.
1 Kings 18:41
The LORD Sends Rain
40Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.41And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
When Wales Caught the Fire of the Holy Ghost - the 1904 Welsh Revival
By Brian Green5.0K53:331KI 18:411KI 18:44PSA 80:4ISA 6:5MAT 6:33In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts the story of a man named Evan who embarked on a journey to spread his faith without any resources or support. Despite the challenges, Evan boldly shared his beliefs with people he encountered, warning them of the impending judgment. Upon returning home, Evan miraculously predicted that his brother, who had been told he would lose his eyesight, would regain it because the Lord had a purpose for him. The speaker also describes Evan's deep spiritual experiences, where he would wake up in the early hours of the morning to commune intimately with God. This transcript highlights Evan's lifelong passion for revival and his dedication to sharing the word of God with others.
Fren-08 Élie Le Prophète (Elijah the Prophet)
By Art Katz9711:16:12ProphetEXO 20:31KI 17:11KI 18:211KI 18:41ISA 55:11ACT 2:46JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of leaving a secure teaching profession to follow God's calling. He emphasizes the importance of being led by God and not relying on worldly securities. The speaker recounts how God has miraculously provided for him and his family throughout their ministry, even in remote locations. He highlights the significance of obedience to God's voice and the blessings that come from following His will.
A Testimony of God's Working and the Call to the Work
By Merle Weaver72218:52RevivalFaithfulness in MinistryTestimony1KI 18:41Merle Weaver shares a powerful testimony of God's work in the lives of believers, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faithfulness in the face of challenges. He recounts the story of Elijah and the promise of rain, drawing parallels to the revival efforts among the Amish community and the growing movement of believers committed to spreading the Gospel. Weaver encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their calling, to pray for revival, and to actively participate in God's mission to reach the lost. He highlights the need for personal revival and collective action, urging everyone to be a light in the darkness and to feed God's sheep.
(Elijah Legacy) 7. the Sound of Abundant Rain
By David Davis65810:17Israel1KI 18:41In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about General Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and his prayer for a move of God in France. Despite facing discouragement, Booth sent a cable with the words "three tears, Booth" to his team, emphasizing the importance of intercession and crying out to the Lord. The speaker then references the biblical story of Elijah, who fervently prayed for rain during a time of famine. Through persistent prayer, Elijah eventually saw a hand stretched out in intercession, signaling the coming rain. The speaker encourages listeners to follow the examples of General Booth and Elijah, seeking the abundant rain of God's love and power in their own lives and ministries.
Faith's Persistency (1 Kings 18:41-44)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Trust in God's TimingPersistent Faith1KI 18:41T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of persistent faith through the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, where despite the initial lack of rain after a great victory over Baal, Elijah continues to pray earnestly. He illustrates that God's ways can seem slow and hidden, testing the faith of His servants, and that true service requires unwavering persistence even in the face of disappointment. The narrative highlights the necessity of continuing to seek God's response, as demonstrated by Elijah's servant who returned multiple times to report 'nothing' before finally seeing a sign of rain. This persistence ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's promise, showcasing that faith must endure through trials and delays. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true victory in faith comes from steadfastness and trust in God's timing.
Hold Fast the Confidence
By A.B. Simpson0PerseveranceFaith1KI 18:412KI 13:14PSA 27:14ISA 40:31ROM 5:31CO 15:57PHP 4:132TI 4:7HEB 3:14JAS 1:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of holding fast to our confidence in God, illustrating the journey of faith through the examples of Elijah and Joash. He describes the initial simple trust represented by Elijah's proclamation of rain, followed by a deeper, more intense prayer life that requires perseverance and active faith. Simpson warns that many believers fall short in their faith journey, failing to meet God's expectations after asking for His blessings. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their confidence, reminding them that they are partakers of Christ if they endure to the end. The sermon concludes with a message of hope for struggling believers, urging them to trust in Christ's victory over their challenges.
Praying and the Commonplace
By Samuel Chadwick0EXO 7:201KI 18:41NEH 1:4MAT 6:6EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16Samuel Chadwick preaches about the extraordinary lives of Moses and Elijah, chosen to talk with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration due to their unique tasks and intimate relationship with God, showcasing their power through miracles and prayer. He contrasts their extraordinary experiences with the role of prayer in the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing that prayer can elevate even the most mundane tasks and individuals to a supernatural level. Chadwick highlights the example of Nehemiah, a man of prayer who worked in normal conditions, showing that consistent prayer can lead to remarkable results in building and restoring despite the absence of dramatic miracles.
Faith's Persistence. a Factor in the Making of a Servant
By T. Austin-Sparks0Persistence in PrayerFaith1KI 18:41T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical nature of faith's persistence in the life of a servant of God, using the story of Elijah and the drought in 1 Kings 18:41-44. He highlights the tension between God's seemingly slow responses and the necessity for unwavering faith, as demonstrated by Elijah's servant who was tasked with looking for rain. Despite multiple reports of 'nothing,' the servant's persistence ultimately led to the manifestation of God's promise. Sparks warns against complacency after spiritual victories, stressing that true servanthood requires a steadfast faith that endures even in the face of apparent indifference from God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is more focused on developing the character of His servants than on immediate results.
Continue in Prayer
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 18:22GEN 32:241KI 18:41MRK 1:35LUK 2:36ROM 12:12COL 4:2JAS 5:16Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of consistent and fervent prayer, drawing examples from Anna, Abraham, Jacob, and Jesus to illustrate the power and necessity of perseverance in prayer. He highlights that effective prayer requires a continuous practice of communion with God, rather than sporadic or half-hearted efforts, and that true intercession comes from a deep, ongoing relationship with the Lord.
The Descending River of God
By Raymond Golsworthy01KI 18:41PSA 65:9ISA 44:3LUK 11:1ACT 2:44ACT 3:19EPH 4:32COL 2:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the descending 'river of God' as described in Psalms 65:9, 10, emphasizing the spiritual refreshing and abundance of supply that comes from God's promises. The sermon explores the immediate effects of the rain, such as breaking down high ridges, drenching the furrows, and softening hearts, drawing parallels to humbling ourselves before God. The ultimate evidences of God's river descending are seen in the flourishing of local churches, abundant spiritual nourishment, and overflowing joy and worship, signifying true revival and the presence of God among His people.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Get thee up, eat and drink - It appears most evidently that Ahab and the prophet were now on good terms, and this is a farther evidence that the slaying of the false prophets was by the king's consent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said to his servant,.... Whom some take to be the son of the widow of Sarepta, but he must be too young to be employed in such service as this was: go up now; still higher on Mount Carmel; than where he was, even to the highest point of it: look towards the sea: or the west, as the Targum, the Mediterranean sea, which lay to the west of the land of Israel: and he went up and looked, and he said, there is nothing; there was nothing in the sky, or arising out of the sea, that looked like or foreboded rain: and he said, go again seven times; till he should see something.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Israel being thus far reformed that they had acknowledged the Lord to be God, and had consented to the execution of Baal's prophets, that they might not seduce them any more, though this was far short of a thorough reformation, yet it was so far accepted that God thereupon opened the bottles of heaven, and poured out blessings upon his land, that very evening (as it should seem) on which they did this good work, which should have confirmed them in their reformation; see Hag 2:18, Hag 2:19. I. Elijah sent Ahab to eat and drink, for joy that God had now accepted his works, and that rain was coming; see Ecc 9:7. Ahab had continued fasting all day, either religiously, it being a day of prayer, or for want of leisure, it being a day of great expectation; but now let him eat and rink for, though others perceive no sign of it, Elijah, by faith, hears the sound of abundance of rain, Kg1 18:41. God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets; and yet, without a revelation, we may foresee that when man's judgments run down like a river God's mercy will. Rain is the river of God, Psa 65:9. II. He himself retired to pray (for though God had promised rain, he must ask it, Zac 10:1), and to give thanks for God's answer by fire, now hoping for an answer by water. What he said we are not told; but, 1. He withdrew to a strange place, to the top of Carmel, which was very high and very private. Hence we read of those that hide themselves in the top of Carmel, Amo 9:3. There he would be alone. Those who are called to appear and act in public for God must yet find time to be private with him and keep up their converse with him in solitude. There he set himself, as it were, upon his watch-tower, like the prophet, Hab 2:1. 2. He put himself into a strange posture. He cast himself down on his knees upon the earth, in token of humility, reverence, and importunity, and put his face between his knees (that is, bowed his head so low that it touched his knees), thus abasing himself in the sense of his own meanness now that God had thus honoured him. III. He ordered his servant to bring him notice as soon as he discerned a cloud arising out of the sea, the Mediterranean Sea, which he had a large prospect of from the top of Carmel. The sailors at this day call it Cape Carmel. Six times his servant goes to the point of the hill and sees nothing, brings no good news to his master; yet Elijah continues praying, will not be diverted so far as to go and see with his own eyes, but still sends his servant to see if he can discover any hopeful cloud, while he keeps his mind close and intent in prayer, and abides by it, as one that has taken up his father Jacob's resolution, I will not let thee go except thou bless me. Note, Though the answer of our fervent and believing supplications may not come quickly, yet we must continue instant in prayer, and not faint nor desist; for at the end it shall speak and not lie. IV. A little cloud at length appeared, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently overspread the heavens and watered the earth, Kg1 18:44, Kg1 18:45. Great blessings often arise from small beginnings, and showers of plenty from a cloud of a span long. Let us therefore never despise the day of small things, but hope and wait for great things from it. This was not as a morning cloud, which passes away (though Israel's goodness was so), but one that produced a plentiful rain (Psa 68:9), and an earnest of more. V. Elijah hereupon hastened Ahab home, and attended him himself. Ahab rode in his chariot, at ease and in state, Kg1 18:45. Elijah ran on foot before him. If Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom. But his corruptions got the better of his convictions, and he was glad to get clear of him, as Felix of Paul, when he dismissed him, and adjourned his conference with him to a more convenient season. But, since Ahab invites him not to ride with him, he will run before him (Kg1 18:46) as one of his footmen, that he may not seem to be lifted up with the great honour God had put upon him or to abate in his civil respect to his prince, though he reproved him faithfully. God's ministers should make it appear that, how great soever they look when they deliver God's message, yet they are far from affecting worldly grandeur: let them leave that to the kings of the earth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:41-45 The servant . . . saw a little cloud on the horizon that appeared to be the size of a hand. Yet it heralded the approach of a terrific rainstorm.