1 Kings 18:42
1 Kings 18:42 in Multiple Translations
So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees.
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.
So Ahab went up to have food and drink, while Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he went down on the earth, putting his face between his knees.
So Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went to the top of Carmel. There he bent down to the ground, putting his face between his knees.
So Ahab went vp to eate and to drinke, and Eliiah went vp to the top of Carmel: and he crouched vnto the earth, and put his face betweene his knees,
And Ahab goeth up to eat, and to drink, and Elijah hath gone up unto the top of Carmel, and he stretcheth himself out on the earth, and he placeth his face between his knees,
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees.
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
Achab went up to eat and drink: and Elias went up to the top of Carmel, and casting himself down upon the earth put his face between his knees,
So Ahab and his men left to prepare a big meal. But Elijah went back up to the top of Carmel Mountain and prayed.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:42
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 18:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲלֶ֥ה
אַחְאָ֖ב
לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל
וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֑וֹת
וְ/אֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ
עָלָ֨ה
אֶל
רֹ֤אשׁ
הַ/כַּרְמֶל֙
וַ/יִּגְהַ֣ר
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
פָּנָ֖י/ו
בֵּ֥ין
ברכ/ו
בִּרְכָּֽי/ו
וַ/יַּעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֑וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/אֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
Conj | N-proper
עָלָ֨ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רֹ֤אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הַ/כַּרְמֶל֙
Karmel
H3760
Carmel
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּגְהַ֣ר
gâhar
H1457
to bend (down)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
ברכ/ו
berek
H1290
knee
N-fd | Suff
בִּרְכָּֽי/ו
berek
H1290
knee
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:42
וַ/יַּעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אַחְאָ֖ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֑וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וְ/אֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
Conj | N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
עָלָ֨ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רֹ֤אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/כַּרְמֶל֙
Karmel
H3760
"Carmel"
Art | N-proper
Mount Carmel is a hill and town in northern Israel, described in the Bible as a fruitful and plentiful field, as seen in 1 Kings 18. The name means garden-land.
Definition: § Carmel = "garden-land" a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Carmel, fruitful (plentiful) field, (place). See also: Joshua 12:22; 2 Kings 2:25; Isaiah 33:9.
וַ/יִּגְהַ֣ר
gâhar
H1457
"to bend (down)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to bend down or prostrate oneself, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in the Bible to describe people bowing down to God. The KJV translates it as cast self down.
Definition: (Qal) to bend, crouch
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cast self down, stretch self. See also: 1 Kings 18:42; 2 Kings 4:34; 2 Kings 4:35.
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
ברכ/ו
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fd | Suff
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
בִּרְכָּֽי/ו
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fd | Suff
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:42
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:42
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:42
Context — 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.”
42So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees.
43“Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” 44On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” And Elijah replied, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 6:12 | In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. |
| 2 | Daniel 9:7 | To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. |
| 3 | Joshua 7:6 | Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. |
| 4 | Daniel 9:3 | So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 18:19–20 | Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. |
| 6 | Mark 14:35 | Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. |
| 7 | Ezra 9:6 | and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens. |
| 8 | Acts 10:9 | The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. |
| 9 | Genesis 24:52 | When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. |
| 10 | Psalms 89:7 | In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. |
1 Kings 18:42 Summary
In this verse, Ahab goes to eat and drink because Elijah told him the drought is ending, while Elijah stays on the mountain to pray. Elijah is showing us that prayer is important, and we should trust God's promises, just like he did. We can learn from Elijah's example by being humble and dependent on God, and by prioritizing prayer in our lives, as seen in Matthew 6:9-13 and Psalm 119:105. By doing so, we can trust God's promises and wait for His answers, just like Elijah did in 1 Kings 18:41-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahab go up to eat and drink while Elijah stayed on the mountain?
Ahab went up to eat and drink because Elijah had told him to do so in 1 Kings 18:41, indicating that the drought was about to end and the sound of heavy rain could be heard, as promised by God in Deuteronomy 28:12 and Jeremiah 5:24.
What was Elijah doing when he bent down on the ground and put his face between his knees?
Elijah was praying, as seen in his actions in 1 Kings 18:42, demonstrating humility and dependence on God, similar to how Jesus taught about prayer in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
Why did Elijah send his servant to look toward the sea?
Elijah sent his servant to look toward the sea in 1 Kings 18:43 because he was waiting for the promised rain, and the sea was the direction from which the clouds would come, as indicated in 1 Kings 18:44, showing Elijah's trust in God's promise, as seen in Psalm 107:35 and Isaiah 35:7.
What can we learn from Elijah's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Elijah's actions in 1 Kings 18:42 that prayer and trust in God's promises are essential for our spiritual growth, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and that we should always be humble and dependent on God, as taught in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's promises, just like Elijah did in this verse?
- How can I demonstrate humility and dependence on God in my daily life, as Elijah did in 1 Kings 18:42?
- What are some ways I can prioritize prayer and seeking God's face, as Elijah did in this verse?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting God's promises in my life, even when I don't see immediate results, as seen in 1 Kings 18:41-46?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:42
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink,.... Up to his chariot, as some think, or rather to some place higher than that in which he now was: and Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; higher still, where
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:42
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, Ahab went up to eat and to drink.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; where he might secretly and ardently pour out his prayers unto God; and whence he might look towards the sea, and discern when the rain was coming. Put his face between his knees; he either sat, or rather kneeled upon his knees, and then cast down his face to the ground between his knees; either in token of profound reverence and humility, or out of fervency of spirit, which oft disposeth men to uncouth gestures, which at other times, or in other men, would be ridiculous; but in them, and in that case, are usual and allowed: or, that turning away his eyes from all outward objects, he might be more intent and earnest upon his work, or pray to God without distraction.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
1 Kings 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,Ver. 42. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel.] There, as in his ordinary oratory, to pray out the promise of rain, to put it in suit, and this he did lustily, straining, as it were, every vein in his heart: for, He cast himself down upon the earth,] sc, Upon his knees. And he put his face between his knees.] To show his great humility and fervency. His knees he bowed to God, his face he bowed down to his knees: by this humble posture both acknowledging his humble respects to that Majesty which he implored; and in addition so hiding his eyes from all distracting objects, that he might the more wholly attend the work which he went about. Some do here observe that the babe in the womb lieth in this sort, with his head between his knees; thereby tacitly setting forth his own misery, and imploring God’ s mercy, to bring him into the light. Quo in statu sese composuit ter maximus Elias abiectissimae suae conditionis memor, ut caelum votis ira conceptis aperiret: quae certe conditio in utero mirabili, superbos ab arrogantia revocare deberet, saith Bodine. The great prophet Elias prayed in this posture, as expressing and increasing thereby his devotion. Let proud men remember their mean beginnings, and pull their crests. Theatr.
Naturae p. 428.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
(42) Put his face between his knees.—The attitude is, of course, one of prayer, but is a peculiar attitude—distinct from the ordinary postures of standing and kneeling—which has been noted as existing still among the modern dervishes. Possibly it is characteristic of the vehement excitement of the moment, and of the impulsive nature of Elijah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
Verse 42. Put his face between his knees] He kneeled down, and then bowed his head to the earth, so that, while his face was between his knees, his forehead touched the ground.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:42
42. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel] To a different point from that to which Ahab had gone. This is clear from 1 Kings 18:44, where the prophet despatches his servant with a message to the king. and he cast [R.V. bowed] himself] The prophet’s attitude was that of prayer. Cf. James 5:18. The humble position is further indicated by the clause which follows, ‘he put his face between his knees.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:42
Ahab could feast; Elijah could not, or would not. Ascending Carmel not quite to the highest elevation 1 Kings 18:43, but to a point, a little below the highest, from where the sea was not visible, he
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:42
42. Cast himself down — Elijah’s attitude in prayer has been understood in two ways.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:42
| Sermon | Description | |
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Elijah and Other of Like Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who faced criticism and threats but remained faithful to hearing from God. He preached a powerful message that led to a mani |
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So Ahab Went Up to Eat and Drink. and Elijah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer contrasts the actions of Ahab and Elijah, illustrating the divide between the worldly and the spiritual. While Ahab indulges in physical desires, Elijah prioritizes comm |
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Keep Praying by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the faith and perseverance of Elijah, a man with similar struggles and doubts as us, who kept praying fervently until he saw God's miraculous inter |
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The Inner Life of the Preacher by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the personal inner life of a minister in bringing about revival. He highlights how Jesus took extra attention to prepare hi |
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God's Kind of Servant by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker describes a family gathering where they read a chapter from the Bible and prayed for missionaries. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following Go |
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(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 03 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God. He highlights how the word of God spread and had a profound impact on people's lives. The preach |
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Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person |