1 Kings 18

1 Kings 18:1

MAny dayes] Three yeers and six moneths, Luke 4:25. James 5:17.

in the third yeer] Of his abode with the widow. There is no other remarkable matter from whence we can take the beginning of these three yeers. See chap. 17. v. 7, 15.

Go shew [That the limitation of time and means (chap. 17. 1.) may be manifestly accomplished.

1 Kings 18:2

in Samaria] In that kingdom wherein Samaria was the head city. See 2 Kings 17. 24.

1 Kings 18:3

Obadiah] Heb. Obadiahu.

the governour of his house] Heb. over his house. As Joseph, Genesis 39:5. and 41. 40. see chap. 4. v. 6.

feared] As Genesis 42:18. He therefore was one of the seven thousand, chap. 19. v. 18.

1 Kings 18:4

Jezebel] Heb. Izebel.

cut off] Slew, destroyed, v. 13.

prophets] In a large sense, they that gave themselves to be truely and thorowly instructed in the will of God, and on all occasions to declare the same to others, were stiled Prophets. Of these there were companies, 1 Sam. 10. 5, 10. and 19. 20. Yea, there were colledges (2 Kings 22:14.) in which there were masters and seniors, who were called Fathers (1 Samuel 10:12. 2 Kings 2:12.) and they who as auditors, or attendants accompanied the ancient prophets, were called Children, or Sons of the prophets, chap. 20. 35. 2 Kings 2:3. and 2 Kings 4:38. Yea, all that openly protested against idolatry, and professed the true religion, are comprised under this title Prophets.

bread and water] In such a famine and drought as then was, bread and water was dainty cheer: though the phrase may be taken for meat and drink.

1 Kings 18:5

grasse] For grasse useth to grow in grounds lying by springs and brooks.

to save the horses] Not that they had more care of beasts then men, but that they could not so well provide out of other countries for beasts as for men.

that we leese not all the beasts] Heb. that we cut not off our selves from the beasts.

1 Kings 18:6

they divided] For a more quick dispatch.

by himself] That a businesse of such consequence might be the more thorowly done. He would not leave it to the trust of others.

and Obadiah] Whom he had found as faithfull as Potipher found Joseph, Genesis 49:4.

1 Kings 18:7

he knew him] Obadiah knew Elijah.

fell on his face] A gesture of high esteem, and great reverence: yet civill onely.

my lord] In regard of his high calling, and extraordinary gifts. So v. 12. thy servant.

1 Kings 18:8

thy lord] King Ahab.

Behold] As this note roused up his attention, so it invites him to go and see, as John 1:36; John 1:46.

1 Kings 18:9

What have I sinned] By what sin against God, or wrong to thee, that my life should be put in such hazard, as it is like to be, by doing as thou bidst me? See v. 12.

1 Kings 18:10

As the Lord, &c.] See chap. 1. 29.

thy God] Not to exempt himself from this relation, but to work the greater credence in Elijah: Or, because Elijah was Gods prophet.

there] Heb. If there be.

no natin] Neighbouring by him, and in league with him.

he took an oath] Moved them to swear that they knew not where thou wast.

1 Kings 18:11

Behold] See v. 8. The words following in the next verses, especially in the v. 14. shew the reason, Why he was loth to carry that message to Ahab.

1 Kings 18:12

carry thee] As Ezekiel 3:14. and Acts 8:39. and 2 Kings 2:11.

slay me] Conceiving me to mock him.

thy servant] A note of an humble minde, ready to do him any service. See v. 7.

fear the Lord] This he pleads to move the prophet to forbear the imposing of that perilous task upon him.

1 Kings 18:13

what I did] See v. 4.

1 Kings 18:14

Go, &c.] See v. 11.

1 Kings 18:15

Lord of hasts] Under whose command are all creatures as souldiers. Because Obadiah was in such fear, Elijah by this solemn oath, puts him out of all fear.

I stand] See chap. 17. v. 1.

1 Kings 18:16

told him] That he had seen Elijah in such a place.

1 Kings 18:17

Art thou he, &c.] This interrogation is a strong asseveration, whereby he layeth the blame of the drought upon the prophet.

troubleth] Bringeth such trouble and calamity, as they are forced to seek up and down, and send far and neer for ordinary food, Joshua 7:25.

1 Kings 18:18

but thou] Gods Spirit put this spirit into him, Ezekiel 3:8.

thy fathers house] Thy brothers, kinsfolks and courtiers left thee by thy father, and observing his courses and statutes, Chap. 16. 25.

Baalim] Many false gods.

1 Kings 18:19

all Israel] Governours and others out of every tribe, to be eye and ear-witnesses of that which shall be done.

Carmel] There were two places called Carmel; one in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:55.) where Nabal had his possession, 1 Samuel 25:2. the other in the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:26.) here, and in other places, called a mount; an high mountain (Amos 9:3.) situate by the sea (Jeremiah 46:18.) On it Elisha had an habitation (2 Kings 2:25. and 2 Kings 4:25.) According to the Hebrew notation, it signifieth a fair fertile place (Isaiah 32:2.) and is by our English translated, a fruitfull field. See on Isaiah 32:15. Carmel in Asher is here meant. See on 1 Samuel 25:2.

prophets] Idolaters feigned such functions as the true Church had: but they were false prophets, such as Chap. 22. v. 23. Luke 6:26. 2 Peter 2:1.

of the groves] Heb. that grove] Chap. 16. 33. Of the idolls in groves, where these prophets had their residency.

eat at Jezebels table] Were sustained by Jezebels provision.

1 Kings 18:20

prophets] The four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, v. 22. it is probable that Jezebel kept back the other four hundred, mentioned Chap. 22. 6.

1 Kings 18:21

halt ye] A man that halts, now enclines his body one way, and now another. This metaphor may be applied to the body of the people; whereof, some enclined their hearts to Jehovah, and others to Baal: or to the same persons, who at some times, in some things enclined to Jehovah; at other times, in other things, to Baal: this later is the most probable. The like is taxed, Matthew 6:24.

opinions] Or, thoughts.

if Baal] Be the true God.

answered not] Or, through ignorance of the true God; or, through fear of Ahab and Jezebel.

1 Kings 18:22

I onely] Here present; the hundred before mentioned were hid, v. 4. See the Notes on Chap. 19. 10, 18.

four hundred and fifty] The other four hundred appeared not, vers. 20.

1 Kings 18:23

Let them give] Let them that will; an indefinite speech, Let there be given.

let them chuse] The offer is made to Baals prophets, that the truth of the case might the more evidently appear.

cut it in pieces] Prepare it for a sacrifice.

dresse it] By cutting it in pieces, and observing other rites to that purpose.

1 Kings 18:24

by fire] By sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, as Leviticus 9:24. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1. In the tabernacle and temple, the fire that came from heaven was preserved (Leviticus 6:12.) but in Israel there was no such fire, therefore Elijah would have it call’d for from heaven.

be God] Be reputed and esteemed as the onely true God.

It is well spoken] Heb. The word is good. A phrase of approbation and consent.

1 Kings 18:25

Chuse you] Two bullocks being set before them.

ye are many] A multitude to be preferred before one.

1 Kings 18:26

the bullock] One of the bullocks which they best liked.

which was given them] Heb. which he gave them. See the last word of this verse.

untill noon] The furthest time used for the morning sacrifice.

hear] Or, answer.

answered] Or, heard.

leapt upon the altar] Or, leaped up and down at the altar. Idolaters use to have many antick and strange gestures in their idollservices: as, leaping upon their altars, as if they themselves were willing to be sacrificed; skipping on it, and dancing round about it: to all which this place may have relation. See v. 30.

was made] Heb. he made: An indefinite phrase; he, whosoever he was: It is well expounded by the passive, was made; as in v. 23, Let them give.

1 Kings 18:27

at noon] Being silent till the very end of their time was come, lest they should say he had interrupted their devotion.

aloud] Heb. with a great voyce.

he is a god] After evidence was given that he was no god, Elijah doth thus ironically flout them.

either he is talking] Or, he meditateth. The true God is subject to none of the things here mentioned; to be hindered by any of them is humane frailty: they are therefore manifest scoffs, and great aggravations of their folly.

is pursuing] Heb. hath a pursuit; Of enemies, or beasts, or fowls, or other pleasures.

1 Kings 18:28

cried alud] Not with ardency of affection, as saints, to the searcher of hearts; but with extention of voices, as idolaters, to such as cannot hear.

their manner] The manner of idolaters, whereunto Gods people might not conform themselves, Leviticus 19:28. Deuteronomy 14:1.

the blod gushed out upon them] Heb. poured out blood upon them. The devill, delighting in mans blood, brought idolaters, in whom he ruleth, therewith to pacifie and gratifie their idolls; in which respect they spared not their own blood, (as here) nor their childrens, Ezekiel 16:36.

1 Kings 18:29

they prophesied] Thus they made themselves prophesie, or stirred up themselves thereto. By their strange, affected, passionate gestures, they made shew of propheticall raptures, and, in the vulgar’s account, prophecied, 1 Samuel 18:10.

offering] Heb. ascending.

evening sacrifice] The ordinary time wherein the sacred daily sacrifice was appointed (Exodus 29:39.) to be offered up; which was about three in the after-noon. See v. 36.

neither voice] No manner of evidence whereby any might discern that their god heard them.

that regarded] Heb. attention.

1 Kings 18:30

Come neer] Be eye-witnesses of my whole carriage, diligently mark whether I use any fraud or no.

the altar of the Lord] Which had of old been erected by their pious predecessours; or rather, which Elijah himself had before-hand prepared for this purpose.

broken dwn] By former idolaters; or rather, by these prophets of Baal, who, in their mad leaping and dancing, might spightfully break it down.

1 Kings 18:31

twelve stones] As Josh. 4. 5, 20.

mber of the tribes] To shew, that all the tribes should be united in the true worship of God. So Ezra 6:17.

Israel shall be thy name] Genesis 32:28. 2 Kings 17:34.

1 Kings 18:32

an altar] The altar before mentioned: which, in this extraordinary case, warranted by God himself (v. 36.) was lawfull; though otherwise forbidden, Deut. 12. 13, 14. See the Notes on 1 Samuel 7:9. and 1 Samuel 9:12. and Judg. 21. 4.

in the Name] At the appointment (v. 36.) to the honour, (compare 1 Corinthians 10:31. with Colossians 3:17.) for the service of the LORD.

a trench] A ditch, or a water-chanell.

as great] As wide and as deep as a bag of two pecks and an half of seed might lie in: or a furrow, so much in compasse as men ordinarily sowe two pecks and an half of seed in. The Hebrew word, seed, translated measure, signifieth the quantity of somewhat more then a peck and a pottle.

1 Kings 18:33

he put, &c.] He did all things as they used to be done in offering a sacrifice, Levit. 1. 6, 7.

with water] That all suspition of collusion might be taken away; and that the power of God, and truth of the miracle might be the more manifested.

1 Kings 18:34

the third time] So as twelve barrells of water were poured on it. See v. 32. Mount Carmel was neer the sea, and thence he might have the water; see v. 19. yea, the river Kishon also was by the bottom of this mount. See v. 40.

1 Kings 18:35

ran] Heb. went.

the trench] See v. 32. The filling of a trench is an evidence of great store of water which he poured on the altar, that the reality and fervency of that fire might be more manifest.

1 Kings 18:36

evening sacrifice] See v. 29. 1 Kings 3:20.

neer] To the altar, when he prayed.

Lord God of Abraham, &c.] The stile which God took to himself (Exodus 3:6.) to move the Israelites that came from those patriarchs to take him for their God.

at thy word] By thy direction.

1 Kings 18:37

Hear me] Shew thou hearest me, by sending down fire (v. 24.) which Baal could not do, v. 29.

that thou hast turned] That they who shall be converted may ascribe the glory of their conversion to thee.

back again] From their idolls to thee.

1 Kings 18:38

fire of the Lord] Fire which came out of heaven from the LORD (as 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1.) that the people might the better discern whence it came.

and the stones, &c.] This fire had more then ordinary power and efficacy in it.

1 Kings 18:39

The Lord] Jehovah is the onely true God, not Baal, vers. 24.

1 Kings 18:40

to them] Who acknowledged Jehovah to be God.

Take] Or, Apprehend,

Elijah brought] Caused them to be brought and slain, according to the law, Deuteronomy 13:5. and Deuteronomy 18:20. For the like is Jehu commended, 2 Kings 10:25.

Kishon] A river that ran along at the bottom of Carmel; hereinto were their dead bodies cast. This river was made famous by the overthrow of Sisera, Judges 5:21.

1 Kings 18:41

Get thee up, &c.] Now that the cause of the judgement is taken away, thou mayest freely and liberally refresh thy self; I hear in the heavens some noise that fore-shews much rain. Thus his word (Chap. 17. 1.) is accomplished.

a sound of abundance of rain] Or, a sound of a noise of rain.

1 Kings 18:42

to the top] From the people which were below, that he might be the more retired for prayer. So Christ, Matthew 17:1.

cast himself down] In a most humble manner, before God, upon his knees.

put his face, &c.] Bowed his head to the very earth whereon he kneeled, testifying thereby the fervency of his devotion. Though he discerned rain to be coming, yet he is earnest in using means, James 5:18.

1 Kings 18:43

Goup] He longed to see some evidence of the return of his prayer.

look toward the sea] Westward, whence clouds of rain first arise.

seven times] He waxed not faint, but would hold out.

1 Kings 18:44

a little cloud] God, by degrees, gives evidence of his purpose.

Go up, &c.] The least evidence works much assurance in true believers.

Prepare] Heb. Tie, or Binde.

1 Kings 18:45

in the mean while] While Ahab was preparing his charet, which was no long time.

Jezreel] A city in the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:18.) where one of the kings houses was, Chap. 21. 1. 2 Kings 8:29. and 2 Kings 9:30.

1 Kings 18:46

hand] Spirit of the LORD, which made him more then ordinarily nimble and swift.

girded, &c.] Tucked up his long side-coat, 2 Kings 4:29. and 2 Kings 9:1. Jeremiah 1:17.

before Ahab] So as he out-ran him.

to the entrance of Jezreel] Heb. till thou come to Jezreel: For, fear of Jezebel kept him from lodging in the city, Chap. 19. 2.