![]() We also learn in the early part of 1 Kings 18 (verse 4) that Jezebel (the queen) had not only imported pagan priests, but had also ordered the slaughter of God’s faithful prophets. The drought was not the result of any misconduct on Elijah’s part. It was Ahab’s idolatry and disobedience that brought God’s judgment of drought upon Israel. Elijah was a courageous prophet of God and was not afraid to tell Ahab the truth. The king and his wife had abandoned God’s commands and instead, were encouraging the worship of Baal. It was not Elijah who troubled Israel actually, Elijah (the man of God) was one of the best friends Israel ever had.Īhab and Jezebel had introduced idol worship and had imported hundreds of foreign pagan prophets. have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” This was the root cause of all the trouble in Israel. ![]() Instead, it was the king, King Ahab-in that “thou, and thy father’s house. Elijah quickly reminded the king (1 Kings 18:18) that it was not he, Elijah, who had troubled Israel. Ahab said to Elijah, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17). Israel was in the midst of a prolonged drought. When Elijah met Ahab, the king’s first response was to blame Elijah for the trouble that had befallen his kingdom. Obadiah conveyed the message to the king. Elijah sent word with Obadiah that he wanted to speak with the king (verses 7-8). Obadiah was hunting for water and for some grass for the king’s animals (verses 5-6). Elijah was told to go and talk with Ahab the king-and on the way, he met Obadiah, a God-fearing man who was the steward of Ahab’s palace. The severe drought had been in effect now for more than three years. The section between our last lesson (in 1 Kings 17-see Bible Helps booklet #346), and this lesson (in 1 Kings 18), tells how Elijah left Phoenicia and returned to Israel. When Elijah prayed to the living God, God’s power was clearly evident, and the people fell on their faces to proclaim that the Lord (not Baal) is the true and living God. ![]() ![]() Our lesson today centers on Elijah’s dramatic contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The Careful Preparations (1 Kings 18:30-35) ![]()
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