By Mary Fairchild
1581 Bunting Clover Leaf Map; Israel in the center.
AHAB’S WOES: 1 KINGS 18:3-21:29
Ahab called for Obadiah when he needed help. THE WORLD, OF WHICH AHAB IS A TYPE, ALWAYS APPRECIATES THE FRUIT OF A RIGHTEOUS LIFE. Although Ahab sought for Elijah with great determination, God hid him right under his nose. Ahab blamed Elijah for the national drought, but Elijah said, “No, I’m not the one who has troubled Israel, but you are. You have caused the people to turn away from the true God to idols, and that’s why God has withheld the rain. Idolatry is the cause of the problem, and I am only God’s instrument to remind you of the problem and to try to persuade you to turn back to the Lord.” It is a common tactic for Satan to blame the righteous. IN COMMUNIST COUNTRIES, THE PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY ARE BLAMED ON THE EVILS OF CAPITALISM. During the Great Tribulation period, God’s two witnesses will be blamed for all the tribulation on the earth (Rev. 11:3-6, 10).
A decision needed to be faced and decided by the people in 18:21. At this point the people were not sure who was the true God, but by the end of the day, they would be sure. MANY PEOPLE FEEL THAT IF A PERSON IS “SINCERE,” THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS. The prophets of Baal were very sincere and earnest people; but THEY WERE SINCERELY WRONG. It is very sad to spend one’s life, one’s energy, and one’s devotion on something that does not exist. Elijah’s prayers were answered. What a contrast to the prophets of Baal. Israel’s problem was that their spiritual altar to the true God was broken down and needed to be repaired. Today the root of our problems also stem from neglecting the altar (the worship) of God, when we fail to pray and to heed His Word; soon something else fills our lives, and God is pushed aside. Later this NEGLECT OF GOD BEGINS TO SHOW ITSELF OPENLY IN SINFUL ACTIONS. To be restored to fellowship means to repair the altar (to bow the knee to contrite, humble prayer).
Mt. Carmel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea; it is about 1,635 feet above sea level. Because the earth was baked from the 3 1/2-year drought, it would not quickly absorb water; therefore, the water stood in the trench. The folly of idolatry, and the presences of Elijah turned the people’s hearts against Baal. They quickly saw the error of their idolatry. Only God can cause their hearts to turn back to Him. The slaughter of the 450 prophets of Baal was intense. As Elijah displayed righteousness and indignation in destroying the enemy, he had plenty of help from the people. HE KNEW THERE MUST BE NO COMPROMISE, NO “TOLERANCE OF IDOLATRY.”
God had answered Elijah’s prayer with fire from heaven that consumed the offering, but now Elijah began to pray for rain. He had not previously asked for rain, for rain was not the test. Fire on the altar was the test. Because the sacrifice being consumed was a sign of God’s forgiveness of their sins, God would not heal the land without first dealing with the sin problem. CONFESSING OF SIN AND THEN TURNING FROM THAT SIN MUST ALWAYS TAKE PLACE BEFORE GOD WILL HEAL THE SIN PROBLEM. Too often we pray for a problem to be healed without being willing to face the error, confess it, and turn from it. Now Elijah had to finish the job by earnestly praying for rain. His faith worked as he exhibited a faith that kept praying until the answer came. Elijah let the whole world know that his God was the only God who heard and answered prayer. Elijah had supernatural ability to run ahead of Ahab’s chariot. He was a man endued with the power of God, even into the physical realm.
WORKS CITED
- Revelation and Church History
- Church Age
- Old Testament Study
- KING JAMES BIBLE
- MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY
- A Beka Book High School Bible Series “United Kingdom: Kings of Israel A;” 1995 Pensacola Christian College; www.abeka.com