1 Kings 18:41–46

Introduction

1 Kings 18:41–46: Elijah instructs King Ahab to return home as the drought ends and heavy rain falls over the land.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Kings 18:41 GNT

Then Elijah said to King Ahab, “Now, go and eat. I hear the roar of rain approaching.”

Read

⁴¹ Then Elijah said to King Ahab, “Now, go and eat. I hear the roar of rain approaching.” ⁴² While Ahab went to eat, Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel, where he bowed down to the ground, with his head between his knees. ⁴³ He said to his servant, “Go and look toward the sea.”

The servant went and returned, saying, “I didn’t see a thing.” Seven times in all Elijah told him to go and look. ⁴⁴ The seventh time he returned and said, “I saw a little cloud no bigger than a man’s hand, coming up from the sea.”

Elijah ordered his servant, “Go to King Ahab and tell him to get in his chariot and go back home before the rain stops him.”

⁴⁵ In a little while the sky was covered with dark clouds, the wind began to blow, and a heavy rain began to fall. Ahab got in his chariot and started back to Jezreel. ⁴⁶ The power of the Lord came on Elijah; he fastened his clothes tight around his waist and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

Reflect

What does Elijah instruct his servant to do, and for how many times (verse 43)? What does the servant see after the seventh time (verse 44)? What happened next? How have our readings about Elijah from the last four days revealed the power of God?

Pray

Almighty God, all creation reveals your power, your might, and your glory. I praise you for your wondrous deeds and your loving care. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Kings 19:1–21: Queen Jezebel threatens Elijah.