Even in those ancient days, the enemies of God were trying to destroy His church, but God preserved it through the work of Obadiah. 1 Kings 18:2–19 indicates that Elijah’s meeting with Ahab was arranged by a godly man named Obadiah, who had saved the lives of many of the true prophets of Yahweh, the God of Israel, when Queen Jezebel tried to annihilate them. The winner in the contest would prove which deity should be worshiped. Thus, Elijah went to Ahab to schedule a showdown with the prophets of Baal. A dramatic sign would show Israel that the rain was coming not because Baal finally got around to hearing their prayers but because the God of Israel was moving. Yet the Lord would not do this without proving one more time that He is God and Baal is not. For three years, the unfaithful Israelites saw the powerlessness of Baal, the supposed god of the storm, to bring rain, but now it was time to cause the water to fall again. But after three years of no rain, the Lord chose to end the drought, as we see in today’s passage (1 Kings 18:1). In the days of Ahab, king of Israel, Elijah prosecuted the covenant, announcing the punishment of drought for the northern kingdom’s idolatry (1 Kings 17:1 see Deut.

They announced to God’s people, particularly the kings, when they were being unfaithful, and they exhorted them to obedience lest the curses of the Mosaic covenant fall on the covenant community (see Lev. Instead, the prophets served primarily as covenant prosecutors.

Certainly, many of the prophets revealed what was to come however, seeing the future was not their chief job. Write about at least three things the Lord did in 1 Kings 19 to help lift Elijah from his discouragement.įor each item you list, explain how you think it lifted Elijah in some way.Many people probably think that the primary job of the old covenant prophets was to predict the future. Look at 1 Kings 19:1–4, 9–10 and explain why Elijah was discouraged. Studying the Scripturesĭo two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Kings 19. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. Packer taught, “The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand.

The Lord then taught Elijah that spiritual, heart-changing experiences are not in a “strong wind,” or “earthquakes,” or “fires,” or other loud and physical things but in “the still small voice” ( 1 Kings 19:11–12).Įlder Boyd K. Plowing equipment 1 Kings 19:11–12-What Was the Most Powerful Manifestation of the Lord?Įlijah was discouraged that the miracles on Mount Carmel did not change the hearts of Jezebel and many others. Overcoat or cloak that also became a symbol of his authority and power Instruments ( v. 21) Understanding the Scriptures 1 Kings 19 Withal ( v. 1) Perhaps knowing Elijah’s story may help you at a time when you stand for the right but feel like you are standing alone. Notice in 1 Kings 19 what and how the Lord taught Elijah when he was discouraged. If you have ever felt as if you have suffered unjustly, you can especially relate to Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Look for how the Lord reminded Elijah of this principle in 1 Kings 19.As you read, you may also want to consider how you feel when you’ve done the right thing but then suffer in some way for your decision.

A change of heart does not occur because of fire out of heaven but rather because of quiet burning in the heart. The Spirit was likely present at the events in 1 Kings 18, but only those who were receptive to it had a change of heart. Not every one was convinced, however, because true conversion only occurs through the Holy Ghost-not through mighty miracles. It would seem that the events recorded in 1 Kings 18 would convince anyone who witnessed or heard about them that Elijah’s God is the true God.

1 kings 19 elijah bible study questions