MPV Commentary

1. The third year--This was a time of severe drought in Israel, lasting for three years and six months (James 5:17). Ahab, the king, had initially ridiculed Elijah's announcement of this drought, but when it continued without relief, he became incensed against the prophet as the cause of the national judgment. This led to Elijah being forced into hiding.

Go, show thyself unto Ahab--Elijah was sent back to Ahab with a message from God, offering him one final opportunity for repentance and restoration. The king had remained obstinate and unrepentant, so this was a last chance for him to turn back to the Lord.

2. Elijah went--This shows his remarkable courage and confidence in God's protection as he ventured into Ahab's presence despite the danger.

there was a sore famine in Samaria--Elijah discovered that the famine was particularly severe in the capital city, where people were struggling to find food. The king and his officials were searching for pasture for their cattle, but even this was becoming scarce.

3. Obadiah feared the Lord greatly--Although he did not join the majority of Israelites who had fled to Judah (2 Chronicles 11:13-16), Obadiah remained a secret worshipper of God. He likely felt that his position in the government allowed him to do some good for those persecuted by Ahab's regime.

an hundred prophets--These were ordinary men devoted to serving God, preaching, praying, and praising Him (1 Samuel 10:10-12).

fed them with bread and water--Obadiah provided for these prophets at great personal risk, demonstrating his commitment to the true faith.

7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--Elijah asked Obadiah to inform Ahab of his return, but Obadiah declined, feeling that this would put himself and others in danger. However, after Elijah reassured him that God's Spirit would protect him, Obadiah agreed to convey the message to Ahab.

17, 18. Art thou he that troubleth Israel--Ahab confronted Elijah, accusing him of causing the national calamity. Elijah boldly replied that the problem lay with Ahab and his family's idolatrous practices. He suggested a public assembly to settle the matter once and for all.

19. gather ... the prophets of Baal ... the prophets of the groves--Only the prophets of Baal responded to Ahab's summons, while those associated with the idolatrous shrines evaded their duty.

20. mount Carmel--This mountain was a prominent location in Israel, offering a natural amphitheater for a large gathering. The spot where Elijah and the people assembled is known as El-Mohhraka, or "the Burning Place."

21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--Elijah proposed a contest between God and Baal to determine which deity was truly worthy of worship. He suggested that two bullocks be sacrificed on separate altars, one for Baal and the other for God. The fire from heaven would then decide which god was real.

The proposal was accepted by the people, who watched in awe as Elijah prepared the altar and offered a prayer. Miraculously, fire descended from heaven and consumed not only the sacrifice but also the stones of the altar. This dramatic display convinced the people that Jehovah was the true God.

Taking advantage of their excited state, Elijah called on them to seize the priestly impostors and slay them in the nearby Kishon River (Deuteronomy 15:5; 18:20). The natural features of Mount Carmel match the details of this narrative.