MPV Commentary

42. Ahab went up to eat and drink, still reeling from the intense scene he had witnessed. He was urged to take a break without delay, while Elijah continued in prayer, seeking to fulfill God's promise (1Ki 18:1).

Elijah assumed a posture of earnest supplication, with his face between his knees, a common expression of deep devotion.

43. Go up now and look toward the sea, Elijah was instructed. From their location near the place of worship, they could see a small hill that blocked the view of the Mediterranean to the west and northwest. Ahab's servant climbed this hill six times, but each time saw only clear skies and a tranquil sea.

On the seventh attempt, however, he spotted a sign of approaching rain (1Ki 18:44).

44. Behold, there arose a small cloud from the sea, resembling a man's hand. In the clear sky, even the smallest speck was visible, and in Palestine this was always a precursor to rain. The cloud grew larger and darker by the minute, until it filled the entire sky and burst forth with a deluge of rain.

Ahab was advised to prepare his chariot and leave quickly, lest the sudden downpour make the roads impassable or turn the dry plain into thick mud.

45. Ahab rode off towards Jezreel, now Zerin, about ten miles away. He traveled through the midst of a raging storm, but the rain brought welcome relief to the land of Jezreel, and everyone rejoiced at its sudden arrival.

46. Elijah, meanwhile, girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot, as was customary for runners accompanying their nobles in ancient times. Trained from a young age to run like the Bedouins of Gilead, Elijah continued with unflagging energy and agility, thanks to God's presence with him. This act of loyalty to his king served to strengthen Ahab's favorable impression and countered any criticism he might have faced from Jezebel. The outcome of this decisive contest dealt a significant blow to the cause of idolatry, but subsequent events suggest that its impact was only temporary.