1 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 41
And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
Original Language Analysis
אֵֽלִיָּ֙הוּ֙
And Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֙הוּ֙
And Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
2 of 10
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
לְאַחְאָ֔ב
unto Ahab
H256
לְאַחְאָ֔ב
unto Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
3 of 10
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
עֲלֵ֖ה
Get thee up
H5927
עֲלֵ֖ה
Get thee up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
1 Kings 18:1And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.1 Kings 17:1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.