David Hathaway

In 1 Kings 18, after three years of drought and famine, the Lord speaks again to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” This is fascinating – Elijah now knows that rain is coming, but the exact timing hasn’t been revealed. There are still key events that must unfold first. Elijah encounters Obadiah, Ahab’s servant, who is out searching the land for any sign of water or grass in hopes of keeping some of the livestock alive. Elijah tells him to go inform Ahab that he is in the area. But Obadiah is afraid – he worries the Spirit of the Lord might whisk Elijah away again, and if Elijah disappears, Ahab will surely kill him in his fury. Still, Obadiah delivers the message, and in verse 17, Ahab and Elijah finally meet. Ahab accuses Elijah, saying, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” It's ironic – this wicked, idolatrous king blames Elijah for the nation’s suffering. But Elijah boldly responds: “I have not made trouble for Israel, but you and your father’s family have. You h