1 Kings 18

1 Kings 18:1

The third yeare] after that Elias had hid himselfe from Ahab. 1 King. 17. 3. for that drought lasted three yeares and six moneths Luke 4:25 Iam. 5. 17.

1 Kings 18:10

The Kingdome] other Kingdomes and nations.

1 Kings 18:12

Carry thee] by a swift and supernaturall motion, which did often befall the Prophets Eze. 3. 12. 14 Acts 8:39 [feare] and therefore deserve to have thee save mee from this danger.

1 Kings 18:17

That troubleth] being the cause of this drought, and other evills, by meanes of thine imprecations: because thou wilt not submit thy selfe to the common order, in matter of religion, and of Gods worship.

1 Kings 18:19

All Israel] the generall congregation of the deputies of all the communalties of the people: [the groves] these were the ministers of some false oracle, or of the idolatry practised inAhabs grove 1 Kings 16:33. which notwithstanding did not come, being peradventure forbidden by Iezakel.

1 Kings 18:21

Between two] or between two thoughts: whether you shall serve God, or Baal. Standing in suspence which of them is the true God? for it is likely that if you were throughly perswaded which is the true God, you would serve him only. Hee speaketh thus, because that in the calves they presumed they served the true God, see upon Exodus 32:4. 2 Kings 10. 16. 31 [answered him not] either through confusion and compunction of the spirit, or through perplexity, not knowing as yet what his intent was; or for feare of Ahab.

1 Kings 18:22

I only] publick defender and maintainer of Gods pure service: for the other prophets had hidden themselves.

1 Kings 18:24

Let him be God] let him be acknowledged and worshipped, for the only true God.

1 Kings 18:26

I capt] Idolaters actions in their Sacrifices, imitating the motions of holy joy and zeale used in true service of God, 2 Samuel 6:14. Psal. 26. 6. Or else by these motions they would make shew of being possessed by a Divine Spirit, and ravished into propheticall extasies, see vers. 29.

1 Kings 18:28

Cut themselves] see upon Leviticus 19:28.

1 Kings 18:29

Prophesied] faigned as though they had been ravished in minde, by distracted gestures, see 1 Samuel 18:10 [Of the offering] the daily offering a even Exodus 29:39. An observation which peradventure was observed by these Idolaters, [that regarded] or gave any heed.

1 Kings 18:30

Repaired] it is likely that upon the top of Mount Carmel, there had been an Altar erected to the true God, according to the common custome of high places, and that it had been overthrown by the Idolaters.

1 Kings 18:31

Twelve] in token that all Israel, in it twelve tribes, was to be united in the worship of the true God.

1 Kings 18:32

He built] for the use of that time, being an extraordinary time and use, which was permitted, especially to Prophets, and other persons who were inspired by God, see Exodus 20:24.

1 Kings 18:33

Powre it out] to take away all suspition, of any hidden fire, or to make the miracle so much the more worthy, manifest, and unreproveable.

1 Kings 18:36

At thy word] by thine expresse command.

1 Kings 18:37

Thou hast] give them now the Spirit of repentance, as thou hast heretofore forsaken them, and let them goe astray, Isaiah 63:17. Others, and doe thou turne there hearts back, namely from Idolatry.

1 Kings 18:38

Fell] an ordinary signe of God approbation, in matters which concerne his service, Leviticus 9:24. Iudg. 6. 21. 2 Chronicles 7:1 [of the Lord] created by him miraculously

1 Kings 18:40

Slew them] by speciall revelation of Gods will, touching the Prophets personall execution of this businesse; for howsoever those Prophets did justly deserve death, Deut. 13. 5. and 18. 20. see 2 King. 10. 25.

1 Kings 18:41

Get thee up] the scourge of drought is ceased, the principall cause being taken away which had provoked Gods wrath, wherefore rejoyce: [there is] me thinks I heare it, the thing is as certaine as if it were present,

1 Kings 18:42

Down upon the earth] an action of most humble and servent prayer, by meanes of which God had determined to grant the benefit.

1 Kings 18:43

Towards the Sea] whence great vapors arise, which breed clouds and raine.

1 Kings 18:46

The hand] he was filled with, and driven by a supernaturall strength and agility to over-runne the speedinesse of Ahabs waggon.