Keraia
1 Kings 18

1 Kings 18:43

The LORD Sends Rain · 1 Kings 18:41–46
Read 1 Kings 18

Translations

Modern
“Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
Traditional
And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
Literal
…and he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the way the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is not anything.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times.
Latin
…et dixit ad puerum suum: Ascende, et prospice contra mare. Qui cum ascendisset, et contemplatus esset, ait: Non est quidquam. Et rursum ait illi: Revertere septem vicibus.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”

Notes

1 Kings 18:41–45

The servant saw a small cloud on the horizon, about the size of a hand. It signaled the coming of a huge rainstorm.

1 Kings 17:1–19:21

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Elijah Jezebel Prophets in 1 Kings Symbolic Numbers

Events

Glossary

Ahab (King) Carmel Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Pagans

Topics

Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal Carmel: A Fertile and Picturesque Mountain in Palestine: An Idolatrous High Place Upon Elijah: Miracles of Causes Rain After Seven Years of Drought Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Elijah's Prayer Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God: Elijah: Rain Brought Miracles: Catalogue of Rain in Answer to Elijah's Prayer Prayer: Answered: Elijah, Asking for Rain Prayer: Importunity in Elijah Rain: Miraculously Caused by Elijah Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Elisha's Servant Looked Seven Times for the Appearance of Rain