Definition: And 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:1. It's a pretty dramatic opening! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is sending Elijah to confront a stubborn and demanding king. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass [after] many days…” : This tells us this isn’t an immediate event. It’s a long time coming – a period of waiting. “…that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year…” : The "third year" is crucial. It's a specific point in time, and it’s considered a “bad” or challenging time for King Ahab. "...saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth." : This is the main message. God is telling Elijah to go and show Ahab (the king) what he's really capable of. He’s saying that He wants to punish Ahab for his arrogance and disrespect towards God. And, crucially, He wants to bring a lot of rain – it’s about cleansing and restoring something. In short, God is setting up a challenge for Elijah to intervene in a situation where Ahab is being disrespectful and potentially causing trouble. It's essentially a warning that God isn’t going to tolerate bad behavior. What's the big takeaway? This verse highlights God’s power and judgment, but also his desire for peace and restoration. It sets up a larger story of conflict between God and humanity – with Elijah as a key figure in responding to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Give you some context about Ahab and his behavior? Offer a simpler analogy to understand the idea of "showing" something?

Definition: [As] the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, [He is] not [there]; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and dramatic passage from the Book of Kings! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying God is incredibly focused on you and that He’s not going to forget about you. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “As the LORD thy God liveth…” : This tells us that the speaker is speaking from a position of deep reverence and respect for God. It's like saying, "I’m talking to God as someone who truly believes in Him." “…there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee:” This means that God has completely forgotten about you! He doesn't care about your country, your kingdom, or any of the places where people live and govern. He’s completely out of sight. “and when they said, [He is] not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation…” : This is the kicker. When the people – specifically the prophets – tried to say that God wasn't there, God immediately made a promise. He promised to protect you and your nation (or kingdom). This promise was a powerful guarantee! “…that they found thee not.” : This is the crucial part. Because of this oath, God’s people – including the prophets – couldn’t find you! They were completely lost and without help. In short, this verse highlights God's absolute care for you and His commitment to protecting you from harm. It emphasizes that your existence and well-being are paramount to Him. Why is this important? This story is a foundational part of the Old Testament and speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: God’s absolute control over everything. Protection & Responsibility: God's people have a responsibility to obey Him, but He also protects them fiercely. The Power of Faith: The promise of this oath demonstrates how faith can be powerful and effective in the face of adversity. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Perhaps you’d like me to relate it to a specific story or theme? For example, we could talk about why this verse is significant in the Old Testament narrative?

Definition: And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:11. It’s a really important and dramatic part of the story about God’s judgment! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling someone (likely a king or leader) to tell the people that Elijah has arrived. Elijah is a prophet who was previously imprisoned and sent out by God. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And now thou sayest…” : This means “Now you are saying…” or “You’re telling me…” It suggests this person is speaking in response to something that has just been said. “…Go, tell thy lord…” : This is a command – "Go and tell your lord." It's a direct instruction for someone to act. "...Behold, Elijah [is here]." : This is the crucial part. “Behold” means “look closely,” so it’s drawing attention to something significant. “Elijah” refers to the prophet Elijah. The word "here" emphasizes that Elijah has arrived in a specific place – likely a location where God has decided to show his power. Overall Meaning: Essentially, God is saying, “Elijah has come. He’s here to challenge you and show you what he can do.” It's a warning and an invitation to prepare for something significant. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for a major conflict. It signals that Elijah will be put to a test, and God's judgment is about to begin. It’s a pivotal moment in the story of the Old Testament, leading up to a dramatic showdown between God and the prophet. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?

Definition: And it shall come to pass, [as soon as] I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and [so] when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:12. It's a really important and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is saying that he (the speaker – likely Elijah) is going to punish Ahab, the king of Israel, for his arrogance and disobedience. He’s warning him that he will come back and kill him, but he's terrified of being killed by God himself. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee…” : This is a key phrase. It means that immediately after God leaves, he will return and confront Ahab. It's not a long wait; it’s going to happen quickly. “…that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not…” : The Spirit of God (the divine presence) is going to take Elijah with him. He doesn't know exactly where he will go, but he’s confident that he’ll eventually find Ahab. Think of it like a whirlwind – he’s moving quickly and unpredictably. “…and [so] when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee…” : This is where the danger really sets in. When God returns, he will reveal to Ahab that he's been killed. He won’t just say “Ahab died.” He’ll tell him that Elijah was killed before he could reach Ahab, making it impossible for Ahab to find him. “…he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.” : This is the most shocking part. Elijah is telling God that he – meaning he as a servant – is terrified of being killed by God himself. He’s admitting that his fear is deep and ancient, going back to when he was a young boy. It suggests a profound sense of humility and recognizing God's power. In short: This verse shows that God is incredibly powerful and has a very personal stake in the events happening around him. He’s not just concerned about Ahab; he's worried about himself being harmed, and he’s showing his fear to emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Why is this important? It highlights several things: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control, and He doesn't tolerate disobedience. Judgment: This verse is a warning about the consequences of evil and rebellion. Personal Connection: It shows that God cares deeply about his servants and will not hesitate to punish those who defy Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible?

Definition: Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD’S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:13. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about a serious transgression. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is incredibly angry. He’s not just annoyed; he’s furious because a woman, Jezebel, had tricked the prophets – important messengers of God – into hiding. She then hid fifty of them in a cave, and she fed them with bread and water. Let's unpack it: “Was it not told my lord what I did…” - This means that God knew about this whole thing. It wasn’t a secret; he was aware of the betrayal. “…when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD?” – This is the key part. “Slew” means to kill. Jezebel deliberately and maliciously killed the prophets – those messengers of God. She did this because she was trying to cause trouble and disrupt God's plans. “how I hid an hundred men of the LORD’S prophets by fifty in a cave…” - She didn’t just hide a few people; she hidden a whole group of them! She put them all in a cave, probably for a long time. “…and fed them with bread and water?” – She then gave them food and drink to keep them alive and comfortable. The Significance: This story is a really significant warning to the Israelites (the people God had chosen). It shows that: God’s Word is Precious: The prophets were important because they carried God's message to the people. Jezebel deliberately destroyed this message, which was a serious offense to God. Trust is Essential: The people needed to trust in God and rely on his guidance. Their reliance on the prophets was crucial for understanding God’s will. Overall Meaning: This verse illustrates that God is incredibly sensitive to sin and betrayal. He doesn't tolerate it, and he takes action to punish those who disrespect him and his message. It emphasizes the importance of keeping your promises, honoring God’s word, and trusting in his guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Bible?

Definition: And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here]: and he shall slay me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:14. It’s a really powerful and dramatic moment in the story of God's judgment! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is sending a messenger – Elijah – to confront someone who is defying him. Elijah has come to challenge God’s authority, and God is going to make him pay for his defiance. Let's unpack the parts: “And now thou sayest…” : This means that the person speaking (likely a king or leader) just made a statement that Elijah was here. “…Go, tell thy lord…” : This is a command – go and tell your lord immediately . It’s like saying “You need to inform your ruler.” “Behold, Elijah [is here]...” : This is where it gets interesting. "Elijah" is a prophet who had been sent by God before. The verse immediately introduces Elijah as present. “…and he shall slay me.” : This is the terrifying part. God is going to destroy Elijah with fire and brimstone – a punishment for his rebellion against him. What's happening? This verse paints a picture of God’s absolute power and righteous anger. He isn't just angry at Elijah; he's actively choosing to punish him for disobeying him. It suggests that the person speaking is in serious trouble, possibly facing terrible consequences. It emphasizes the seriousness of God's judgment. Important Context: This verse comes right after a significant event: Elijah had challenged God about Mount Carmel and asked God to make it rain. God refused, and Elijah then began to prophesy against God’s people. This is a key moment that shows God’s authority and his willingness to enforce his will. In short: God is sending a powerful message – Elijah is here, and he's about to be punished for disobeying him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Or perhaps relate it to a specific theme in the Bible (like obedience or divine justice)?

Definition: And Elijah said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:15. It’s a really important and dramatic passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Elijah is declaring that he’s about to appear before the LORD of Hosts. Let’s unpack it a little more: “As the LORD of hosts liveth…” : This is a very formal way of saying “The Lord of Hosts” – which is referring to God. It emphasizes that this isn't just any old person; it’s the powerful, all-powerful God. “…before whom I stand…” : Elijah is about to be confronted by God. He’s about to face a test or challenge. “I will surely shew myself unto him…” : This is the key part. "Showed" means revealed or witnessed. He's going to appear before God, meaning he’ll present himself and his actions for examination. So, it’s a declaration of impending confrontation. Elijah is saying, “I’m going to meet with God, and I will show him what I do.” Why is this significant? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is testing Elijah – perhaps to see if he’s willing to obey his commands or if he's truly ready for a greater challenge. It’s a moment of intense anticipation and potential consequence! It's a powerful image of a judgment coming. It suggests something significant will happen, and Elijah is preparing to face it head-on. Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage that deals with God’s judgment?

Definition: So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:16. It's a really important part of the story of God’s judgment on Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Obadiah is warning Ahab about something bad coming. Obadiah: This was a prophet who had warned Israel about the dangers of Ahab. Went to meet Ahab: He traveled to see and talk with Ahab, the king of Israel. Told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah: He then told Ahab that he would be facing a very difficult challenge – Elijah, a young prophet who was considered to be powerful and righteous. So, what's the big deal? 1 Kings 18:16 sets up a dramatic scene where God is about to send a fiery storm and a huge fire down upon the entire nation of Israel. It’s a sign of God’s displeasure with Ahab’s behavior – he’s being disrespectful, selfish, and causing trouble. In short, it's a warning that Ahab’s actions will have terrible consequences. Does that make sense? Would you like me to explain anything in more detail, or perhaps go into the context of this story?

Definition: And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:17. It’s a really important and dramatic moment in the story of God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Ahab is angry: King Ahab is upset with Elijah, who is a prophet (someone who speaks to God). He’s feeling betrayed or offended by something Elijah has done. He confronts Elijah: Ahab calls upon Elijah to come before him and explain why he's doing this. The question: He asks Elijah directly: "Are you disturbing Israel?" What it Means - A Deeper Look: This verse isn’t about a simple disagreement. It’s a powerful statement of judgment . Here’s what it suggests: Elijah is challenging God's will: Ahab is trying to challenge God’s authority and purpose. He wants to disrupt the things God has ordained for Israel. God’s Perspective: God is watching, and seeing that Ahab’s actions are causing harm. He’s clearly upset with Ahab's disrespect and his attempts to undermine His plan. The Significance: This verse sets the stage for a significant battle between God and Ahab. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control, and he’s not going to tolerate Ahab’s defiance. A Test of Faith: It's a test of Elijah's faith and loyalty – will he stand by God even when it seems like Ahab has wronged him? In short, this verse describes a moment where God is directly confronting someone who is trying to undermine His plan and challenge His authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from 1 Kings 18? Give you a little more context about the situation (like why Ahab was angry in the first place)?

Definition: And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:18. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s judgment on Israel. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he answered…” : This tells us that God is speaking directly to King David. He's not just issuing a command; He's confronting him. “…I have not troubled Israel…” : This is the first part of what’s happening. God isn’t upset with Israel because they’ve done something wrong. He’s saying, “I haven’t been interfering with your people.” It’s a statement of peace and protection. “…but thou, and thy father’s house…” : This is where it gets important. God isn't just talking about him . He’s focusing specifically on David and his family – the royal line. He’s saying, “It’s you – David and your family – who are in trouble.” “…in that ye have forsaken…” : This is a crucial word. "Forsaken" means to leave someone or something behind. God is saying they've abandoned their obedience to the laws and rules set by God. It’s like turning away from Him. "...the commandments of the LORD..." : This refers to God’s instructions – the rules and laws that He has given to Israel, as described in the Old Testament. These are things like Sabbath rest, honoring God with prayer and gifts, and following His word. "...and thou hast followed Baalim." : This is the really important part. "Baalim" was a name for an idol god that the Israelites made. God is saying they’ve worshipped this false god, Baalim, instead of Him. He's essentially worshipping something other than God himself. So, putting it all together: God is telling David and his family that they've been disobeying His laws and rules – the commandments. They’ve turned away from following what He has shown them to be right. They’re prioritizing a false god over the true God. Why was this a big deal? This verse is a key moment in the Old Testament because it's the beginning of God’s judgment on Israel. It shows that even with good intentions, disobedience can lead to serious consequences. It sets the stage for the rest of the story – where God will ultimately punish them for their rebellion against Him. In short: God is displeased with David and his family because they've disobeyed His laws and worshiped a false god instead of Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about the significance of the story behind this verse?