Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 18 - Verse 1

After a period of drought and famine in the land, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Elijah instructing him to present himself to King Ahab. This encounter was significant as Ahab was the ruler of Israel at the time, and the nation had turned away from the worship of the true God. By sending Elijah to confront Ahab, the Lord was demonstrating His power and authority over the elements. The command to show himself to Ahab was a test of Elijah's faith and obedience, as confronting the king could have put his life at risk. However, the promise of rain upon the earth following this encounter was a sign of God's mercy and provision for His people. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in controlling the weather and providing for His people's needs, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

In this verse from the book of 1 Kings, we see the prophet Elijah receiving a message from the Lord after a prolonged period. The phrase "after many days" indicates a time of waiting and preparation before the word of the Lord came to him. This highlights the importance of patience and faithfulness in waiting for God's timing and direction in our lives. The mention of the third year also has significance, as the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical numerology.

The word study of "shew thyself" in this verse sheds light on the command given to Elijah to reveal himself to King Ahab. This phrase can be understood as a call to manifest oneself boldly or confidently in the presence of another. It conveys the idea of Elijah stepping out in faith and courage to confront Ahab and deliver the message from the Lord. The promise of rain upon the earth following Elijah's obedience serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises and provide for his people's needs.