1 Kings 18:1

“And it came to pass after many days, etc.] When two years and more were gone from the time the drought and famine began; or rather from the time of the prophets departure to the brook Cherith, which might be six months after the famine began: that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year; of his absence from Ahab: saying, go show thyself unto Ahab; whom he had not seen so long, and who had been seeking for him, but to no purpose: and I will send rain upon the earth; the term of three years and six months being almost expired, (see <590517>James 5:17).”

“ELIJAH MEETS OBADIAH. (1Ki. 18:1-16) the third year--In the New Testament, it is said there was no rain "for the space of three years and six months" [Jam 5:17]. The early rain fell in our March, the latter rain in our October. Though Ahab might have at first ridiculed Elijah's announcement, yet when neither of these rains fell in their season, he was incensed against the prophet as the cause of the national judgment, and compelled him, with God's direction, to consult his safety in flight. This was six months after the king was told there would be neither dew nor rain, and from this period the three years in this passage are computed. Go, show thyself unto Ahab--The king had remained…”

“The third year - i. e., in the third year of his sojourn with the widow. The whole period of drought was three years and a half Luke 4:25; James 5:17 : of this, probably about one year was passed by Elijah in the torrent-course of Cherith, and two years and a half at Sarepta. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The third year - Either, From the time when he went to hide himself by the brook Cherith; six months before which time the famine might begin. And so this being towards the end of the third year, it makes up these three years and six months, Jam 5:17. Or, From the time of his going to Sarepta, which probably was a year after the famine begun; So this might be in the middle of the third year, which also makes up the three years and six months. Go to Ahab - To acquaint him with the cause of this judgment, and to advise him to remove it, and upon that condition to promise him rain. Will send - According to thy word and prayer, which thou shalt make for it. Thus God takes care to maintain the…”

“am 3098, bc 906 after many days: Luk 4:25; Jam 5:17; Rev 11:2, Rev 11:6 in the third year: This form of expression, both in Hebrew and Latin, means "after the third year," i.e., some time between the third and fourth year. Kg1 17:1, Kg1 17:7, Kg1 17:15; Luk 4:25; Jam 5:17 Go: Kg1 18:2, 15-40 I will send rain: Lev 26:4; Deu 28:12; Psa 65:9-13; Isa 5:6; Jer 10:13, Jer 14:22; Joe 2:23; Amo 4:7 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:2”

“As the judgment of drought and famine did not bring king Ahab to his senses and lead him to turn from his ungodly ways, but only filled him with exasperation towards the prophet who had announced to him the coming judgment; there was no other course left than to lay before the people with mighty and convincing force the proof that Jehovah was the only true God, and to execute judgment upon the priests of Baal as the seducers of the nation. Kg1 18:1-6 Elijah's meeting with Ahab. - Kg1 18:1, Kg1 18:2. In the third year of his sojourn at Zarephath the word of the Lord came to Elijah to show himself to Ahab; since God was about to send rain upon the land again. The time given, "the third year,"…”