1 Kings 18:17

“And it came to pass when Ahab saw Elijah, etc.] As soon as he came up to him, and knew who he was; Abarbinel thinks, because his hair was grown so long that Ahab did not know him certainly, and therefore put the following question: that Ahab said unto him, art thou he that troubleth Israel? by opposing the religion of Baal, which prevailed among them; but chiefly rain being withheld from them according to his word, and at his prayer.”

“Art thou he that troubleth Israel--A violent altercation took place. Ahab thought to awe him into submission, but the prophet boldly and undisguisedly told the king that the national calamity was traceable chiefly to his own and his family's patronage and practice of idolatry. But, while rebuking the sins, Elijah paid all due respect to the high rank of the offender. He urged the king to convene, by virtue of his royal mandate, a public assembly, in whose presence it might be solemnly decided which was the troubler of Israel. The appeal could not well be resisted, and Ahab, from whatever motives, consented to the proposal. God directed and overruled the issue.”

“Art thou he ... - Meaning, “Can it possibly be that thou dost venture to present thyself before me, thou that troublest Israel by means of this terrible drought?” The charge of “troubling” had never before been brought against anyone but Achan (marginal reference “e”); it was one which must have called to the prophet’s recollection Achan’s miserable fate. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Ahab said - Have I at last met with thee, O thou disturber of my kingdom, the author of this famine, and all our calamities? 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:18”

“he that troubleth Israel: Kg1 21:20; Jos 7:25; Jer 26:8, Jer 26:9, Jer 38:4; Amo 7:10; Act 16:20, Act 17:6, Act 24:5 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:18”