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When a servant of the Lord is introduced in Scripture, we are often given the servant’s backstory. Samuel is first introduced as a child dedicated to the temple. Moses first appears as a baby being hidden in the Nile. Yet there are times in Scripture when no real introduction is given. Such is the case for the prophet Elijah. Shortly after we are introduced to the wicked King Ahab, the prophet Elijah abruptly appears. Elijah’s name is not mentioned until 1 Kings 17:1, where he immediately begins speaking to King Ahab. Elijah’s backstory, his upbringing, and his roots are unnecessary information. Elijah becomes vital only at the outset of 1 Kings 17. After being introduced to the wicked King Ahab, God’s people are abruptly reminded that the Lord is still present among His people.
Before Elijah comes, Ahab’s wickedness is divulged in only six verses. First Kings 16:29–34 describes a king whose acts were evil (v. 30), who was the worst king on record (v. 30), who made idols (vv. 32–33), and who merged Israel with the godless nations (v. 31). What a quick introduction to the worst king in Israel’s history. The culmination of Ahab’s atrocities comes in verse 34 when he permits the rebuilding of the city of Jericho. This reconstruction shows how Ahab forgets the promises of the Lord. When Jericho fell, Joshua gave the Lord’s clear command that it should never be rebuilt (Josh. 6:26). Yet Ahab’s builder, Hiel, willingly loses his eldest and youngest sons to rebuild the cursed city. Then immediately after this abrupt curse comes the sudden appearance of the Lord’s messenger, Elijah.
Elijah already gives a message through his name before a word comes out of his mouth. The prophet’s name means “My God is Yahweh.” In his very identity, Elijah stands in stark contrast to wicked King Ahab. Then Elijah’s opening words not only pronounce judgment, but they show how Yahweh is the one true God. With the penalty of a drought, the Lord shows that He is the provider of the waters from above, not Baal (who was known as the god of rain). Furthermore, during this punishment, the same Lord provides water and food for His servant Elijah (1 Kings 17:3–4).
What a great reminder for us as God’s people still today. When we face times of drought, disease, or other disasters, we must remember who ultimately is in control. As the Belgic Confession puts it:
We do not wish to inquire with undue curiosity into what he does that surpasses human understanding and is beyond our ability to comprehend. But in all humility and reverence we adore the just judgments of God, which are hidden from us. (Article 13)
Regardless of the difficulties that His providential hand may allow, we know that our Lord will never forsake us as His people. He continues to be the source of our daily needs (Matt. 6:11). And He has given us the very Bread of Life in His own Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (John 6:35).