NOTES for Ki1 18:41-46

In today’s Old Testament reading, rain is not merely a natural phenomenon but also a sign of God’s forgiveness. It is interesting that Elijah tells Ahab, “There is the sound of rain”—and afterward he continues praying for a long time and sends his servant to the sea seven times... He knows that forgiveness is near, and that is why he speaks this way to Ahab, but he must still turn to God in prayer for that forgiveness. It is not enough for Israel to have acknowledged that the Lord is God. Prayer for forgiveness is also needed—but the prayer of one who is firmly assured of that forgiveness, as Elijah is.