Elijah the Tishbite, who was one of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Elias means, “the strong God.” Some Greeks derive the name of the prophet from ηλιος, “the sun,” improperly. His parentage is not known, nor even his tribe. Thesbe was situated in the tribe of Gad. The Fathers agree that Elias never was married. He seems to have had no fixed abode; but was sent to the house of Israel, to maintain the cause of the true God, with the most active and generous zeal. He may have presided over the colleges of the prophets, ( Calmet.) which were then numerous in Israel, particularly at Mount Carmel, ( Tirinus.) notwithstanding the general corruption. Calmet. 18:13. and 19:10. Bible.—I stand, to serve (Numbers 3:6) and pray. Jam. 5:17. Luke 4:25. He calls God to witness, like Saint Paul. Galatians 1:20.—Mouth. Stupendous power and assurance of the prophet, with which the pagans have nothing to compare. Calmet.—God had threatened his people with drought, if they proved faithless. Deuteronomy 28:24. Elias begs that this punishment may now serve to open their eyes. Tirinus.