Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Kings 18:17-20

"And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father`s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, that eat at Jezebel`s table. So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel." — 1 Kings 18:17-20 (ASV)

One can discern people's attitude toward God by observing their attitude toward His people and ministers. It has often been the fate of the best and most useful men, like Elijah, to be called and considered the troublers of the land. But those who cause God's judgments are the ones who do the harm, not the one who foretells them and warns the nation to repent.