Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Kings 18:41-46

"And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a cloud out of the sea, as small as a man`s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Make ready [thy chariot], and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in a little while, that the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel: and the hand of Jehovah was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel." — 1 Kings 18:41-46 (ASV)

Israel, having reformed to the extent of acknowledging the Lord to be God and consenting to the execution of Baal's prophets, was accepted to such a degree that God poured out a blessing upon the land. Elijah continued praying for a long time. Though the answer to our fervent and believing supplications may not come quickly, we must remain earnest in prayer and not lose heart or give up.

At last, a little cloud appeared, which soon overspread the heavens and watered the earth. Great blessings often arise from small beginnings—showers of plenty from a cloud just a span long. Let us never despise the day of small things, but hope and wait for great things to come from it. From what small beginnings great matters have arisen!

Thus it is in all God's gracious dealings with the soul. Scarcely perceptible are the first workings of his Spirit in the heart, which eventually grow up to the amazement of people and the applause of angels. Elijah hurried Ahab home and accompanied him. God will strengthen his people for every service to which his commandments and providence call them.

The awe-inspiring displays of divine justice and holiness dismay the sinner, extort confessions, and incline them to outward obedience while the impression lasts; but the sight of these, combined with mercy, love, and truth in Christ Jesus, is necessary to draw the soul to self-abasement, trust, and love. The Holy Spirit employs both in the conversion of sinners. When sinners are impressed with divine truths, they should be urged to begin the duties to which the Savior calls his disciples.