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58
Royalty and Ruin
Elijah made no apology for his abrupt appearance. One greater
than the ruler of Israel had commissioned him to speak. “As the
Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand,” he declared, “there
shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”
[43]
On his way to Samaria, Elijah had passed by ever-flowing
streams and stately forests that seemed beyond the reach of drought.
The prophet might have wondered how streams that had never ceased
their flow could become dry, or how those hills and valleys could
be burned with drought. But he allowed no doubts to linger. God’s
word could not fail. Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, the message
of judgment fell on the ears of the wicked king; but before Ahab
could recover from his astonishment, Elijah disappeared. And the
Lord went before him, making the way plain. “Turn eastward, and
hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will
be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the
ravens to feed you there.”
The king inquired diligently, but the prophet was not to be found.
Queen Jezebel, angered over the message that had locked up the
treasures of heaven, lost no time in conferring with the priests of
Baal, who united in cursing the prophet and defying Jehovah. News
quickly spread throughout the land regarding Elijah’s denunciation
of Israel’s sins and his prophecy of swift-coming punishment. Some
became concerned, but in general the people received the heavenly
message with scorn and ridicule.
The prophet’s words went into immediate effect. The earth,
unrefreshed by dew or rain, became dry, and vegetation withered.
Streams never known to fail began to decrease and brooks to dry up.
Yet the leaders urged the people to have confidence in Baal and to
ignore the prophecy of Elijah as idle words. Do not fear the God of
Elijah, they urged. It is Baal who brings the harvest and provides
for man and beast.
Priests of Baal Keep the People Deceived
Against the assurances of hundreds of idol-worshiping priests,
the prophecy of Elijah stood alone: If Baal could still give dew and
rain, then let the king of Israel worship him and the people say that
he is God. Determined to keep the people in deception, the priests