Elijah Confronts King Ahab

'The worst of times need the best of men,' so said Alexander Maclaren.

When a prophet came on the scene it was a sign the nation was in trouble and judgment was coming. The nation of Israel entered one of those times as Ahab became king. God sent one of His best, Elijah to carry His message, foretelling the judgment to come.

Although Elijah came on the scene rather abruptly, he had already been working for the Lord and was being prepared for what was to be the greatest challenges and conflicts of his life.

Ahab's wife Jezebel contributed to the spiritual corruption of the nation by introducing the people to the god, Baal. Ahab added the female counterpart - 'the Asherah' to further the downward cycle of idolatry and open rebellion.