6. In what sense does the angel Gabriel explain John the Baptist to be the Elijah of Mal. 4:5?
“Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him [Christ] in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16, 17.
Note.—John went forth “in the spirit and power of Elias,” and, in preparing a people for Christ's first advent, did a work similar to that done by Elijah the prophet in Israel centuries before. See 1 Kings 17 and 18. In this sense, and in this sense only, he was the Elijah of Mal. 4:5.
7. Near the close of the three and one-half years' drought in Israel, brought about as a judgment through the intercessions of Elijah (James 5:17) in consequence of Israel's apostasy, what accusation did King Ahab bring against Elijah?
“And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” 1 Kings 18:17.
8. What answer did Elijah make?
“And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” Verse 18.
Note.—Israel had departed from God, forsaken His commandments, and gone off into idolatry. Jezebel, Ahab's wicked and idolatrous wife, had “cut off the prophets of the Lord” (verse 4), was supporting hundreds of the prophets of Baal, and was seeking Elijah to slay him. Elijah called for a famine on the land, and said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1. Elijah's message was a call to repentance and obedience to God's commandments.
9. What plain proposition did he submit to all Israel?
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21.