1883 Haydock Douay Rheims Bible

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I Kings 17:1

And *Elias the Thesbite, of the inhabitants of Galaad, said to Achab: As the Lord liveth, the God of Israel, in whose sight I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to the words of my mouth.

Ecclesiasticus 48:1.; James 5:17.

Year of the World about 3092, Year before Christ 912. Elias means, "the strong God." Some Greeks derive the name of the prophet from elios, "the sun," improperly. His parentage is not known, nor even his tribe. Thesbe was situated in the tribe of Gad. The Fathers agree that Elias never was married. He seems to have had no fixed abode; but was sent to the house of Israel, to maintain the cause of the true God, with the most active and generous zeal. He may have presided over the colleges of the prophets, (Calmet) which were then numerous in Israel, particularly at Mount Carmel, (Tirinus) notwithstanding the general corruption, 3 Kings 18:13., and 19:10. (Haydock) --- I stand, to serve (Numbers 3:6.) and pray, James 5:17., and Luke 4:25. He calls God to witness, like St. Paul, Galatians 1:20. --- Mouth. Stupendous power and assurance of the prophet, with which the pagans have nothing to compare. (Calmet) --- God had threatened his people with drought, if they proved faithless, Deuteronomy 28:24. Elias begs that this punishment may now serve to open their eyes. (Tirinus)