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James 5:17

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

James 5:17

Verse 17 of 20

Scripture focus

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

James 5:17 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 5:17

Theological / Devotional

Elias. Or, Elijah (see on 1 Kings 17:1).

Man. That is, a mere human being with no extra advantage over any of James’s hearers. Though Elijah was exempted from death by the mercy of God, he faced life as every man must face it.

To like passions. Greek homoiopathes, “of like feelings.” Paul and Barnabas assured the people of Lystra that they were homoiopatheis, that is, fellow beings of the same nature (see Acts 14:15). Elijah was not immune from the trials of life that all men face and at times was affected by man’s weaknesses (see on 1 Kings 19:4). Therefore, the success of Elijah’s prayer was not the result of any superhuman qualities, but of the grace of God. Jesus was tempted as all men are (see on Hebrews 4:15) and “His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege” (SC 94).

He prayed earnestly. See on 1 Kings 17:1; 18:42; cf. on James 5:16.

Rain. See on 1 Kings 17:1. His prayer did not spring from private resentment against Ahab, but was based upon God’s judgment against the whole nation because of Baal worship.

Earth. That is, the land ruled by Ahab.

By the space of. Literally, “for.”

Three years and six months. For the duration of the famine see on 1 Kings 18:1 (cf. Luke 4:25).

By SdaBc