Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 18:1

AND it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year , saying, Go shew thy self unto Ahab , and I will send rain upon the earth .

Either, 1. From the time when he went to hide himself by the Brook Cerith; Six Months before which time the Famine might begin, though it was not yet come to extremity. And so this being in, or towards the end of the Third Year, it makes up these Three Years and Six Months, Iac. 5. 17. Or 2. From the time of his going to Sarepta, which probably was a Year after the Famine begun; See on Chap. 17. 7. and so this might be in the middle of the Third Year, which also makes up the Three Years and Six Months.

To acquaint him with the cause of Judgment, ver. 18. and to advise him to remove it, and upon that condition to promise him Rain.

According to thy Word and Prayer which thou shalt make for it. Thus God takes care to maintain the Honour and Authority of his Prophet, and in Judgment remembers Mercy to Israel for the sake of the Holy Seed yet left among them, who suffered in this common Calamity.