Eliyahu was not commanded to perform the specific actions that he undertook regarding the meeting at the Carmel; on the other hand, not only did his actions not contradict God's word, but they represent the realization of what was hinted at in God’s command to him: the situation that had been created be used for a positive effect, and that Eliyahu cooperate with Achav, in order that God could give rain. Thus, these actions represent a partnership between God and His prophet, sharing the same purpose: to restore Israel to God and to restore God's kindness to Israel.

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion