"God's message to Ahab gave Jezebel and her priests and all the followers of Baal and Ashtoreth opportunity to test the power of their gods, and, if possible, to prove the word of Elijah false. Against the assurances of hundreds of idolatrous priests, the prophecy of Elijah stood alone. If, notwithstanding the prophet's declaration, Baal could still give dew and rain, causing the streams to continue to flow and vegetation to flourish, then let the king of Israel worship him and the people say that he is god. PK 124.1"
"And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto 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."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the event described in 1 Kings 17:1, where Elijah announces the drought to Ahab. The connection is clear and intentional.
"Determined to keep the people in deception, the priests of Baal continue to offer sacrifices to their gods and to call upon them night and day to refresh the earth. With costly offerings the priests attempt to appease the anger of their gods; with a zeal and a perseverance worthy of a better cause they linger round their pagan altars and pray earnestly for rain. Night after night, throughout the doomed land, their cries and entreaties arise. But no clouds appear in the heavens by day to hide the burning rays of the sun. No dew or rain refreshes the thirsty earth. The word of Jehovah stands unchanged by anything the priests of Baal can do. PK 124.2"
"And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made."
Both passages describe the priests of Baal fervently praying and offering sacrifices in an attempt to bring rain, but their efforts are futile. The EGW passage elaborates on the scene described in 1 Kings 18:26, providing more detail about their persistence and the lack of results.
"Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things."
Both passages contrast the futility of pagan worship with the power of the true God to provide rain. Jeremiah 14:22 questions whether idols can bring rain, while the EGW passage emphasizes that the priests of Baal's efforts are in vain. The connection is thematic and supports the idea that only God can provide rain.