The Bible Book

125

See also: The Fall 30–35 ■ Tower of Babel 42–43 ■ The Golden Calf 84–85

T

he story of the religious

duel on Mount Carmel is

a highly dramatic tale

that serves to demonstrate God’s

power. The drought God had

ordained has raged for three years

when He tells the prophet Elijah

to return from hiding in the

wilderness and seek out Ahab. He

promises rain will once again fall.

On the way, Elijah meets Ahab’s

administrator, Obadiah, a secret

follower of God who reveals that he

is hiding 100 believers from Queen

Jezebel. Obadiah is afraid for his

life, as he must reveal Elijah’s

return to Ahab. However, Elijah

immediately challenges the royal

couple. He blames them for the

drought, as they have disobeyed

God and instead worshipped Baal.

Test of two gods

To decide which god is the most

powerful, Elijah proposes a public

competition at Mount Carmel.

The test for God and Baal is to

incinerate a sacrificial bull. The 450

prophets of Baal pray, dance, and

mutilate themselves, but are unable

to summon lightning. Finally, Elijah

takes 12 stones—one for each tribe

of Israel—and builds an altar. He

pours water over the wood, then

prays. To everyone’s amazement, a

bolt of fire consumes the altar, even

the water. Reminded of God’s

power, the people proclaim Him

as the only true God. The miracle

also shows how God answers the

prayers of the righteous, as he

sends the rain Elijah asks for and

protects the faithful Obadiah. ■

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS

GO AND PRESENT

YOURSELF TO AHAB,

AND I WILL SEND

RAIN ON THE LAND

1 KINGS 18:1, ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

IN BRIEF

PA S SAGE

1 Kings 18

THEME

Authority over pagan gods

SETTING

During King Ahab’s reign

(873–852 bce) Mount Carmel

and the city of Jezreel.

KEY FIGURES

Elijah God’s prophet, who

challenges King Ahab to

a religious duel in order to

demonstrate the power of God.

King Ahab The king of Israel,

who fails to recognize that

the drought is God’s wrath

for his sins.

Obadiah The King’s servant,

who is secretly a loyal follower

of God.

Queen Jezebel A ha b’s w ife,

who seeks to kill prophets who

worship God.

When all the people

saw this, they fell

prostrate and cried,

‘The LORD—he is God.

The LORD—he is God!’

1 Kings 18:39

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