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CHAPTER 2: Different Standpoint of the Old and the New
Testament – Analogy between Elijah and John the Baptist -
Jezebel threatens Elijah's life - The Prophet's Flight - His
Miraculous Provision – Analogy between Moses and Elijah -
Elijah at Mount Horeb - What doest thou here, Elijah? - The
Wind, the Earthquake, the Fire, and the Still Small Voice - The
Divine Message and Assurance to Elijah - Call of Elisha. (1
Kings 19)
UNSPEAKABLY grand as had been the scene on Mount Carmel, we instinctively
feel that it was the outcome of the Old Testament. We cannot conceive it possible
under the New dispensation. In so saying we do not so much refer to the ironical
taunts which Elijah had addressed to the priests of Baal, when compassion,
gentleness, and meekness might have seemed befitting, since it was necessary
effectually to expose the folly as well as the sin of idolatry, and this was best done in
such manner (comp. Isaiah 40:18, etc.; 41:7; 44:8-22; 46:5-11; Jeremiah 10:7, etc.).
Nor do we allude only or mainly to the destruction of the priests of Baal. This was
simply in obedience to the Old Testament Law, and was grounded alike on its
economy^17 and on the circumstances of the time.
Taking the lowest view, it was an act of necessary self-preservation, since the two
religions could not co-exist,
as the conduct of Jezebel had recently proved. But there is a higher view than this of
the event. For the fundamental object of Israel's calling and existence - the whole
typical import and preparatory purpose of the nation - was incompatible with even
the existence of idolatry among them. Finally, there is this essential difference
between the Old and the New Testament dispensation - that under the latter, religion
is of personal choice, heart-willingness being secured by the persuasion of the Holy
Ghost; while under the Old Testament (from its nature) religion was of Law.
Religious liberty is a principle which necessarily follows from a religion of free
choice, where God no longer addresses Himself to man merely, or mainly, with the
authority of a general Law, but appeals to the individual conscience with the
persuasion of a special invitation. Under the Old Testament, of which the
fundamental principle was the sole Divine authority of Jehovah (Exodus 20:2, 3),
idolatry was not only a crime, but a revolt against the Majesty of heaven, Israel's
King, which involved the most fatal consequences to the nation. Yet even so, we
repeat it, the scene on Mount Carmel could not have been enacted in New Testament
times.
(^)