2. Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. I. Elijah sent Ahab to eat and drink, for joy that God had now accepted his works, and that rain was coming; see Ecclesiastes 9:7. Choose a bull and prepare it. Baal's prophets were so far from being convinced and put to shame by the just reproach Elijah cast upon them that it made them the more violent and led them to act more ridiculously. Psalms 24:6, Thy face, O Jacob!Hosea 12:4. He stood by them, and patiently heard them for so many hours praying to an idol, yet with secret indignation and disdain; and at noon, when the sun was at the hottest, and they too expecting fire (then if ever), he upbraided them with their folly; and notwithstanding the gravity of his office, and the seriousness of the work he had before him, bantered them: "Cry aloud, for he is a god, a goodly god that cannot be made to hear without all this clamour. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Israel being thus far reformed that they had acknowledged the Lord to be God, and had consented to the execution of Baal's prophets, that they might not seduce them any more, though this was far short of a thorough reformation, yet it was so far accepted that God thereupon opened the bottles of heaven, and poured out blessings upon his land, that very evening (as it should seem) on which they did this good work, which should have confirmed them in their reformation; see Haggai 2:18; Haggai 2:19. When Baals people died, it was Elijah who raised them to life (v. 22). Elijah satisfied him that he might with safety deliver this message to Ahab, by assuring him, with an oath, that he would, this very day, present himself to Ahab, 1 Kings 18:15; 1 Kings 18:15. But, since Ahab invites him not to ride with him, he will run before him (1 Kings 18:46; 1 Kings 18:46) as one of his footmen, that he may not seem to be lifted up with the great honour God had put upon him or to abate in his civil respect to his prince, though he reproved him faithfully. [2.] Prophets should be called seers, and shepherds, and watchmen, and ministers, rather than lords, as those that mind duty more than dominion. In fact, the New Testament teaches that money and greed are often the loudest and most appealing idols seeking to steal our attention. if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. Pray to your god, but dont start the fire.. They worshipped God to please the prophets, but worshipped Baal to please Jezebel and curry favour at court. The priests and the Levites had all gone to Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13; 2 Chronicles 11:14), but, instead of them, God raised up these prophets, who read and expounded the law in private meetings, or in the families that retained their integrity, for we read not of any synagogues at this time; they had not the spirit of prophecy as Elijah, nor did they offer sacrifice, or burn incense, but taught people to live well, and keep close to the God of Israel. Ahab issued out writs accordingly, for the convening of this great assembly (1 Kings 18:20; 1 Kings 18:20), either because he feared Elijah and durst not oppose him (Saul stood in awe of Samuel more than of God), or because he hoped Elijah would bless the land, and speak the word that they might have rain, and upon those terms they would be all at his beck. How did the spirit of God move upon the face of the waters in Genesis 1:2? 4When Jezebel was killing all the Lords prophets, Obadiah hid a hundred of them in two caves, fifty in one cave and fifty in another. What was the result of this fair trial. III. Note, The worship of idols is a most ridiculous thing, and it is but justice to represent it so and expose it to scorn. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Through Elijah, God declared that Baal couldnt deliver the goods and his people couldnt have it both ways. Deserters must not look for God's favour till they return to their allegiance. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention. Of course, most Israelites probably didnt totally reject Yahweh, the God of Israel. The edification of the people: "That they may know that thou art the Lord, and may experience thy grace, turning their heart, by this miracle, as a means, back again to thee, in order to thy return in a way of mercy to them.". From Pretty Statues to Silver and Gold: Jesus or Mammon? Hence we read of those that hide themselves in the top of Carmel,Amos 9:3. How deaf Baal was to them. 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. He sent fire from heaven. There are those who trouble Israel by their wickedness, whom the conservators of the public peace are concerned to enquire after. Showdown on the mount Vote Up No, he waives the prescription, and enters upon the merits of the cause:--"There can be but one God, but one infinite and but one supreme: there needs but one God, one omnipotent, one all-sufficient. Ahab agrees with the request, but only 450 of the 850 priests (those who serve Baal) accept the challenge and show up (1Kings 18:22). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Ahab, like himself, basely accused Elijah. 16So Obadiah went to Ahab and told him where Elijah was. A good answer provides new insight and perspective. The purpose of the prophet's request was to demonstrate who was the true God that deserved the people's dedicated worship. 2. When Jezebel was killing all the LORD's . According to one ancient Canaanite myth, the father of Baal slashes his chest, arms, and back upon learning of his son's death. 1621), of rich men sent to hell for their failure to let go of their wealth for the sake of their neighbor (see Luke 16:1931), and of eternal judgment declared on the basis of ones willingness to share with those in need (Matt. 25Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, There are many of you, so you go first. 35 And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or . The long drought was over, and it was demonstrated that the prayers of Elijah both withheld the rain and then subsequently brought the rain. Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 18:4), slew them,1 Kings 18:13; 1 Kings 18:13. Those fear God greatly that keep up the fear of him in bad times and places; thus Obadiah did. To this fair proposal of the case, which Elijah here makes, the people knew not what to say: They answered him not a word. Their perishing thus is the using, as the apostle speaks of them (Colossians 3:22), was to intimate the utter abolition of them after a little while, Hebrews 8:13. He causeth vapours to ascend, and maketh lightnings for the rain; for this rain he did both. For less than $5/mo. 732 views, 45 likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from : 22 2023 . No one answered; no one paid attention" (v. 29 ESV).. If Jehovah be the true God, Baal is a false God, to whom these Israelites had revolted, and seduced others to the worship of him; and therefore, by the express law of God, they were to be put to death, Deuteronomy 13:1-11. 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. Note, It has been the lot of the best and most useful men to be called and counted the troublers of the land, and to be run down as public grievances. i. He did not think it enough to fear God himself, but, having wealth and power wherewith to do it, he thought himself obliged to assist and countenance others that feared God; nor did he think his being kind to them would excuse him from being good himself, but he did both, he both feared God greatly himself and patronised those that feared him likewise. Elijah told him to go and look again. He ordered abundance of water to be poured upon his altar, which he had prepared a trench for the reception of (1 Kings 18:32; 1 Kings 18:32), and, some think, made the altar hollow. Such was Elijah's zeal, no doubt, against the idolatry of Baal, and such his compassion to his people, that he thought it long to be thus confined to a corner; yet he appeared not till God bade him: "Go and show thyself to Ahab, for now thy hour has come, even the time to favour Israel." All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED. Though he expected an answer by fire, yet he came near to the altar with boldness, and feared not that fire. And all the people came near unto him. Micah 6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? The glory of God: "Lord, hear me, and answer me, that it may be known (for it is now by the most denied or forgotten) that thou art God in Israel, to whom alone the homage and devotion of Israel are due, and that I am thy servant, and do all that I have done, am doing, and shall do, as thy agent, at thy word, and not to gratify any humour or passion of my own. And they did it the second time. "Shout louder!" he said. In it, Elijah, the prophet of Gd, puts to the test what was at the time perceived as the most supreme and powerful of all the godsBaal. I will prepare the other bull, putting the meat on the wood but not setting fire to it. 27 And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. Name one of the Old Testament prophets present at the Transfiguration.. rh. But when we worship the idol of money, when our lives are oriented primarily toward earning, getting, and keeping, we become deformed, reflecting not the image of Yahweh, Lord of heaven and earth, but money, the god of me and mine. Six times his servant goes to the point of the hill and sees nothing, brings no good news to his master; yet Elijah continues praying, will not be diverted so far as to go and see with his own eyes, but still sends his servant to see if he can discover any hopeful cloud, while he keeps his mind close and intent in prayer, and abides by it, as one that has taken up his father Jacob's resolution, I will not let thee go except thou bless me. 46The Lord gave his power to Elijah, who tightened his clothes around him and ran ahead of King Ahab all the way to Jezreel. Though he was not at the place appointed, he chose the appointed time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, thereby to testify his communion with the altar at Jerusalem. Like madmen they cut themselves in pieces with knives and lancets (1 Kings 18:28; 1 Kings 18:28) for vexation that they were not answered, or in a sort of prophetic fury, hoping to obtain the favour of their god by offering to him their own blood, when they could not obtain it with the blood of their bullock. Does God gives us political leaders or do we vote them by choice? (2.) Thou employest me; Lord, make it appear that thou dost so;" see Numbers 16:28; Numbers 16:29. Does My Passion Mean That I'm Being Called? Such living falls far short of the life Jesus invites us to experience. Why did king Ahab have to die? He put himself into a strange posture. 2. 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. But it is strange to find such an eminently good man governor of Ahab's house, an office of great honour, power, and trust. Is it really you, master?, 8Yes, Elijah answered. Obadiah feared God greatly; Ahab had sold himself to work wickedness; and both discovered their character by the manner of their address to the prophet. Maybe we can find enough grass to keep our horses and mules alive and not have to kill our animals. 6So each one chose a part of the country to search; Ahab went in one direction and Obadiah in another. 26 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. e. Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you: This was a word of faith from Elijah to Ahab. Elijah, in answer to him, [1.] And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. He tells Elijah what great search Ahab had made for him and how much his heart was upon it to find him out, 1 Kings 18:10; 1 Kings 18:10. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. Yahweh would have none of it. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. Now if, upon trial, it appears that Baal is that one infinite omnipotent Being, that one supreme Lord and all-sufficient benefactor, you ought to renounce Jehovah and cleave to Baal only: but, if Jehovah be that one God, Baal is a cheat, and you must have no more to do with him." These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Carmel had neither tabernacle nor temple; it was a great way distant from the ark of the testimony and the place God had chosen; this was not the altar that sanctified the gift; yet never was any sacrifice more acceptable to God than this. He bids Obadiah go and tell the king that he is there to speak with him: Tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is forth-coming, 1 Kings 18:8; 1 Kings 18:8. If Baal really is a god, maybe he is thinking, or busy, or traveling! Elijah sought not his own glory but in subserviency to God's, and for his own necessary vindication. You can check these in your browser security settings. 45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. When we worship money, it mauls us. ), St. Joseph New Catholic Version New Testament. His interview with all Israel upon Mount Carmel, in order to a public trial of titles between the Lord and Baal; a most distinguished solemnity it was, in which, 1. Tyrants and persecutors, in their passion, are often unreasonably outrageous, even towards their friends and confidants. Note, Though the answer of our fervent and believing supplications may not come quickly, yet we must continue instant in prayer, and not faint nor desist; for at the end it shall speak and not lie. And the people answered him not a word. When we give, we reflect the image of our giving God. 40Then Elijah said, Capture the prophets of Baal! Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Why did the prophets of Baal cut themselves (1 Kings 18:28) Context: 1 Kings 18:27-28 New International Version (NIV) 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. Then Ahab went to meet Elijah. Why did the prophets of Baal cut themselves? The prophets of Baal, as criminals, are seized, condemned, and executed, according to law, 1 Kings 18:40; 1 Kings 18:40. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. St. Joseph New Catholic Version New Testament: Pocket Edition - Slightly Imperfect, St. Joseph New Catholic Version New Testament: Pocket Edition. IV. 45After a short time the sky was covered with dark clouds. All the people agreed that this was a good idea. He writes that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil that has led some to wander from the faith and pierce themselves with many griefs (v. 10). Obadiah begs to be excused from carrying this message to Ahab, for it might prove as much as his life was worth. to please their deity, as Herodias did Herod, and so to obtain their request. Baals 450 prophets worked themselves into a frenzy, cutting themselves, dancing, and chanting to their god. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. During all that time some of them prayed, while others of them prophesied, sang hymns, perhaps to the praise of Baal, or rather encouraged those that were praying to proceed, telling them that Baal would answer them at last; but there was no answer, nor any that regarded. Those that slighted and hated his counsels would gladly be beholden to him for his prayers. II. This is the right method. Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. They explore six key biblical themes of worship, community, work, equity, creation care, and rest to dig into what the Gospel means for how we use our resources. At the end of the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had . [4.] He fitted up an altar. But his corruptions got the better of his convictions, and he was glad to get clear of him, as Felix of Paul, when he dismissed him, and adjourned his conference with him to a more convenient season. Elijah, doubtless, had a special commission from God to put it to this test, otherwise he would have tempted God and affronted religion; but the case was extraordinary, and the judgment upon it would be of use, not only then, but in all ages. 9 And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me? 41Then Elijah said to Ahab, Now, go, eat, and drink, because a heavy rain is coming. 42So King Ahab went to eat and drink. I see nothing, he said. God demands no more from us than he can make out a title to. Note, 1. He insists upon it that we mortify our lusts and corruptions; but corporeal penances and severities, such as the Papists use, which have no tendency to that, are no pleasure to him. 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