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1 Kings 18

46 verses

TL;DR

Elijah challenges Israel to choose between the LORD and Baal, proving God's power by a miraculous fire on Mount Carmel, ending a severe drought and the reign of Ahab and Jezebel.

Summary

In a severe famine, Elijah is commanded to confront King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. He gathers the people and 400 Baal prophets on Mount Carmel, proposing a test: each side offers a bullock but no fire. While Baal's prophets fail to respond, Elijah's sacrifice is consumed by fire from the heavens, proving the LORD's supremacy. The people then confess, the Baal prophets are slain, and Elijah prays for rain, which descends, ending the drought. Ahab acknowledges the LORD's power, and Elijah's faith is affirmed by God’s intervention.

Outline
  1. Elijah gathers Ahab, Israel, and Baal prophets to Mount Carmel for a divine contest.
  2. The contest: Baal’s altar receives no fire; Elijah’s altar is fire-breathed by the LORD.
  3. After victory, Elijah’s prayer restores rain, Ahab concedes, and Israel is redeemed.
Themes
Divine sovereignty versus false prophetsFaithfulness and covenant renewalJudgment and mercy
Keywords
droughtElijahBaalfirewaterprophecycovenantIsrael
People
ElijahAhabJezebelObadiahprophets of the LORDprophets of Baal
Places
SamariaMount CarmelJezreelBrook Kishonthe Sea
Things
prophets of Baalbullock sacrificealtarfire from heavenwaterrain
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 18:21: Elijah confronts Ahab and calls the people to choose between the LORD and Baal.
  • 1 Kings 18:32: Elijah rebuilds the altar of the LORD with twelve stones, symbolizing the tribes.
  • 1 Kings 18:39: The fire from the LORD consumes the offering, proving divine authority.
  • 1 Kings 18:41: Elijah calls for rain, leading to the end of the drought.
Questions
  • What does Elijah’s challenge reveal about faith in the context of political authority?
  • How does the narrative portray the relationship between divine judgment and mercy?
  • In what ways does the story of Mount Carmel illustrate the dangers of idolatry?
  • What lessons can contemporary readers draw from the interaction between Elijah and Ahab?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter shows conflict and divine judgment, yet ends with vindication and renewal, balancing tension and hope.