28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. The God who answered by fire, igniting the sacrifice on the altar, was the true God. 25:3146). Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Those fear God greatly that keep up the fear of him in bad times and places; thus Obadiah did. 10 million Ukrainians without power because of Russia. When we worship money, it mauls us. They allow the proposal to be fair and unexceptionable "God has often answered by fire; if Baal cannot do so, let him be cast out for a usurper." Like fools, they leaped upon the altar, as if they would themselves become sacrifices with their bullock; or thus they expressed their great earnestness of mind. 30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. (2.) 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. To this fair proposal of the case, which Elijah here makes, the people knew not what to say: They answered him not a word. 7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah? They prayed to Baal from morning until noon, shouting Baal, answer us! But there was no sound, and no one answered. The God therefore that has power to pardon sin, and to signify it by consuming the sin-offering, must needs be the God that can relieve us against the calamity. Now in their experiment observe. 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. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. His new conquest will be lost if he do not look about him quickly." A little cloud at length appeared, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently overspread the heavens and watered the earth, 1 Kings 18:44; 1 Kings 18:45. Who has required these things at your hands? When we give, we reflect the image of our giving God. We may suppose it was a great surprise to Ahab to hear that Elijah, whom he had so long sought and not found, was now found without seeking. These were the 450 prophets of Baal; the 400 prophets of the groves (who, some think, were Sidonians), though summoned (1 Kings 18:19; 1 Kings 18:19), yet, as it should seem, did not attend, and so escaped this execution, which fair escape perhaps Ahab and Jezebel thought themselves happy in; but it proved they were reserved to be the instruments of Ahab's destruction, some time after, by encouraging him to go up to Ramoth-Gilead, 1 Kings 22:6; 1 Kings 22:6. "But there was no voice. As one having authority immediately from the King of kings, he ordered a convention of the states to be forthwith summoned to meet at Mount Carmel, where there had been an altar built to God, 1 Kings 18:30; 1 Kings 18:30. (The Lord changed Jacobs name to Israel.) April 28 2020 Note, The worship of idols is a most ridiculous thing, and it is but justice to represent it so and expose it to scorn. Great blessings often arise from small beginnings, and showers of plenty from a cloud of a span long. Obadiah recognized Elijah, so he bowed down to the ground and said, Elijah? What occasion for addition to that which is perfect? Those few that escaped the sword were forced to abscond, and hide themselves in caves, where they were buried alive and cut off, though not from life, yet from usefulness, which is the end and comfort of life; and, when the prophets were persecuted and driven into corners, no doubt their friends, those few good people that were in the land, were treated in like manner. [2.] As for why the worship of Baal and Asherah specifically was such a problem for Israel, there are several reasons we can cite: first, the worship of Baal and Asherah held the allure of illicit sex, since the religion involved ritual prostitution. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. 29The afternoon passed, and the prophets continued to act like this until it was time for the evening sacrifice. But no voice was heard; Baal did not answer, and no one paid attention. As for those who fall as victims to the fire of God's wrath, no water can shelter them from it, any more than briers or thorns, Isaiah 27:4; Isaiah 27:5. I have followed the Lord since I was a boy. 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 12The Spirit of the Lord may carry you to some other place after I leave. They leaped up and down, or danced about the altar (so some): they hoped, by their dancing, to please their deity, as Herodias did Herod, and so to obtain their request. 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. 2. (Obadiah was a true follower of the Lord. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Pray louder! he said. Behold the bullock and the wood; but where is the fire?Genesis 22:7; Genesis 22:8. "I love Jesus and it is the honor of my life to get to portray him," he said. Probably on that mountain they had an eminent high place, where formerly the pure worship of God had been kept up as well as it could be any where but at Jerusalem. Those that were firm for God doubted not but it would end to his honour; those that were indifferent were willing to be determined; and Ahab and the prophets of Baal durst not oppose for fear of the people, and hoped that either they could obtain fire from heaven (though they never had yet), and the rather because, as some think, they worshipped the sun in Baal, or that Elijah could not, because not at the temple, where God was wont thus to manifest his glory. Some, we hope, had their hearts thus turned back, but the generality of them were convinced only, not converted, yielded to the truth of God, that he is the God, but consented not to his covenant, that he should be theirs. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. But the primary attraction to Baal wasnt a pretty statue; it was an economic promise. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. V. Elijah soon obtains from his God an answer by fire. All rights reserved. He solicited their allegiance, work, and worshipfor himself and his kingdom. Observe his character: He feared the Lord greatly (1 Kings 18:3; 1 Kings 18:3), was not only a good man, but zealously and eminently good; his great place put a lustre upon his goodness, and gave him great opportunities of doing good; and he feared the Lord from his youth (1 Kings 18:12; 1 Kings 18:12), he began betimes to be religious and had continued long. Stop for a moment. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? They cut themselves and cried out to Baal for hours, but 1 Kings 18:26 says, "There was no voice; no one answered." Their god was a non-entity, a nothing. 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. Idols could do neither good nor evil. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, "Shout louder, for he is a god! 22Elijah said, I am the only prophet of the Lord here, but there are four hundred fifty prophets of Baal. And will a nation change their god?" How did the spirit of God move upon the face of the waters in Genesis 1:2? 2. He himself retired to pray (for though God had promised rain, he must ask it, Zechariah 10:1), and to give thanks for God's answer by fire, now hoping for an answer by water. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. III. We left the prophet Elijah wrapt up in obscurity. 10As surely as the Lord your God lives, the king has sent people to every country to search for you. 13 Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid a hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? The prophets of Baal went first. Click on the different category headings to find out more. I. His parables tell of farmers destroyed in the midst of their prosperity because they hoarded wealth and failed to be rich toward God (see vv. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 4. Roumie said he was drawn to both "The Chosen" and "Jesus Revolution" because of their scripts and characters, which "spoke to his heart.". It does not appear that either the increase of the provision or the raising of the child had caused him to be taken notice of at Zarephath, for then Ahab would have discovered him; he would rather do good than be known to do it. Is it really you, master?, 8Yes, Elijah answered. No one answered; no one paid attention" (v. 29 ESV).. Surely you think he is talking or meditating (as the word is) or he is pursuing some deep thoughts, (in a brown study, as we say), thinking of somewhat else and not minding his own matter, when not your credit only, but all his honour lies at stake, and his interest in Israel. Why did king Ahab have to die? In fact, the New Testament teaches that money and greed are often the loudest and most appealing idols seeking to steal our attention. I. Elijah reproved the people for mixing the worship of God and the worship of Baal together. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. The king and court were all for Baal; so was the body of the people. His prayer was not long, for he used no vain repetitions, nor thought he should be heard for his much speaking; but it was very grave and composed, and showed his mind to be calm and sedate, and far from the heats and disorders that Baal's prophets were in, 1 Kings 18:36; 1 Kings 18:37. 29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. Otherwise, the rain will stop him.. Their greedy hearts created other gods out of every coin in their coffers. Note, Those who profess religion should study to recommend themselves to the esteem even of those that are without by their integrity, fidelity, and application to business. He would have the king know before, that it might not be a surprise to him and that he might be sure it was the prophet's own act to present himself to him. 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. The Holy Bible, New Century Version. We are fairly put to our choice whom we will serve,Joshua 24:15. The time was that of Ahab, king of Israel. 28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. Let but Obadiah know that he spoke seriously and really intended it, and he will make no scruple to carry the message to Ahab. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. ESV - 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. He causeth vapours to ascend, and maketh lightnings for the rain; for this rain he did both. There are those who trouble Israel by their wickedness, whom the conservators of the public peace are concerned to enquire after. This happened seven times. Didnt the prophet trick him? There was a heavy rain: Gods word through Elijah was proved true. Dont let any of them run away! The people captured all the prophets. Elijah does not say, "The God that answers by water" (though that was the thing the country needed), but "that answers by fire, let him be God;" because the atonement was to be made by sacrifice, before the judgment could be removed in mercy. 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. A good answer provides new insight and perspective. We dont know exactly why it was important to God for Elijah to reach Jezreel first; perhaps it was so that he would be the first to tell Queen Jezebel. 19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. Also bring the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebels table.. Such living falls far short of the life Jesus invites us to experience. IV. The steps taken towards redressing the grievance, by Elijah's appearing again upon the stage, to act as a Tishbite, a converter or reformer of Israel, for so (some think) that title of his signifies. 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. 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. You can also change some of your preferences. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. It was strange that so good a man as Obadiah would accept of preferment in a court so addicted to idolatry and all manner of wickedness. Though he expected an answer by fire, yet he came near to the altar with boldness, and feared not that fire. There needed no proof of the fact; all Israel were witnesses of it: and therefore Elijah (acting still by an extraordinary commission, which is not to be drawn into a precedent) orders them all to be slain immediately as the troublers of the land, and Ahab himself is so terrified, for the present, with the fire from heaven, that he dares not oppose it. Start FREE. 6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. Used by permission of Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. He is sure Ahab would be so enraged at the disappointment that he would put him to death for making a fool of him, or for not laying hands on Elijah himself, when he had him in his reach, 1 Kings 18:12; 1 Kings 18:12. He knew, by the Spirit, where to meet him, and we are here told what passed between them. 17When he saw Elijah, he asked, Is it youthe biggest troublemaker in Israel?, 18Elijah answered, I have not made trouble in Israel. Once we remember that the Jews saw idolatry as the ultimate sin that put one outside the community of faith, we can hear the full force of Pauls words. 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. 43Then Elijah said to his servant, Go and look toward the sea.. ly. Elijah's God was neither talking nor pursuing, needed not to be either awakened or quickened; while he was yet speaking, the fire of the Lord fell, and not only, as at other times (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1) consumed the sacrifice and the wood, in token of God's acceptance of the offering, but licked up all the water in the trench, exhaling that, and drawing it up as a vapour, in order to the intended rain, which was to be the fruit of this sacrifice and prayer, more than the product of natural causes. He thought Elijah was not in good earnest when he bade him tell Ahab where he was, but intended only to expose the impotency of his malice; for he knew Ahab was not worthy to receive any kindness from the prophet and it was not fit that the prophet should receive any mischief from him. Indeed, giving back to God and to his people is part of our DNA, a sign of our family resemblance to our generous Creator. Pray to your god, but dont start the fire.. Obadiah therefore could with a good conscience enjoy the place, and therefore would not decline it, nor give it up, though he foresaw he could not do the good he desired to do in it. Pursuant to this order we have here, I. Jack Gutknecht. 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. Blessed are those that have not seen what they saw and yet have believed and been wrought upon by it more than those that saw it. 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. Baal and his prophets were confounded. Now God made those who said they were Jews and were not, but were of the synagogue of Satan, to come, and, in effect, to worship at his feet, and to know that God had loved him,Revelation 3:9. He takes it for granted that Elijah would again withdraw (1 Kings 18:12; 1 Kings 18:12): The Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee (as it is likely he had done sometimes, when Ahab thought he had been sure of him) whither I know not. The prophets of Baal, as criminals, are seized, condemned, and executed, according to law, 1 Kings 18:40; 1 Kings 18:40. For the nations around Israel, Baal was the rider of the clouds, who brought the rains and blessed the earth.When Baal showed up, the heavens rained oil, the rivers ran with honey, mothers gave birth to healthy children, and even the dead could be raised. Elijah, in answer to him, [1.] English Revised Version God, at length, ordered Elijah to present himself to Ahab, because the time had now come when he would send rain upon the earth (1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 18:1), or rather upon the land. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. What was the result of this fair trial. How sharp Elijah was upon them, 1 Kings 18:27; 1 Kings 18:27. Turn them again to the Lord God of hosts, from whom they have revolted, and all will be well quickly; this must be Elijah's doing. They could say nothing to justify themselves, and they would say nothing to condemn themselves, but, as people confounded, let him say what he would. 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. Are fairly put to our choice whom we will remove all set cookies in our domain cookies in domain. 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