1 Kings 18:23

Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

Study Bible

Get two bulls for us.
In the ancient Near East, bulls were often used in sacrifices due to their value and significance as a symbol of strength and fertility. The choice of two bulls here sets the stage for a direct confrontation between the God of Israel and the pagan god Baal. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God demonstrating His power over false gods, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12).

Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves,
Allowing the prophets of Baal to choose their bull first demonstrates fairness and confidence in the true God's power. It also highlights the futility of Baal worship, as the prophets are given every advantage to succeed. This mirrors the biblical principle that God often allows His opponents to make the first move, only to reveal their powerlessness, as seen in the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

cut it into pieces,
The act of cutting the bull into pieces is a standard procedure in sacrificial rituals, as described in Leviticus 1:6. This process signifies preparation for a burnt offering, which was a common practice in both Israelite and Canaanite worship. The meticulous preparation underscores the seriousness of the challenge and the expectation of divine intervention.

and place it on the wood but not light the fire.
The instruction not to light the fire emphasizes the miraculous nature of the impending demonstration. In biblical narratives, fire often symbolizes God's presence and approval, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). This sets the stage for God to reveal Himself as the true source of power, contrasting with the impotence of Baal.

And I will prepare the other bull
Elijah's preparation of the second bull signifies his role as God's prophet and representative. This act of preparation is reminiscent of the meticulous care required in the Levitical sacrifices, highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. Elijah's actions foreshadow Christ's role as the ultimate sacrifice, prepared and offered for humanity's redemption.

and place it on the wood but not light the fire.
Repeating the instruction not to light the fire reinforces the challenge's fairness and the expectation of divine action. It underscores the theme of faith and reliance on God's power rather than human effort. This mirrors the faith required of believers, as seen in Hebrews 11, where faith is defined as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God who challenges the prophets of Baal to demonstrate the power of the true God.

2. Prophets of Baal
Pagan prophets who worship Baal, a false god, and are challenged by Elijah.

3. Mount Carmel
The location where the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal takes place.

4. Bulls
Two bulls are used as offerings in the contest to demonstrate which deity is the true God.

5. Altar
The structure on which the bulls are placed, symbolizing a place of sacrifice and worship.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's power. We are called to trust God even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

Confronting Idolatry
Just as Elijah confronted the false worship of Baal, we must identify and confront modern-day idols in our lives, whether they be material possessions, status, or other distractions from God.

God's Sovereignty
The contest on Mount Carmel underscores God's sovereignty and power over all creation. We should live with the assurance that God is in control, regardless of the challenges we face.

Prayer and Preparation
Elijah's preparation of the altar and his subsequent prayer highlight the importance of both preparation and reliance on God in our spiritual lives.

Public Witness
Elijah's public demonstration of faith serves as a reminder that our faith should be visible to others, serving as a testimony to God's power and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's faith in God challenge us to trust God in our own difficult situations?

2. What are some modern-day idols that can distract us from worshiping the true God, and how can we confront them?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually, as Elijah prepared the altar, to experience God's power in our lives?

4. How can we demonstrate our faith publicly, as Elijah did, in a way that points others to God?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed God's sovereignty in your life. How did it strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
This passage emphasizes the commandment against idolatry, which is central to the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

James 5:17-18
James references Elijah's fervent prayer and faith, highlighting his role as a righteous man whose prayers were powerful and effective.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Elijah is included in the "Hall of Faith," demonstrating his trust in God amidst adversity.