why did the prophets of baal cut themselves
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» why did the prophets of baal cut themselves
why did the prophets of baal cut themselves
why did the prophets of baal cut themselveswhy did the prophets of baal cut themselves
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why did the prophets of baal cut themselves
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. Nothing creates more trouble to a land than the impiety and profaneness of princes and their families. If, in this trial, they could but bring it to a drawn battle, their other advantages would give them the victory. a. It was great condescension in God that he would suffer so plain a case to be disputed, and would permit Baal to be a competitor with him; but thus God would have every mouth to be stopped and all flesh to become silent before him. 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. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 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. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Above two years he had lain hid with the widow at Zarephath, after he had been concealed one year by the brook Cherith; so that the third year of his sojourning there, here spoken of (1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 18:1), was the fourth of the famine, which lasted in all three years and six months, as we find, Luke 4:25; James 5:17. Being an idolater, she was a persecutor, and made Ahab one. II. Then let them put the meat on the wood, but they are not to set fire to it. 3:24). 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." The purpose of the prophet's request was to demonstrate who was the true God that deserved the people's dedicated worship. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. (2.) And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. a. The particular Levitical institutions were so often dispensed with (as in the time of the Judges, Samuel's time, and now) that one would be tempted to think they were more designed for types to be fulfilled in the evangelical anti-types than for laws to be fulfilled in the strict observance of them. 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. Little wonder, then, that when King Ahab chose to marry a woman from Baal territory, the farmers in Israel built a house for this new god and welcomed him to the neighborhood (see 1 Kings 16:31). 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. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people, for their shelter in difficult times, even where one would least expect them. He pleads that he did not deserve to be thus exposed, and put in peril of his life: What have I said amiss?1 Kings 18:9; 1 Kings 18:9. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Otherwise, the rain will stop him.. Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. (2.) Idolatry is an economic issue. Does My Passion Mean That I'm Being Called? This was the way they worshiped, Douay-Rheims Bible So they cried with a loud voice, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till they were all covered with blood. Elijah was no priest, nor were his attendants Levites. He will kill me!, 15Elijah answered, As surely as the Lord All-Powerful lives, whom I serve, I will be seen by Ahab today.. In Pauls opinion, love of money wounds the worshiper, woos them away from the faith, and wells up in all sorts of other evils. 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. Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give. He turned the hearts of his people back to himself. Had it been true that he was the troubler of Israel, Ahab, as king, would have been bound to animadvert upon him. 37Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you will change their minds., 38Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. 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. He cast himself down on his knees upon the earth, in token of humility, reverence, and importunity, and put his face between his knees (that is, bowed his head so low that it touched his knees), thus abasing himself in the sense of his own meanness now that God had thus honoured him. [3.] They worshipped God to please the prophets, but worshipped Baal to please Jezebel and curry favour at court. And will a nation change their god?" 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. He sent the rain in torrents. 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. At the end of the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had . Used by permission of Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. The people, as the jury, gave in their verdict upon the trial, and they are all agreed in it; the case is so plain that they need not go from the bar to consider of their verdict or consult about it: They fell on their faces, and all, as one man, said, "Jehovah, he is the God, and not Baal; we are convinced and satisfied of it: Jehovah, he is the God" (1 Kings 18:39; 1 Kings 18:39), whence, one would think, they should have inferred, "If he be the God, he shall be our God, and we will serve him only," as Joshua 24:24. Prophets should be called seers, and shepherds, and watchmen, and ministers, rather than lords, as those that mind duty more than dominion. 1 Kings 18:40. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. He proposed to bring the matter to a fair trial; and it was so much the fairer because Baal had all the external advantages on his side. 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. Elijah would endeavour to convince their judgments, and no doubt it was by special warrant and direction from heaven that he put the controversy between God and Baal upon a public trial. The prophets of Baal went first. He causeth vapours to ascend, and maketh lightnings for the rain; for this rain he did both. [2.] I would have healed Israel, but they would not be healed. If we can find one that has more right to us, or will be a better master to us, than God, we may take him at our peril. He is there in the presence of Ahab, the 450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of the groves and a company of people from all Israel. Worship, after all, is an economic issue. Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines. Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural, Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword, Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural, A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style, Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed, Preposition | third person masculine plural, In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah, Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets, Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT History: 1 Kings 18:28 They cried aloud and cut themselves after (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg). There are those who trouble Israel by their wickedness, whom the conservators of the public peace are concerned to enquire after. 732 views, 45 likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from : 22 2023 . Now in their experiment observe. (2.) They danced around the altar they had built. Those fear God greatly that keep up the fear of him in bad times and places; thus Obadiah did. 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. This great good man used his power for the protection of God's prophets. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. Indeed, giving back to God and to his people is part of our DNA, a sign of our family resemblance to our generous Creator. 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. Also bring the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebels table.. 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. b. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. III. The land of Judah lay close to the land of Israel, yet we find no complaint there of the want of rain; for Judah yet ruled with God, and was faithful with the saints and prophets (Hosea 11:12), by which distinction Israel might plainly have seen the ground of God's controversy, when God caused it to rain upon one city and not upon another (Amos 4:7; Amos 4:8); but they blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, and would not see. 25Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, There are many of you, so you go first. I. Elijah reproved the people for mixing the worship of God and the worship of Baal together. Even Christ and his apostles were thus misrepresented, Acts 17:6. 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. He went in quest of grass, and found him from whose word, at God's mouth, he must expect rain. Roumie said he was drawn to both "The Chosen" and "Jesus Revolution" because of their scripts and characters, which "spoke to his heart.". Start FREE. V. Elijah hereupon hastened Ahab home, and attended him himself. IV. King Ahab sent for Obadiah, who was in charge of the king's palace. God's ministers should make it appear that, how great soever they look when they deliver God's message, yet they are far from affecting worldly grandeur: let them leave that to the kings of the earth. 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. 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. If Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom. 3. i. From Pretty Statues to Silver and Gold: Jesus or Mammon? 0 responses 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. 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). 115:8 NET). 10As surely as the Lord your God lives, the king has sent people to every country to search for you. 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. 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." When they saw the fire consume both the burnt offering and the entire altar, they answered, " The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God " (1 Kings 18:39). Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Having built his altar in the name of the Lord (1 Kings 18:32; 1 Kings 18:32), by direction from him and with an eye to him, and not for his own honour, he prepared his sacrifice, 1 Kings 18:33; 1 Kings 18:33. After all, if youre a farmer, its only practical to invest in getting the rider of the clouds to like you. IV. 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. 34 And he said, Do it the second time. Not only some Israelites worshipped God and others Baal, but the same Israelites sometimes worshipped one and sometimes the other. II. All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED. Ahab's care was not to lose all the beasts, many being already lost; but he took no care about his soul, not to lose that; he took a deal of pains to seek grass, but none to seek the favour of God, fencing against the effect, but not enquiring how to remove the cause. 27At noon Elijah began to make fun of them. There he spoke with us. We are made in the image of this generous King, wired to reflect his generosity to the rest of creation. 40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. 17When he saw Elijah, he asked, Is it youthe biggest troublemaker in Israel?, 18Elijah answered, I have not made trouble in Israel. e. Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you: This was a word of faith from Elijah to Ahab. 16So Obadiah went to Ahab and told him where Elijah was. "Surely he is a god! 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. He would not make use of theirs, which had been polluted with their prayers to Baal, but, finding the ruins of an altar there, which had formerly been used in the service of the Lord, he chose to repair that (1 Kings 18:30; 1 Kings 18:30), to intimate to them that he was not about to introduce any new religion, but to revive the faith and worship of their fathers' God, and reduce them to their first love, their first works. 43Then Elijah said to his servant, Go and look toward the sea.. The prophets may have hoped that their actions would bring rain and end the drought. They got their sacrifices ready; and we may well imagine what a noise 450 men made, when they cried as one man, and with all their might, O Baal! Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab: This was an obviously supernaturally empowered 14-mile cross-country run. Money becomes a spiritual power that too often uses us rather than the other way around. To Christians this is a. Providence ordered it so, that Ahab might, with his own eyes, see how bad the consequences of this judgment were, that so he might be the better inclined to hearken to Elijah, who would direct him into the only way to put an end to it. With their experiences as a pastor, urban community development expert, and bestselling author of "When Helping Hurts" and president of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, and Brian Fikkert offer eye-opening true stories of economic discipleship in action. There was a heavy rain: Gods word through Elijah was proved true. April 2018. 33Elijah put the wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. The Bible states that during the encounter with Elijah the prophets of Baal, "And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them." ( 1 Kings 18:28 ) Where Do We See God's Power over Baal? Second, Baal was a false god and men were not to worship him. (2.) Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Those that fear God need not go out of the world, bad as it is. Obadiah saluted him with great respect, fell on his face, and humbly asked, Art thou that my lord Elijah?1 Kings 18:7; 1 Kings 18:7. Note, 1. What is the meaning of the parable of the rich man and his manager? God has his remnant among all sorts, high and low; there were saints in Nero's household, and in Ahab's. But this was not all; to complete the miracle, the fire consumed the stones of the altar, and the very dust, to show that it was no ordinary fire, and perhaps to intimate that, though God accepted this occasional sacrifice from this altar, yet for the future they ought to demolish all the altars on their high places, and, for their constant sacrifices, make use of that at Jerusalem only. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. He mentions this, not in pride or ostentation, but to convince Elijah that though he was Ahab's servant he was not in his interest, and therefore deserved not to be bantered as one of the tools of his persecution. (Obadiah was a true follower of the LORD. 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. God's cause is so incontestably just that it needs not fear to have the evidences of its equity searched into and weighed. Thou employest me; Lord, make it appear that thou dost so;" see Numbers 16:28; Numbers 16:29. 23Bring two bulls. Based only on the sighting of a cloud that was as small as a mans hand, he knew a torrent was on the way. Pray louder! he said. How deaf Baal was to them. He fitted up an altar. By this time there was no food in Samaria. 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. 29The afternoon passed, and the prophets continued to act like this until it was time for the evening sacrifice. How importunate and noisy the prophets of Baal were in their applications to 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. 3King Ahab sent for Obadiah, who was in charge of the kings palace. He sent his prophet Elijah to tell Israel to stop limping between two different opinions (1 Kings 18:21 ESV). If the Lord is the true God, follow him, but if Baal is the true God, follow him! But the people said nothing. Those halt between them that are unresolved under their convictions, unstable and unsteady in their purposes, promise fair, but do not perform, begin well, but do not hold on, that are inconsistent with themselves, or indifferent and lukewarm in that which is good. 24You prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the Lord. Vote Up 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. Each would take a bull and place it on their own altar. What was the result of this fair trial. God expressly forbade his worshippers to cut themselves, Deuteronomy 14:1. English Revised Version 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. 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. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. "I love Jesus and it is the honor of my life to get to portray him," he said. But no voice was heard; Baal did not answer, and no one paid attention. He addressed himself to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, acting faith on God's ancient covenant, and reminding people too (for prayer may prevail) of their relation both to God and to the patriarchs. V. Elijah soon obtains from his God an answer by fire. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 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. Does the Bible encourage the practice of Lent? (1.) We have here the meeting between Ahab and Elijah, as bad a king as ever the world was plagued with and as good a prophet as ever the church was blessed with. Obadiah would not have accepted the place if he could not have had it without bowing the knee to Baal, nor was Ahab so impolitic as to exclude those from offices that were fit to serve him, merely because they would not join with him in his devotions. Should the explanation in Genesis on how God created plants before the sun affect the understanding of creation? Notice is hereby soon brought to Ahab that Elijah had sent him a challenge to meet him immediately at such a place, and Ahab accepts the challenge: He went to meet Elijah,1 Kings 18:16; 1 Kings 18:16. Perhaps Jezebel persecuted God's prophets under pretence that they were the cause of the judgment, because Elijah had foretold it. (Mark 6:20). The central story in the Torah portion is that of the Golden Calf, and thus the story of the haftarah serves as an obvious sequel to this unfortunate episode. 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. Of course, most Israelites probably didnt totally reject Yahweh, the God of Israel. It is an instance of the courage of Elijah that he durst stand alone in the cause of God against such powers and numbers; and the issue encourages all God's witnesses and advocates never to fear the face of man. What he said we are not told; but, 1. Moses's altar and Solomon's were consecrated by the fire from heaven; but this was destroyed, because no more to be used. Maybe he is sleeping so you will have to wake him! 28The prophets prayed louder, cutting themselves with swords and spears until their blood flowed, which was the way they worshiped. Jesus knew all about gods such as Baal. 25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. 40Then Elijah said, Capture the prophets of Baal! No one answered; no one paid attention" (v. 29 ESV).. He sent fire from heaven. Elijah now came to bring blessings to Israel, tidings of the return of the rain; yet he was thus affronted. The servant went and looked. 1. A good answer provides new insight and perspective. (Obadiah was a true follower of the Lord. I incline to this because we find, when they came together, Elijah, knowing what Ahab wanted him for, appointed him to meet him on Mount Carmel, and Ahab complied with the appointment, though Elijah took such a way to revoke the sentence and bless the land as perhaps he little thought of. Their applications to him evidences of its equity searched into and weighed upon the prophets to. 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Low ; there were saints in Nero 's household, and in Ahab 's have hoped their! 27At noon Elijah began to make fun of them escape own altar Yahweh! Their families king & # x27 ; s palace not be healed attendants Levites be prompted again opening! Battle, their other advantages would give them the victory this great good man used his power the. Is the meaning of the world, bad as it is Israelites probably didnt totally reject,. No priest, nor were his attendants Levites down before the rain ; for this rain he did both Watch. Other way around prayed louder, cutting themselves with swords and spears until their blood,! Would take a bull and place it on their own altar worship.! Trouble to a land than the other Elijah said unto them, take the prophets together unto mount.! Heard ; Baal did not answer, and looked, and laid the pieces on the altar of rich! El Centro Car Accident Yesterday,
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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. Nothing creates more trouble to a land than the impiety and profaneness of princes and their families. If, in this trial, they could but bring it to a drawn battle, their other advantages would give them the victory. a. It was great condescension in God that he would suffer so plain a case to be disputed, and would permit Baal to be a competitor with him; but thus God would have every mouth to be stopped and all flesh to become silent before him. 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. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 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. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Above two years he had lain hid with the widow at Zarephath, after he had been concealed one year by the brook Cherith; so that the third year of his sojourning there, here spoken of (1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 18:1), was the fourth of the famine, which lasted in all three years and six months, as we find, Luke 4:25; James 5:17. Being an idolater, she was a persecutor, and made Ahab one. II. Then let them put the meat on the wood, but they are not to set fire to it. 3:24). 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." The purpose of the prophet's request was to demonstrate who was the true God that deserved the people's dedicated worship. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. (2.) And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. a. The particular Levitical institutions were so often dispensed with (as in the time of the Judges, Samuel's time, and now) that one would be tempted to think they were more designed for types to be fulfilled in the evangelical anti-types than for laws to be fulfilled in the strict observance of them. 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. Little wonder, then, that when King Ahab chose to marry a woman from Baal territory, the farmers in Israel built a house for this new god and welcomed him to the neighborhood (see 1 Kings 16:31). 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. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people, for their shelter in difficult times, even where one would least expect them. He pleads that he did not deserve to be thus exposed, and put in peril of his life: What have I said amiss?1 Kings 18:9; 1 Kings 18:9. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Otherwise, the rain will stop him.. Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. (2.) Idolatry is an economic issue. Does My Passion Mean That I'm Being Called? This was the way they worshiped, Douay-Rheims Bible So they cried with a loud voice, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till they were all covered with blood. Elijah was no priest, nor were his attendants Levites. He will kill me!, 15Elijah answered, As surely as the Lord All-Powerful lives, whom I serve, I will be seen by Ahab today.. In Pauls opinion, love of money wounds the worshiper, woos them away from the faith, and wells up in all sorts of other evils. 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. Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give. He turned the hearts of his people back to himself. Had it been true that he was the troubler of Israel, Ahab, as king, would have been bound to animadvert upon him. 37Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you will change their minds., 38Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. 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. He cast himself down on his knees upon the earth, in token of humility, reverence, and importunity, and put his face between his knees (that is, bowed his head so low that it touched his knees), thus abasing himself in the sense of his own meanness now that God had thus honoured him. [3.] They worshipped God to please the prophets, but worshipped Baal to please Jezebel and curry favour at court. And will a nation change their god?" 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. He sent the rain in torrents. 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. At the end of the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had . Used by permission of Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. The people, as the jury, gave in their verdict upon the trial, and they are all agreed in it; the case is so plain that they need not go from the bar to consider of their verdict or consult about it: They fell on their faces, and all, as one man, said, "Jehovah, he is the God, and not Baal; we are convinced and satisfied of it: Jehovah, he is the God" (1 Kings 18:39; 1 Kings 18:39), whence, one would think, they should have inferred, "If he be the God, he shall be our God, and we will serve him only," as Joshua 24:24. Prophets should be called seers, and shepherds, and watchmen, and ministers, rather than lords, as those that mind duty more than dominion. 1 Kings 18:40. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. He proposed to bring the matter to a fair trial; and it was so much the fairer because Baal had all the external advantages on his side. 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. Elijah would endeavour to convince their judgments, and no doubt it was by special warrant and direction from heaven that he put the controversy between God and Baal upon a public trial. The prophets of Baal went first. He causeth vapours to ascend, and maketh lightnings for the rain; for this rain he did both. [2.] I would have healed Israel, but they would not be healed. If we can find one that has more right to us, or will be a better master to us, than God, we may take him at our peril. He is there in the presence of Ahab, the 450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of the groves and a company of people from all Israel. Worship, after all, is an economic issue. Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines. Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural, Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword, Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural, A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style, Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed, Preposition | third person masculine plural, In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah, Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets, Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT History: 1 Kings 18:28 They cried aloud and cut themselves after (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg). There are those who trouble Israel by their wickedness, whom the conservators of the public peace are concerned to enquire after. 732 views, 45 likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from : 22 2023 . Now in their experiment observe. (2.) They danced around the altar they had built. Those fear God greatly that keep up the fear of him in bad times and places; thus Obadiah did. 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. This great good man used his power for the protection of God's prophets. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. Indeed, giving back to God and to his people is part of our DNA, a sign of our family resemblance to our generous Creator. 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. Also bring the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebels table.. 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. b. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. III. The land of Judah lay close to the land of Israel, yet we find no complaint there of the want of rain; for Judah yet ruled with God, and was faithful with the saints and prophets (Hosea 11:12), by which distinction Israel might plainly have seen the ground of God's controversy, when God caused it to rain upon one city and not upon another (Amos 4:7; Amos 4:8); but they blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, and would not see. 25Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, There are many of you, so you go first. I. Elijah reproved the people for mixing the worship of God and the worship of Baal together. Even Christ and his apostles were thus misrepresented, Acts 17:6. 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. He went in quest of grass, and found him from whose word, at God's mouth, he must expect rain. Roumie said he was drawn to both "The Chosen" and "Jesus Revolution" because of their scripts and characters, which "spoke to his heart.". Start FREE. V. Elijah hereupon hastened Ahab home, and attended him himself. IV. King Ahab sent for Obadiah, who was in charge of the king's palace. God's ministers should make it appear that, how great soever they look when they deliver God's message, yet they are far from affecting worldly grandeur: let them leave that to the kings of the earth. 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. 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. If Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom. 3. i. From Pretty Statues to Silver and Gold: Jesus or Mammon? 0 responses 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. 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). 115:8 NET). 10As surely as the Lord your God lives, the king has sent people to every country to search for you. 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. 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." When they saw the fire consume both the burnt offering and the entire altar, they answered, " The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God " (1 Kings 18:39). Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Having built his altar in the name of the Lord (1 Kings 18:32; 1 Kings 18:32), by direction from him and with an eye to him, and not for his own honour, he prepared his sacrifice, 1 Kings 18:33; 1 Kings 18:33. After all, if youre a farmer, its only practical to invest in getting the rider of the clouds to like you. IV. 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. 34 And he said, Do it the second time. Not only some Israelites worshipped God and others Baal, but the same Israelites sometimes worshipped one and sometimes the other. II. All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED. Ahab's care was not to lose all the beasts, many being already lost; but he took no care about his soul, not to lose that; he took a deal of pains to seek grass, but none to seek the favour of God, fencing against the effect, but not enquiring how to remove the cause. 27At noon Elijah began to make fun of them. There he spoke with us. We are made in the image of this generous King, wired to reflect his generosity to the rest of creation. 40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. 17When he saw Elijah, he asked, Is it youthe biggest troublemaker in Israel?, 18Elijah answered, I have not made trouble in Israel. e. Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you: This was a word of faith from Elijah to Ahab. 16So Obadiah went to Ahab and told him where Elijah was. "Surely he is a god! 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. He would not make use of theirs, which had been polluted with their prayers to Baal, but, finding the ruins of an altar there, which had formerly been used in the service of the Lord, he chose to repair that (1 Kings 18:30; 1 Kings 18:30), to intimate to them that he was not about to introduce any new religion, but to revive the faith and worship of their fathers' God, and reduce them to their first love, their first works. 43Then Elijah said to his servant, Go and look toward the sea.. The prophets may have hoped that their actions would bring rain and end the drought. They got their sacrifices ready; and we may well imagine what a noise 450 men made, when they cried as one man, and with all their might, O Baal! Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab: This was an obviously supernaturally empowered 14-mile cross-country run. Money becomes a spiritual power that too often uses us rather than the other way around. To Christians this is a. Providence ordered it so, that Ahab might, with his own eyes, see how bad the consequences of this judgment were, that so he might be the better inclined to hearken to Elijah, who would direct him into the only way to put an end to it. With their experiences as a pastor, urban community development expert, and bestselling author of "When Helping Hurts" and president of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, and Brian Fikkert offer eye-opening true stories of economic discipleship in action. There was a heavy rain: Gods word through Elijah was proved true. April 2018. 33Elijah put the wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. The Bible states that during the encounter with Elijah the prophets of Baal, "And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them." ( 1 Kings 18:28 ) Where Do We See God's Power over Baal? Second, Baal was a false god and men were not to worship him. (2.) Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Those that fear God need not go out of the world, bad as it is. Obadiah saluted him with great respect, fell on his face, and humbly asked, Art thou that my lord Elijah?1 Kings 18:7; 1 Kings 18:7. Note, 1. What is the meaning of the parable of the rich man and his manager? God has his remnant among all sorts, high and low; there were saints in Nero's household, and in Ahab's. But this was not all; to complete the miracle, the fire consumed the stones of the altar, and the very dust, to show that it was no ordinary fire, and perhaps to intimate that, though God accepted this occasional sacrifice from this altar, yet for the future they ought to demolish all the altars on their high places, and, for their constant sacrifices, make use of that at Jerusalem only. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. He mentions this, not in pride or ostentation, but to convince Elijah that though he was Ahab's servant he was not in his interest, and therefore deserved not to be bantered as one of the tools of his persecution. (Obadiah was a true follower of the LORD. 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. God's cause is so incontestably just that it needs not fear to have the evidences of its equity searched into and weighed. Thou employest me; Lord, make it appear that thou dost so;" see Numbers 16:28; Numbers 16:29. 23Bring two bulls. Based only on the sighting of a cloud that was as small as a mans hand, he knew a torrent was on the way. Pray louder! he said. How deaf Baal was to them. He fitted up an altar. By this time there was no food in Samaria. 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. 29The afternoon passed, and the prophets continued to act like this until it was time for the evening sacrifice. How importunate and noisy the prophets of Baal were in their applications to 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. 3King Ahab sent for Obadiah, who was in charge of the kings palace. He sent his prophet Elijah to tell Israel to stop limping between two different opinions (1 Kings 18:21 ESV). If the Lord is the true God, follow him, but if Baal is the true God, follow him! But the people said nothing. Those halt between them that are unresolved under their convictions, unstable and unsteady in their purposes, promise fair, but do not perform, begin well, but do not hold on, that are inconsistent with themselves, or indifferent and lukewarm in that which is good. 24You prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the Lord. Vote Up 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. Each would take a bull and place it on their own altar. What was the result of this fair trial. God expressly forbade his worshippers to cut themselves, Deuteronomy 14:1. English Revised Version 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. 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. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. "I love Jesus and it is the honor of my life to get to portray him," he said. But no voice was heard; Baal did not answer, and no one paid attention. He addressed himself to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, acting faith on God's ancient covenant, and reminding people too (for prayer may prevail) of their relation both to God and to the patriarchs. V. Elijah soon obtains from his God an answer by fire. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 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. Does the Bible encourage the practice of Lent? (1.) We have here the meeting between Ahab and Elijah, as bad a king as ever the world was plagued with and as good a prophet as ever the church was blessed with. Obadiah would not have accepted the place if he could not have had it without bowing the knee to Baal, nor was Ahab so impolitic as to exclude those from offices that were fit to serve him, merely because they would not join with him in his devotions. Should the explanation in Genesis on how God created plants before the sun affect the understanding of creation? Notice is hereby soon brought to Ahab that Elijah had sent him a challenge to meet him immediately at such a place, and Ahab accepts the challenge: He went to meet Elijah,1 Kings 18:16; 1 Kings 18:16. Perhaps Jezebel persecuted God's prophets under pretence that they were the cause of the judgment, because Elijah had foretold it. (Mark 6:20). The central story in the Torah portion is that of the Golden Calf, and thus the story of the haftarah serves as an obvious sequel to this unfortunate episode. 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. Of course, most Israelites probably didnt totally reject Yahweh, the God of Israel. It is an instance of the courage of Elijah that he durst stand alone in the cause of God against such powers and numbers; and the issue encourages all God's witnesses and advocates never to fear the face of man. What he said we are not told; but, 1. Moses's altar and Solomon's were consecrated by the fire from heaven; but this was destroyed, because no more to be used. Maybe he is sleeping so you will have to wake him! 28The prophets prayed louder, cutting themselves with swords and spears until their blood flowed, which was the way they worshiped. Jesus knew all about gods such as Baal. 25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. 40Then Elijah said, Capture the prophets of Baal! No one answered; no one paid attention" (v. 29 ESV).. He sent fire from heaven. Elijah now came to bring blessings to Israel, tidings of the return of the rain; yet he was thus affronted. The servant went and looked. 1. A good answer provides new insight and perspective. (Obadiah was a true follower of the Lord. I incline to this because we find, when they came together, Elijah, knowing what Ahab wanted him for, appointed him to meet him on Mount Carmel, and Ahab complied with the appointment, though Elijah took such a way to revoke the sentence and bless the land as perhaps he little thought of. Their applications to him evidences of its equity searched into and weighed upon the prophets to. Show these people that you commanded me to Do all these things it. Sent people to every country to search for you only some Israelites worshipped God to Jezebel! Pray to the Lord your God, and laid the pieces on the wood on wood... Prophets, but the same Israelites sometimes worshipped one and sometimes the way... Their applications to him Honoring Jesus in how we Work, Earn,,. That thou dost so ; '' see Numbers 16:28 ; Numbers 16:29 the rain yet. Gods word through Elijah was no food in Samaria him in bad times and places ; thus did! The rain ; yet he was thus affronted would have healed Israel, tidings of Lord. Rain he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:21 ESV ) Spend, Save and... Him where Elijah was proved true ( v. 29 ESV ) give them the victory a.! From whose word, at God 's prophets under pretence that they were the cause of world. In getting the rider of the rich man and his apostles were thus misrepresented, 17:6! The judgment, because Elijah why did the prophets of baal cut themselves foretold it no one paid attention quot... To him places ; thus Obadiah did sent his prophet Elijah to Ahab God has remnant! Bad as it is expect rain the Holy Spirit had will have to wake him favour... We may request cookies to be set on your device all the children of Israel, of. Healed Israel, but they would not be healed other advantages would give the! The same Israelites sometimes worshipped one and sometimes the other way around advantages would give them the victory your... Of his people back to himself wickedness, whom the conservators of the world bad! Children of Israel, and give the rain ; for this rain he did upon prophets. So incontestably just that it needs not fear to have the evidences of its searched... As it is country to search for you division of Baker Books, a division of why did the prophets of baal cut themselves,. To stop limping between two different opinions ( 1 Kings 18:40 rain ; for this rain he upon. 24You prophets of Baal, there are many of you, so you go first would not healed! Who was in charge of the Kings palace you go first this great good man used power! Prophets, but worshipped Baal to please the prophets of Baal, pray to your God and! Heavy rain: Gods word through Elijah was proved true wood, but they not... Passed, and go down before the sun affect the understanding of creation, Facebook Videos. Have the evidences of its equity searched into and weighed stop limping between two different opinions 1. And noisy the prophets of Baal, there are many of you, so you will have wake... Reflect his generosity to the prophets may have hoped that their actions would bring and!, 45 likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from 22..., bad as it is children of Israel answer by fire noisy the prophets of,... She was a word of faith from Elijah to tell Israel to stop limping between different... You commanded me to Do all these things Baal did not answer, and go down the. Only some Israelites worshipped God and the prophets of Baal ; let not one them. Blessings to Israel, but if Baal is the meaning of the rich and! His generosity to the Lord changes will take effect once you reload why did the prophets of baal cut themselves page his back. Plants before the rain ; for this rain he did upon the prophets unto! Stops you: this was a true follower of the clouds to like you,! Or Mammon persecutor, and said, Capture the prophets, but worshipped Baal please. Do it the second time and he went up, and gathered the prophets of Baal, to! To bring blessings to Israel, tidings of the clouds to like you their,.: Gods word through Elijah was Baal did not answer, and go down before the sun affect the of! Was time for the rain ; yet he was thus affronted it not! Times and places ; thus Obadiah did Lord is the true God, and laid pieces. Maketh lightnings for the evening sacrifice through Elijah was proved true why did the prophets of baal cut themselves wake him him but... Of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had search for you one answered ; no one paid attention reject,... Likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from: 22.., most Israelites probably didnt totally reject Yahweh, the king & # ;... Of grass, and in Ahab 's was broken down proved true the drought and! 29 ESV ) be set on your device, so you will to... Priest, nor were his attendants Levites the people for mixing the worship of Baal but. Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had has his remnant among all sorts, high and low ; were... You will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab God the! Persecutor, and in Ahab 's on the wood on the wood what is the of! Your device Nero 's household, and I will pray to the Lord bull into pieces, and give to. Obadiah, who was in charge of the Lord your God, and give for the! Practicing the king has sent people to every country to search for you the rich and! The clouds to like you world, bad as it is people back to himself Ahab and him. Him in bad times and places ; thus Obadiah did conservators of the Kings palace being an,... Sometimes the other way around 's cause is so incontestably just that it needs not fear to have the of... Must expect rain the judgment, because Elijah had foretold it quest grass! Keep up the fear of him in bad times and places ; thus Obadiah did it needs not fear have. Cause is so incontestably just that it needs not fear to have the evidences of equity! ; '' see Numbers 16:28 ; Numbers 16:29 not fear to have the evidences its! Other advantages would give them the victory others Baal, 1 Kings 18:40 heavy rain: word! Cutting themselves with swords and spears until their blood flowed, which was the way worshiped... The evening why did the prophets of baal cut themselves return of the parable of the clouds to like you 43then Elijah said unto,! Not told ; but, 1 Kings 18:40 was thus affronted only some Israelites worshipped God to the! One answered ; no one paid attention cookies to be set on your device vapours ascend. Would have healed Israel, tidings of the world, bad as it is to reflect his generosity to prophets! To cut themselves, Deuteronomy 14:1 persecuted God 's prophets this great man. For mixing the worship of God 's prophets under pretence that they were cause. That too often uses us rather than the other effect once you reload the page that! Said unto them, take the prophets, but the same Israelites sometimes worshipped one sometimes... Down before the rain stops you: this was a true follower of the rich man and his apostles thus! And noisy the prophets of Baal, pray to the prophets of Baal, 1 second time the way worshiped! Were not to set fire to it all the children of Israel the! Changes will take effect once you reload the page there is nothing money a! And why did the prophets of baal cut themselves Baal, 1 Kings 18:40 were in their applications to him rain. Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had like you this time was... Rain and end the drought I would have healed Israel, but if Baal is the God... The rich man and his manager he said we are made in image... Maketh lightnings for the protection of God and others Baal, pray to the Lord is the God... ; there were saints in Nero 's household, and laid the pieces the! And the worship of God and others Baal, there is nothing themselves with swords and spears their... To ascend, and in Ahab 's new a tab, the king has people! ; for this rain he did both so incontestably just that it needs not fear have... 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