Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Kings 18

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Elijah kept following the Lord's commands (see 1 Kings 17:5, 10), even though it was risky to meet Ahab.

Because of the severe drought, Ahab and Obadiah, his chief officer (see 1 Kings 4:6; 16:9), went to find enough water and grass for the king’s horses. These supplies were essential for military readiness. Assyrian King Shalmaneser III wrote that Ahab used about 2,000 horse-drawn chariots in the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BC. Solomon also had many horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:26).

Obadiah's care for 100 of the Lord's prophets suggests a group of prophets that existed since Samuel's time (1 Samuel 10:5–18; 19:20, 24). These groups met for study and spiritual support and are mentioned several times (2 Kings 4:1, 38; 9:1). Elijah and Elisha likely led some of these groups (2 Kings 2:3–7, 15; 6:1–7).

no nation or kingdom: In the ancient Near East, it was common to return fugitives or runaway slaves. This is noted in the treaty between Pharaoh Ramses II and the Hittite king Hattusilis. However, Elijah did not need to ask a foreign king for protection. God kept him safe at Kerith Brook (1 Kings 17:3) and with the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9).

Obadiah, a true believer, knew that God's Spirit worked through the prophets (Judges 6:34; Ezekiel 3:12, 14; 11:1). He feared the Spirit might take Elijah away while he told Ahab where Elijah was. The king might then think Obadiah was hiding Elijah and kill him.

troubler: Although Elijah announced the drought (1 Kings 17:1), Ahab and his family caused God's judgment on Israel. They broke the covenant and promoted Baal worship (see Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 28:15, 23; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Jeremiah 14:1–7; Amos 4:7–8).

Mount Carmel is on a ridge that separates the coastal plain of Palestine. The site was famous for Canaanite idol worship, and an altar to the Lord was also built there earlier (1 Kings 18:30). It was a natural place for the contest with Baal. The Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament) might suggest that the prophets of Asherah were present at the contest on Mount Carmel, but the Hebrew text does not confirm this (compare 1 Kings 18:22).

The Hebrew word translated waver means “to be lame” or “to limp.” Elijah compared the people's indecision between worshiping the Lord and Baal to someone limping awkwardly from one foot to the other. Elijah might have also referred to the ritual dance performed by Baal's prophets as they tried to get the storm-god's attention (1 Kings 18:26).

the only remaining prophet of the LORD: Obadiah had earlier hidden two groups of fifty prophets to keep them safe from Jezebel's purge (1 Kings 18:4, 13). However, Elijah's public role likely made him feel isolated in his fight against false religion (see 1 Kings 19:10, 14). He indeed stood alone when facing the 450 prophets of Baal.

Fire showed the Lord's presence (Exodus 9:23; 19:18; 40:38; Deuteronomy 4:24; 2 Chronicles 7:1; Isaiah 66:15; Amos 7:4), which could have been lightning (see Psalm 18:12–13; Ezekiel 1:13–14; Zechariah 9:14). The contest aimed to prove if Baal, the Canaanite storm god, or the God of Israel was the true God. Only the true God could ignite the wood (see Leviticus 9:24).

occupied: Elijah mocked the false gods by speaking as if they had human needs. His sarcasm showed how powerless they were. In some religions, such as in Egypt, priests treated idols like people. They would wake up the idol, feed it, wash it, dress it in fresh clothes, put makeup on its face, and place a royal emblem on it.

shouted … cut themselves … raving: This behavior was typical in ancient pagan religions, but their actions received no response. There is only one true God (Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4; Isaiah 44:8), and all other hopes will fail (Isaiah 45:22).

The twelve stones Elijah used to rebuild the altar for the Lord should have reminded the people that God was the redeemer of all Israel (compare Joshua 4:1–11; see Isaiah 41:14; 49:26).

Elijah made sure there could be no doubt or trickery. He poured a large amount of water on the offering and the wood. The water may have come from the nearby Mediterranean Sea or the Kishon River.

At the time set for the sacrifice to the Lord, Elijah prayed. He did not copy the wild behavior of Baal's prophets. Instead, he prayed to God, remembering his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 50:24; Exodus 3:6, 15; 4:5; Numbers 32:11; Deuteronomy 9:27).

The pattern of calling and answering appears often in the Old Testament. It shows the close relationship between a person who prays and the Lord who listens and responds (Job 14:15; Psalms 4:1; 91:15; 102:2; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 33:3).

The Lord sent fire that burned everything, even the water in the trench. This showed clearly that the Lord is truly God. The story that follows makes it certain that the Lord, not Baal, rules over fire, water, and the weather.

The servant saw a small cloud on the horizon, about the size of a hand. It signaled the coming of a huge rainstorm.

• He tucked his cloak into his belt to run faster ahead of Ahab’s chariot. The Hebrew phrase means doing something with energy or enthusiasm (2 Kings 4:29).

• Jezreel was located between Megiddo and Beth-shan in the southeastern part of the Jezreel Valley, about seventeen miles from Mount Carmel.