◄ 1 Kings 18:19 ►
Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel's table."
Study Bible
Now summon all Israel
The phrase "Now summon all Israel" indicates a call to gather the entire nation, emphasizing the importance of the event that is about to unfold. In the Hebrew context, the word for "summon" (קָבַץ, qavats) implies a gathering or assembling, often used in the context of calling people together for a significant purpose. This highlights the gravity of the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, as it was not just a local event but one that involved the entire nation of Israel. Historically, this gathering was a pivotal moment for Israel, as it was a call to witness the power of the true God versus the false gods.

to meet me on Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is a significant geographical location in biblical history. It is a mountain range in present-day Israel, known for its lush vegetation and strategic location. The choice of Mount Carmel as the site for this confrontation is symbolic. It was a high place often associated with worship and sacrifice, making it an ideal setting for a showdown between the God of Israel and the pagan deities. The Hebrew word for "Carmel" (כַּרְמֶל, Karmel) means "garden" or "vineyard," suggesting a place of fertility and life, which contrasts with the spiritual barrenness of idol worship.

along with the 450 prophets of Baal
The mention of "450 prophets of Baal" underscores the widespread influence and popularity of Baal worship in Israel at the time. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility, rain, and agriculture, and his worship was often characterized by idolatry and immorality. The large number of prophets indicates the extent to which the Israelites had turned away from the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew root for "Baal" (בַּעַל, Ba'al) means "lord" or "master," reflecting the false authority these prophets claimed over the people.

and the 400 prophets of Asherah
Asherah was another prominent Canaanite goddess, often associated with Baal as his consort. The "400 prophets of Asherah" further illustrate the depth of Israel's apostasy, as they had embraced not just one, but multiple false deities. Asherah was often represented by wooden poles or trees, known as Asherah poles, which were used in her worship. The Hebrew root for "Asherah" (אֲשֵׁרָה, Asherah) is linked to the idea of happiness or blessedness, ironically contrasting with the spiritual emptiness of idol worship.

who eat at Jezebel’s table
This phrase highlights the direct support and patronage that these prophets received from Jezebel, the queen of Israel and wife of King Ahab. Jezebel was a fervent promoter of Baal worship, and her influence was a significant factor in leading Israel astray. The act of "eating at Jezebel’s table" implies not only physical sustenance but also a close association and endorsement by the royal household. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and alliance, indicating that these prophets were in league with the ruling powers against the worship of Yahweh.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet of the Lord, Elijah is a central figure in this passage, challenging the false prophets and calling Israel back to worship the one true God.

2. Mount Carmel
A significant location for this confrontation, Mount Carmel is a symbol of God's power and a place where God demonstrates His supremacy over false gods.

3. Prophets of Baal
These 450 prophets represent the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, and are directly challenged by Elijah in this account.

4. Prophets of Asherah
The 400 prophets of Asherah, another Canaanite deity, are also mentioned as being supported by Jezebel, highlighting the widespread idolatry in Israel.

5. Jezebel
The wife of King Ahab, Jezebel is a promoter of Baal and Asherah worship, using her influence to support these false prophets.
Teaching Points
The Call to Choose
Elijah's challenge to the people of Israel to choose whom they will serve is a timeless call for believers to examine their own lives and loyalties. Are we serving God wholeheartedly, or are we divided in our devotion?

The Power of God
The events on Mount Carmel demonstrate God's unmatched power and authority. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and able to overcome any falsehood or challenge.

The Influence of Leadership
Jezebel's support of false prophets shows the impact leaders can have on spiritual direction. This serves as a reminder to pray for and support godly leadership in our communities and churches.

The Importance of Boldness in Faith
Elijah's courage in confronting the prophets of Baal encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Role of Prayer
Elijah's actions are undergirded by prayer, reminding us of the importance of seeking God's guidance and power in all our endeavors.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel inspire you to confront idolatry in your own life or community?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your devotion to God is not divided, as Jesus warns against serving two masters?

3. How can you support and pray for leaders in your church or community to promote godly values and resist idolatry?

4. What steps can you take to cultivate a bold and courageous faith like Elijah's in your daily life?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's power in a situation that seemed insurmountable. How can this encourage you in your current challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
This passage connects to the first commandment, emphasizing the prohibition against idolatry and the worship of other gods, which is central to the conflict in 1 Kings 18.

James 5:17-18
James references Elijah's fervent prayer life, highlighting his role as a righteous man whose prayers were powerful and effective, as seen in the events on Mount Carmel.

Matthew 6:24
This verse speaks to the impossibility of serving two masters, paralleling the choice Israel faces between serving God or Baal.
Sermons
Elijah and the Prophets of BaalE. De Pressense 1 Kings 18:1-46
Deliverance from the Mouth of the LionF. W. Krummacher, D. D.1 Kings 18:17-20
Elijah Meeting AhabMonday Club Sermons1 Kings 18:17-20
Christ or Belial!J.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 18:19-21
Elijah and the Prophets of BaalJ. H. Cadoux.1 Kings 18:19-40
Elijah and the Prophets of BaalC. J. Baldwin.1 Kings 18:19-40
The Priests of BaalMonday Club Sermons1 Kings 18:19-40
The Prophet of the LordH. M. Booth, D. D.1 Kings 18:19-40
People
Ahab, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jezebel, Jezreel, Obadiah
Places
Jezreel, Kishon River, Mount Carmel, Samaria, Zarephath
Topics
Asherah, 450, Ashe'rah, Baal, Ba'al, Bring, Carmel, Eat, Eating, Fifty, Gather, Groves, Hundred, Jezebel, Jezebel's, Jez'ebel's, Meet, Mount, Prophets, Shrine, Table
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 18:19

     4438   eating
     4476   meals
     5573   table
     7778   school of prophets
     8739   evil, examples of

1 Kings 18:16-40

     4254   mountains
     5541   society, negative

1 Kings 18:17-40

     8747   false gods

1 Kings 18:18-21

     7734   leaders, spiritual

1 Kings 18:19-40

     7774   prophets, false

Library
Obadiah
To the Young '... I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth.--1 KINGS xviii.12. This Obadiah is one of the obscurer figures in the Old Testament. We never hear of him again, for there is no reason to accept the Jewish tradition which alleges that he was Obadiah the prophet. And yet how distinctly he stands out from the canvas, though he is only sketched with a few bold outlines! He is the 'governor over Ahab's house,' a kind of mayor of the palace, and probably the second man in the kingdom. But …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Trial by Fire
'And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose yon 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. 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. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. 27. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
Now, we have these three classes here this morning. We have, I hope, a very large number who are on Jehovah's side, who fear God and serve him; we have a number who are on the side of the evil one, who make no profession of religion, and do not observe even the outward symptoms of it; because they are both inwardly and outwardly the servants of the evil one. But the great mass of my hearers belong to the third class--the waverers. Like empty clouds they are driven hither and thither by the wind; …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
The Lord does not love that his servants, however great they are, should think lightly of their lesser comrades, and it occurs to me that he so arranged matters that Obadiah became important to Elijah when he had to face the wrathful king of Israel. The prophet is bidden to go and show himself to Ahab, and he does so; but he judges it better to begin by showing himself to the governor of his palace, that he may break the news to his master, and prepare him for the interview. Ahab was exasperated …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

But Some one Will Say, Does He not Know Without a Monitor Both what Our...
But some one will say, Does he not know without a monitor both what our difficulties are, and what is meet for our interest, so that it seems in some measure superfluous to solicit him by our prayers, as if he were winking, or even sleeping, until aroused by the sound of our voice? [1] Those who argue thus attend not to the end for which the Lord taught us to pray. It was not so much for his sake as for ours. He wills indeed, as is just, that due honour be paid him by acknowledging that all which …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast.
"So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel, and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees."--1 KINGS xviii. 42. WHAT A CONTRAST! And yet, both men were perfectly consistent. It is in each case what you would expect, and yet how differently it might have been. What a different story it would have been if only Ahab had listened to the teaching of God! How often we see men having chances of turning round and beginning a new …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The West Coast of Galilee-Carmel.
The people of Issachar had "Carmel and the river for their bounds in length": the people of Zabulon, "Carmel and the sea." Carmel was not so much one mountain as a mountainous country, containing almost the whole breadth of the land of Issachar, and a great part of that of Zabulon. It was, as it seems, a certain famous peak among many other mountain tops, known by the same name, lifted up and advanced above the rest. The promontory Carmel, in Pliny, and in the mountain a town of the same name, heretofore …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ninth Sunday after Trinity. How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions? if the Lord be God, Follow Him; but if Baal, Then Follow Him.
How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him. Was kinket ihr betrognen Seelen [106]Lehr. 1733. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Why halt thus, O deluded heart, Why waver longer in thy choice? Is it so hard to choose the part Offered by Heaven's entreating voice? Oh look with clearer eyes again, Nor strive to enter in, in vain. Press on! Remember, 'tis not Caesar's throne, Nor earthly honour, wealth or might Whereby God's favour shall be …
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Fall of the Western Empire (Ad 451-476)
The empire of the West was now fast sinking. One weak prince was at the head of it after another, and the spirit of the old Romans, who had conquered the world, had quite died out. Immense hosts of barbarous nations poured in from the North. The Goths, under Alaric, who took Rome by siege, in the reign of Honorius, have been already mentioned (p 93). Forty years later, Attila, king of the Huns, who was called "The scourge of God," kept both the East and the West in terror. In the year 451, he advanced …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Will the Knowledge that Some of Our Own are Lost, Mar Our Happiness in Heaven?
This is a difficult question to answer satisfactorily, on account of our instinctive feelings of natural affection, which arise, and, like a mist, obscure our judgment. Nevertheless, the difficulty is much lessened, and even entirely removed from some minds, at hast, by the following considerations. 1. Our happiness, even in this world, does not depend on the happiness of those who are bound to us by the ties of kindred or of friendship. This is especially the case when their unhappiness proceeds …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits Derived from It.
1. A general summary of what is contained in the previous part of the work. A transition to the doctrine of prayer. Its connection with the subject of faith. 2. Prayer defined. Its necessity and use. 3. Objection, that prayer seems useless, because God already knows our wants. Answer, from the institution and end of prayer. Confirmation by example. Its necessity and propriety. Perpetually reminds us of our duty, and leads to meditation on divine providence. Conclusion. Prayer a most useful exercise. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

This was Antony's First Struggle against the Devil...
7. This was Antony's first struggle against the devil, or rather this victory was the Saviour's work in Antony [1005] , Who condemned sin in the flesh that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit.' But neither did Antony, although the evil one had fallen, henceforth relax his care and despise him; nor did the enemy as though conquered cease to lay snares for him. For again he went round as a lion seeking some occasion against him. But Antony …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 7 "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: And thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:16-18. 1. It has been the endeavour of Satan, from the beginning of the world, …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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