1 Kings 18:29

Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention.

Study Bible

Midday passed
The phrase "midday passed" indicates the passage of time during the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. In the ancient Near Eastern context, midday was often considered a time of intense heat and activity. The prophets of Baal had been calling upon their god since morning, and the fact that midday had passed without any response highlights the futility of their efforts. This serves as a stark contrast to the power of the God of Israel, who does not require elaborate rituals or prolonged entreaties to respond to His people.

they continued their frantic prophesying
The Hebrew root for "frantic prophesying" can be associated with a state of frenzy or ecstatic behavior, often seen in pagan rituals. This behavior was intended to invoke a response from Baal, demonstrating the desperation and intensity of their belief. However, it also underscores the emptiness of worshiping false gods, as their efforts were in vain. This serves as a reminder of the importance of worshiping the one true God, who desires sincere and heartfelt devotion rather than chaotic displays.

until the time for the evening sacrifice
The "evening sacrifice" refers to the daily offering made in the temple, a practice that was central to the worship of Yahweh. This time was significant in Israelite worship, symbolizing a moment of reflection and communion with God. The mention of the evening sacrifice highlights the contrast between the fruitless efforts of the prophets of Baal and the orderly, divinely ordained worship of the Israelites. It sets the stage for Elijah's forthcoming demonstration of God's power, which aligns with the proper time of worship.

But there was no response
The phrase "no response" emphasizes the silence from Baal, despite the fervent efforts of his prophets. This silence is a powerful testament to the impotence of idols and false gods. In the biblical narrative, it serves to affirm the sovereignty and exclusivity of the God of Israel, who alone is living and active. This moment of silence is a prelude to the dramatic intervention of Yahweh, who will soon demonstrate His power in a way that leaves no doubt about His supremacy.

no one answered
The repetition of "no one answered" reinforces the idea that the prophets of Baal were calling upon a god who could not hear or respond. This echoes the biblical theme that idols are lifeless and powerless, in contrast to the living God who hears and answers the prayers of His people. It serves as a call to faithfulness, urging believers to place their trust in God alone, who is always attentive to the cries of His children.

no one paid attention
The final phrase, "no one paid attention," underscores the complete failure of the prophets' efforts. In the context of the narrative, it highlights the futility of idolatry and the emptiness of worship that is not directed toward the true God. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of directing our worship and devotion to God, who is always attentive and responsive to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. The silence of Baal contrasts sharply with the forthcoming demonstration of God's power, which will capture the attention of all present and affirm His rightful place as the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of the Lord, Elijah is central to this account as he challenges the prophets of Baal to demonstrate the power of their god versus the power of Yahweh.

2. Prophets of Baal
These were the prophets serving the Canaanite god Baal, who were challenged by Elijah to call upon their god to send fire from heaven.

3. Mount Carmel
The location where the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place. It is a significant site for demonstrating God's power.

4. Baal
A Canaanite deity worshiped by many in Israel at the time, representing a false god in contrast to Yahweh.

5. Evening Sacrifice
A time of day significant in Jewish worship, marking a moment of prayer and offering to God, highlighting the futility of the prophets' efforts.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Idolatry
Idols, whether ancient or modern, cannot respond to our needs. This passage reminds us to place our trust in the living God who hears and answers.

The Power of True Worship
The time of the evening sacrifice signifies the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as opposed to the empty rituals of false gods.

God's Sovereignty and Power
This event underscores God's supreme power over all creation, challenging us to recognize His authority in our lives.

Perseverance in Faith
Elijah's steadfastness in the face of opposition encourages us to remain faithful and trust in God's timing and response.

The Importance of Prayer
The contrast between the prophets' frantic cries and Elijah's later prayer highlights the effectiveness of sincere, faith-filled prayer.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the silence of Baal in this passage challenge us to evaluate the "idols" in our own lives that we may be relying on instead of God?

2. In what ways does the setting of Mount Carmel enhance the significance of this event in demonstrating God's power?

3. How can we apply the lesson of the evening sacrifice to our daily worship practices and routines?

4. What does this passage teach us about the nature of true faith and perseverance in the face of societal pressures?

5. How can we incorporate the principles of effective prayer, as demonstrated by Elijah, into our own prayer lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The account of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn to idol worship, parallels the worship of Baal and highlights the recurring theme of idolatry.

Psalm 115
This Psalm speaks about the futility of idols, emphasizing that they cannot speak, hear, or respond, much like the silence of Baal in this passage.

James 5:17-18
References Elijah's fervent prayer and the power of a righteous person's prayer, contrasting the ineffective cries of the prophets of Baal.