1 Kings 18:32

And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.

Study Bible

And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD.
Elijah's use of stones to build the altar is significant, as stones were commonly used in ancient Israelite altars, symbolizing permanence and strength. The act of building an altar "in the name of the LORD" signifies dedication and consecration to Yahweh, the God of Israel, distinguishing this altar from those dedicated to Baal. This moment recalls the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who also built altars to the LORD (Genesis 12:7, 26:25, 35:7). The use of twelve stones, as mentioned earlier in the chapter, represents the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing unity and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.
The trench dug around the altar serves a practical purpose in the narrative, as it will later be filled with water to demonstrate the miraculous nature of God's power in consuming the sacrifice despite the water. The measurement of "two seahs of seed" indicates a significant volume, emphasizing the scale of the miracle. A seah is an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to about 7.3 liters or 1.9 gallons. This detail underscores the thoroughness of Elijah's preparation and the dramatic nature of the impending divine intervention. The trench also serves as a boundary, setting apart the holy space of the altar, reminiscent of the separation between the sacred and the profane in the tabernacle and temple practices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God who played a crucial role in turning the hearts of the Israelites back to the LORD. He is the central figure in this passage, demonstrating his faith and obedience to God.

2. Mount Carmel
The location where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. It is a significant site for this dramatic demonstration of God's power.

3. The Altar
Built by Elijah using twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It symbolizes the unity and covenant relationship between God and His people.

4. The Trench
Dug around the altar by Elijah, it was large enough to hold two seahs of seed, emphasizing the magnitude of the miracle that was about to occur.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, who is about to demonstrate His power and sovereignty over the false gods worshiped by the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Elijah's actions demonstrate a profound faith in God. He prepared the altar and the trench, fully expecting God to act. We are called to act in faith, trusting God to fulfill His promises.

Symbolism of the Twelve Stones
The twelve stones represent the unity of God's people. In our lives, we should strive for unity within the body of Christ, recognizing our shared identity in Him.

Preparation for God's Work
Elijah's careful preparation of the altar and trench shows the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for God's work. We should be diligent in our spiritual disciplines, ready for God to move.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The event on Mount Carmel underscores God's supreme power over all false gods. We should remember that God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives and trust Him in all circumstances.

Public Declaration of Faith
Elijah's public demonstration of faith challenges us to live out our faith boldly and publicly, being unashamed of the gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's preparation of the altar and trench demonstrate his faith in God, and how can we apply this kind of faith in our daily lives?

2. In what ways do the twelve stones used by Elijah symbolize unity, and how can we foster unity within our own church communities?

3. How does the account of Elijah on Mount Carmel encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and power in our personal challenges?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare our hearts and lives for God's work, similar to how Elijah prepared the altar?

5. How can we be more bold and public in our declaration of faith, following Elijah's example on Mount Carmel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:7
The building of altars as a sign of worship and covenant with God, similar to Abraham's actions.

Exodus 24:4
Moses building an altar with twelve pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, paralleling Elijah's use of twelve stones.

Joshua 4:20-24
The use of stones as a memorial to God's faithfulness and power, akin to Elijah's altar.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Elijah is mentioned among the heroes of faith, highlighting his trust in God's power.

James 5:17-18
Elijah's fervent prayer and its powerful results, demonstrating the effectiveness of righteous prayer.