1 Kings 18:37
Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again."
Answer me, O LORD, answer me
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from the prophet Elijah, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of his prayer. The repetition of "Answer me" underscores the intensity of his request. In Hebrew, the word for "answer" is "עָנָה" (anah), which conveys a sense of responding or giving heed. Elijah's call is not just for a response but for a divine intervention that would unmistakably demonstrate God's power. Historically, this moment is set against the backdrop of a spiritual contest on Mount Carmel, where Elijah stands alone against the prophets of Baal. His cry is a testament to his faith and reliance on the LORD, the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal, unchanging nature and His relationship with Israel.

so that this people will know
Elijah's prayer is not for personal vindication but for the revelation of God's identity to the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. Elijah desires that the Israelites come to a profound understanding of who God is. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God's actions are intended to lead people to a deeper knowledge of Him. The historical context here is crucial; Israel had been led astray by idolatry, and Elijah's mission was to bring them back to the true worship of Yahweh.

that You, O LORD, are God
This declaration is central to the monotheistic faith of Israel. The phrase affirms the LORD's unique and supreme divinity. In Hebrew, "God" is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a term that, while plural in form, is singular in meaning when referring to the one true God. This highlights the majesty and power of God, who is above all other so-called gods. Elijah's prayer seeks to reaffirm the foundational truth of Israel's faith amidst a culture that had become syncretistic, blending the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal.

and that You have turned their hearts back again
This phrase speaks to the transformative power of God in the lives of His people. The Hebrew word for "turned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or restore. It signifies repentance and a change of direction. Elijah's prayer anticipates a spiritual revival, a turning back of the people's hearts to their covenant relationship with God. This reflects the biblical narrative of God's relentless pursuit of His people, always calling them back to Himself. The historical context of this verse is a time of national apostasy, and Elijah's intercession is for a renewal of faith and commitment to the LORD.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet of God who played a pivotal role in turning the hearts of the Israelites back to God. He is the one praying in this verse.

2. Mount Carmel
The location where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and called upon God to demonstrate His power.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who had turned to worship Baal, needing a demonstration of God's power to return to Him.

4. The Prophets of Baal
False prophets who led the Israelites into idolatry, opposing Elijah on Mount Carmel.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God whom Elijah calls upon to reveal Himself to the people and turn their hearts back to Him.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prayer
Elijah's prayer is a model of earnest and faith-filled communication with God. It shows the importance of praying for God's will to be done and for His glory to be revealed.

God's Desire for Repentance
This verse highlights God's desire for His people to turn back to Him. It reminds us that God is always ready to forgive and restore those who repent.

Demonstration of God's Sovereignty
The event on Mount Carmel demonstrates God's supreme power over false gods and idols. It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty in all circumstances.

The Role of a Prophet
Elijah's role as a prophet was to call people back to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth and calling others to repentance in our own lives.

Faith in Action
Elijah's faith was not passive; it was demonstrated through bold action. Believers are encouraged to act on their faith, trusting God to work through their obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elijah's prayer in 1 Kings 18:37 demonstrate the importance of aligning our prayers with God's will?

2. In what ways can we identify and turn away from modern-day "idols" in our lives, similar to how the Israelites turned from Baal?

3. How can we apply the example of Elijah's boldness and faith in our own lives when facing challenges or opposition?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's character and His desire for a relationship with His people?

5. How can we, like Elijah, be instruments in turning others' hearts back to God in our communities and families?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites turned away from God, parallels their idolatry with Baal.

James 5:17-18
References Elijah's fervent prayer life, emphasizing the power of prayer in bringing about God's will.

Malachi 4:5-6
Prophecy about Elijah's return to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, symbolizing repentance and restoration.

Luke 1:16-17
John the Baptist is likened to Elijah, preparing the way for the Lord by turning hearts back to God.
Elijah and the Prophets of BaalE. De Pressense 1 Kings 18:1-46
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
The God that Answereth by FireJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 18:21-40
The TriumphJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 18:36-40
People
Ahab, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jezebel, Jezreel, Obadiah
Places
Jezreel, Kishon River, Mount Carmel, Samaria, Zarephath
Topics
Backward, Hast, Heart, Hearts, O, Turn, Turning
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 18:16-40

     4254   mountains
     5541   society, negative

1 Kings 18:17-40

     8747   false gods

1 Kings 18:19-40

     7774   prophets, false

1 Kings 18:20-39

     7712   convincing

1 Kings 18:30-38

     4366   stones
     6682   mediation

1 Kings 18:30-39

     1416   miracles, nature of
     8625   worship, acceptable attitudes

1 Kings 18:36-37

     8605   prayer, and God's will
     8640   calling upon God

1 Kings 18:36-38

     1305   God, activity of
     5092   Elijah

1 Kings 18:36-39

     1245   God of the fathers
     5597   victory, act of God
     8112   certainty

1 Kings 18:36-44

     8613   prayer, persistence

1 Kings 18:36-46

     4816   drought, physical

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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