1 Kings 18:17-20

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, 1Ahab said to him, "Is this you, you troubler of Israel?"
18 He said, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, because 2you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and 3you have followed * the Baals.
19 "Now then send and gather to me all Israel at 4Mount Carmel, 5together with 450 * * prophets of Baal and 400 * prophets of 6the Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."

God or Baal on Mount Carmel

20 So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel.

1 Kings 18:17-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 18

In this chapter Elijah has an order from the Lord to show himself to Ahab, who, going first, and meeting with a servant of his, Obadiah, charges him to tell his master where he was, that he might meet him, 1Ki 18:1-16, and, upon meeting him, desires that all Israel, and the prophets of Baal, might be convened, which was accordingly done, 1Ki 18:17-20, when he expostulated with the people of Israel for their idolatry, mocked and confounded the prophets of Baal, and gave the strongest proofs, to the conviction of the people, that Jehovah is the true God, 1Ki 18:21-39, on which all the prophets of Baal were slain, 1Ki 18:40, and rain in great abundance was given at the prayer of the prophet, 1Ki 18:41-46.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Joshua 7:25; 1 Kings 21:20
  • 2. 1 Kings 9:9; 2 Chronicles 15:2
  • 3. 1 Kings 16:31; 1 Kings 21:25, 26
  • 4. Joshua 19:26; 2 Kings 2:25
  • 5. 1 Kings 18:22
  • 6. 1 Kings 16:33
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