1 Kings 18:23

23 Give us two bulls. Let Baal's prophets choose one. Let them cut it apart and set it on the wood, but don't add fire. I'll prepare the other bull, put it on the wood, but won't add fire.

1 Kings 18:23 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 18:23

Let them therefore give us two bullocks
Who, being so many, were better able to be at the expense of them, and having the king on their party too; though perhaps no more is meant than that two bullocks should be brought thither, and presented before them:

and let them choose one bullock for themselves;
which of the two they would, if they thought one was any ways preferable to the other, it was at their option to take it:

and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood;
as sacrifices usually were:

and put no fire under;
which was wont to be done for burnt offerings, as this was designed to be:

and I will dress the other bullock;
by slaying and cutting it in pieces;

and lay it on wood:
as for a burnt offering:

and put no fire under;
to consume it.

1 Kings 18:23 In-Context

21 Elijah approached all the people and said, "How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow God. If Baal is God, follow Baal." The people gave no answer.
22 Elijah said to the people, "I am the last of the LORD's prophets, but Baal's prophets number four hundred fifty.
23 Give us two bulls. Let Baal's prophets choose one. Let them cut it apart and set it on the wood, but don't add fire. I'll prepare the other bull, put it on the wood, but won't add fire.
24 Then all of you will call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers with fire—that's the real God!" All the people answered, "That's an excellent idea."
25 So Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of these bulls. Prepare it first since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but don't add fire."
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