1 Kings 18:23

23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal's prophets choose one for themselves. Let them cut it into pieces. Then let them put it on the wood. But don't let them set fire to it. I'll prepare the other bull. I'll put it on the wood. But I won't set fire to it.

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 went there and stood in front of the people. He said, "How long will it take you to make up your minds? If the LORD is the one and only God, follow him. But if Baal is the one and only God, follow him." The people didn't say anything.
22 Then Elijah said to them, "I'm the only one of the LORD's prophets left. But Baal has 450 prophets.
23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal's prophets choose one for themselves. Let them cut it into pieces. Then let them put it on the wood. But don't let them set fire to it. I'll prepare the other bull. I'll put it on the wood. But I won't set fire to it.
24 Then you pray to your god. And I'll pray to the Lord. The god who answers by sending fire down is the one and only God." Then all of the people said, "What you are saying is good."
25 Elijah spoke to the prophets of Baal. He said, "Choose one of the bulls. There are many of you. So prepare your bull first. Pray to your god. But don't light the fire."
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