1 Kings 18:23

23 Bring two bulls; let the prophets of Baal take one, kill it, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood - but don't light the fire. I will do the same with the other bull.

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 up to the people and said, "How much longer will it take you to make up your minds? If the Lord is God, worship him; but if Baal is God, worship him!" But the people didn't say a word.

22 Then Elijah said, "I am the only prophet of the Lord still left, but there are 450 prophets of Baal.

23 Bring two bulls; let the prophets of Baal take one, kill it, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood - but don't light the fire. I will do the same with the other bull.

24 Then let the prophets of Baal pray to their god, and I will pray to the Lord, and the one who answers by sending fire - he is God." The people shouted their approval.

25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Since there are so many of you, you take a bull and prepare it first. Pray to your god, but don't set fire to the wood."