1 Kings 18:34

and said, "Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood." "Do it a second time," he said, and they did it a second time. "Do it a third time," he said, and they did it a third time.

Study Bible

and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.”
In the context of 1 Kings 18, Elijah is confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The use of water in this scene is significant, especially during a time of severe drought in Israel, as described earlier in 1 Kings 17. The act of pouring water on the offering and wood emphasizes the miraculous nature of the impending divine intervention, as it would be impossible for a water-soaked sacrifice to ignite naturally. This act also symbolizes purification and dedication, as water is often used for cleansing in biblical rituals. The number four, represented by the four waterpots, can symbolize completeness or universality in biblical numerology, suggesting the totality of God's power over creation.

“Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time.
The repetition of the act of pouring water serves to further emphasize the miraculous power of God. By instructing the people to do it a second time, Elijah is ensuring that there is no doubt about the authenticity of the miracle that is about to occur. This mirrors the biblical principle of establishing truth through repetition or multiple witnesses, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15. The act of repeating the water pouring also serves to heighten the anticipation and tension of the narrative, drawing attention to the power of God that will soon be displayed.

“Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time.
The third repetition of pouring water is significant in biblical symbolism, as the number three often represents divine completeness or perfection. This can be seen in various scriptural contexts, such as the Trinity or Jesus' resurrection on the third day. By having the water poured three times, Elijah is underscoring the completeness of the preparation for God's demonstration of power. This act also prefigures the resurrection of Christ, where the seemingly impossible (life from death) is made possible by divine intervention. The thorough soaking of the offering and wood ensures that the subsequent fire from heaven is undeniably an act of God, leaving no room for doubt or natural explanation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elijah
A prophet of God who played a crucial role in demonstrating God's power over the false god Baal. He orchestrated the events on Mount Carmel to prove the sovereignty of the Lord.

2. Mount Carmel
The location where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. It was a significant site for this dramatic demonstration of God's power.

3. Prophets of Baal
The false prophets who served the Canaanite god Baal. They were challenged by Elijah to prove the power of their god.

4. The Altar
The altar built by Elijah to offer a sacrifice to God. It was drenched with water to emphasize the miraculous nature of God's impending response.

5. The Israelites
The people of Israel who were present to witness the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Their faith was wavering, and this event was meant to turn their hearts back to God.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Elijah's command to drench the altar with water demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's power. We are called to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible.

God's Sovereignty
The event underscores God's supremacy over false gods. In our lives, we must recognize and submit to God's ultimate authority.

Public Witness
Elijah's actions were a public demonstration of faith. We are encouraged to live out our faith openly, serving as witnesses to God's power and love.

Preparation for God's Work
Just as Elijah prepared the altar, we must prepare our hearts and lives for God to work through us.

Persistence in Prayer
Elijah's repeated actions symbolize persistence. We should be persistent in prayer and faith, trusting in God's timing and methods.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elijah's faith challenge us to trust God in seemingly impossible situations in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we publicly demonstrate our faith in God, similar to Elijah's actions on Mount Carmel?

3. How does the account of Elijah on Mount Carmel encourage us to confront the "false gods" or idols in our lives today?

4. What steps can we take to prepare our hearts and lives for God to work through us, as Elijah prepared the altar?

5. How can we practice persistence in prayer and faith, and what other biblical examples can we draw from to support this practice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:38-42
The daily offerings in the tabernacle, which involved sacrifices and offerings to God, connect to the sacrificial system that Elijah was invoking on Mount Carmel.

Matthew 3:11
John the Baptist speaks of baptism with water and the Spirit, which can be seen as a parallel to the water poured over the altar, symbolizing purification and the power of God.

Hebrews 11:6
This verse speaks of faith and the necessity of believing in God's existence and His rewards, which is central to the faith Elijah demonstrated.