Biblical Context:

Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and powerful miracles. One of the most significant events in Elijah's ministry is the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where he called upon God to send fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel.

Scriptural Account:

The account of Elijah's miracle on Mount Carmel is recorded in 1 Kings 18. During a time of severe drought and spiritual apostasy in Israel, Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove who was the true God. Elijah proposed that both he and the prophets of Baal prepare a bull for sacrifice and call upon their respective deities to send fire to consume the offering. The God who answered by fire would be acknowledged as the true God.

The prophets of Baal called upon their god from morning until noon, but there was no response. Elijah mocked them, suggesting that perhaps Baal was deep in thought, busy, or traveling. Despite their fervent cries and self-mutilation, no fire came to consume their sacrifice.

Elijah's Prayer and God's Response:

When it was Elijah's turn, he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down, using twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. He then arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces, and laid it on the altar. To further demonstrate the power of God, Elijah instructed that four large jars of water be poured over the offering and the wood three times, until the water filled a trench around the altar.

Elijah then prayed to the Lord, saying, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again" (1 Kings 18:36-37).

Immediately, the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. When the people saw this, they fell on their faces and declared, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39).

Significance:

This miraculous event served as a powerful demonstration of God's supremacy over false idols and reaffirmed Elijah's role as His prophet. It was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, calling the people back to the worship of the one true God. The miracle on Mount Carmel underscores the theme of divine intervention and the power of prayer, illustrating that God hears and responds to the earnest prayers of His faithful servants.1 Kings 18:24,36-38
And call you on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answers by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.
Nave's Topical Index

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Elijah, [521]185, [522]228, once faint hearted, [523 ... ib.; gifts of healing and working
miracles, their difference ... of ours, [922]134, [923]135; causes of their ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... in a slight degree investigates the causes which are ... office"for instance, Moses,
Aaron, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, the ... and devour their judges with fire, and to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

part ii
... offering Thyself through Thy Son as a sacrifice, I am ... is the fiery gehenna, the lake
of fire, the terrible ... Teacher, my Healer, my Worker of miracles, my Saviour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Why was Elijah afraid of Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org

Was John the Baptist really Elijah reincarnated? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elijah and Elisha? | GotQuestions.org

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