Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous event of fire consuming Elijah's sacrifice is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel over false deities. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 18, where the prophet Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The context of this miracle is a time of spiritual apostasy in Israel, under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who promoted the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity.The Challenge on Mount Carmel Elijah, as a prophet of the Lord, challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to reveal the true God. He proposes that both he and the prophets of Baal prepare a bull for sacrifice and place it on wood without setting fire to it. The God who answers by fire would be acknowledged as the true God. The people of Israel, gathered to witness this event, agree to the terms of the challenge. The Failure of Baal's Prophets The prophets of Baal, numbering 450, call upon their god from morning until noon, crying out and performing ritualistic dances around the altar they had made. Despite their fervent pleas and self-mutilation, there is no response. The Berean Standard Bible records Elijah's taunt: "Shout louder! ... Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27). Despite their intensified efforts, Baal remains silent, and no fire descends. Elijah's Prayer and the Divine Response Elijah then repairs the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down, using twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. He arranges the wood, cuts the bull into pieces, and lays it on the altar. To further demonstrate the power of God, Elijah instructs that four large jars of water be poured over the offering and the wood, a process repeated three times until the trench around the altar is filled with water. Elijah prays to the Lord, invoking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, asking for a demonstration of divine power so that the people may know that the Lord is God and that He is turning their hearts back to Him. The Berean Standard Bible captures his prayer: "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 18:37). The Miracle of Fire In response to Elijah's prayer, the fire of the Lord falls from heaven, consuming the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licking up the water in the trench. This miraculous event leaves no doubt about the supremacy of the God of Israel. The people, witnessing this undeniable act of divine intervention, fall prostrate and declare, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). Significance This miracle serves as a powerful testament to the reality and power of the God of Israel, contrasting sharply with the impotence of Baal. It underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His desire to draw them back to Himself. Elijah's sacrifice and the subsequent divine fire reaffirm the Lord's authority and serve as a call to repentance and renewed faithfulness among the Israelites. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 18:38Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. Nave's Topical Index Library The Herald of the King The Conversion of Paul. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... Resources How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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