Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous event of fire consuming the sacrifice of Elijah is a significant demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event took place during a time of spiritual decline in Israel, under the reign of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who had led the nation into the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity. The prophet Elijah, a fervent servant of Yahweh, was called to confront this idolatry and to turn the hearts of the Israelites back to the one true God.The account is found in 1 Kings 18:16-39. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to demonstrate whose deity was the true God. The terms were simple: both Elijah and the prophets of Baal would prepare a bull for sacrifice and place it on an altar, but they would not set fire to it. Instead, they would call upon their respective gods to send fire from heaven to consume the offering. The prophets of Baal went first, calling upon their god from morning until noon, but there was no response. They continued their frantic prophesying and even resorted to self-mutilation, yet "there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention" (1 Kings 18:29). Elijah then took his turn. He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down, using twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. He 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 jars of water be poured over the offering and the wood three times, until the water filled a trench around the altar. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed, "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). In response to Elijah's prayer, "the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38). This miraculous fire from heaven was a clear and undeniable sign of God's supremacy over Baal and His acceptance of Elijah's sacrifice. The people of Israel, witnessing this powerful display, fell on their faces and declared, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). This event marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it led to the execution of the prophets of Baal and a temporary return to the worship of Yahweh. The consuming fire on Mount Carmel serves as a testament to God's ability to intervene in human affairs and to demonstrate His power and authority. It underscores the futility of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant relationship with God. This miraculous event is a reminder of God's desire for His people to recognize Him as the one true God and to worship Him alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs. "In the Spirit and Power of Elias" Book 9 Footnotes The Martyrdom of Stephen. The Faith of Moses. The Doctrine of the Last Things. Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... Answers to Prayer The Mystery On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians 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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