A One-Sided Contest
Observations on the defeat of Baal’s prophets in 1 Kings 18:20-40
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you be limping between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word. - 1 Kings 18:21 (LSB)
Ahab gathered all the people and the prophets. This issue of idolatry was not exclusive to the leadership. All the people of Israel were limping weakly and foolishly between idolatry and obedience, toying with sin but lacking the courage to give in completely.
Here, the prophet of Yahweh stands alone against 450 false prophets, the nation of Israel, and the king of the people. He issues a challenge that seems to favor Baal, the god of storms who was thought to speak through lightning and thunder.
The prophets of Baal give it their all, ironically limping around like the people of Israel. Elijah jokingly suggests that Baal is distracted, using the toilet, on vacation, or in hibernation. All this highlights Israel's foolishness in choosing this non-god over Yahweh.
Elijah's actions are low-key and matter-of-fact. He repairs the altar, issuing another call and reminder to the people. He made the contest even more one-sided by soaking the sacrifice and the altar in water. In contrast to the prophets of Baal, Elijah drew near at the time of the offering and raised a simple prayer. In response, Yahweh consumed the altar and the offering with fire from heaven.
Overwhelmed by this, the people fall down and confess that Yahweh, not Baal, is God. Although their response certainly can and should have been greater, they have finally acknowledged the right path of the two they have been limping between. At Elijah's orders, they seize the prophets of Baal, and the prophet of the one true God executes them at the brook Kishon.
Our human tendency is to limp between following God and following sin. Whether or not we are witnessing the direct movement and working of God, Yahweh is always worthy of our faith and obedience.
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Soli Deo Gloria,
Caleb Friske