why did the prophets of baal cut themselves

(5.) III. 3. Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines. Otherwise, the rain will stop him.. (2.) hear us, O Baal! He ordered his servant to bring him notice as soon as he discerned a cloud arising out of the sea, the Mediterranean Sea, which he had a large prospect of from the top of Carmel. Those few that escaped the sword were forced to abscond, and hide themselves in caves, where they were buried alive and cut off, though not from life, yet from usefulness, which is the end and comfort of life; and, when the prophets were persecuted and driven into corners, no doubt their friends, those few good people that were in the land, were treated in like manner. 3. The priests of Baal would pray to their god, and Elijah would pray to his God. 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. Worship, after all, is an economic issue. Do you believe that? You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah. The king and court were all for Baal; so was the body of the people. I will prepare the other bull, putting the meat on the wood but not setting fire to it. Such living falls far short of the life Jesus invites us to experience. 5:3). A good answer provides new insight and perspective. If, in this trial, they could but bring it to a drawn battle, their other advantages would give them the victory. Psalms 24:6, Thy face, O Jacob!Hosea 12:4. Deserters must not look for God's favour till they return to their allegiance. If Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom. Above two years he had lain hid with the widow at Zarephath, after he had been concealed one year by the brook Cherith; so that the third year of his sojourning there, here spoken of (1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 18:1), was the fourth of the famine, which lasted in all three years and six months, as we find, Luke 4:25; James 5:17. Observe his character: He feared the Lord greatly (1 Kings 18:3; 1 Kings 18:3), was not only a good man, but zealously and eminently good; his great place put a lustre upon his goodness, and gave him great opportunities of doing good; and he feared the Lord from his youth (1 Kings 18:12; 1 Kings 18:12), he began betimes to be religious and had continued long. In the book of Acts, we read a most interesting and revealing number. Thou employest me; Lord, make it appear that thou dost so;" see Numbers 16:28; Numbers 16:29. Note, Early piety, it is to be hoped, will be eminent piety; those that are good betimes are likely to be very good; he that feared God from his youth came to fear him greatly. Now Elijah shows them the absurdity of this. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, "Shout louder, for he is a god! Baals 450 prophets worked themselves into a frenzy, cutting themselves, dancing, and chanting to their god. Let us see if he speed better. Ahab agrees with the request, but only 450 of the 850 priests (those who serve Baal) accept the challenge and show up (1Kings 18:22). He could not bring them to the altar at Jerusalem unless he could unite the two kingdoms again (which, for correction to both, God designed should not now be done), therefore, by his prophetic authority, he builds an altar on Mount Carmel, and so owns that which had formerly been built there. I incline to this because we find, when they came together, Elijah, knowing what Ahab wanted him for, appointed him to meet him on Mount Carmel, and Ahab complied with the appointment, though Elijah took such a way to revoke the sentence and bless the land as perhaps he little thought of. By this time there was no food in Samaria. Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. [4.] Little wonder, then, that when King Ahab chose to marry a woman from Baal territory, the farmers in Israel built a house for this new god and welcomed him to the neighborhood (see 1 Kings 16:31). The glory of God: "Lord, hear me, and answer me, that it may be known (for it is now by the most denied or forgotten) that thou art God in Israel, to whom alone the homage and devotion of Israel are due, and that I am thy servant, and do all that I have done, am doing, and shall do, as thy agent, at thy word, and not to gratify any humour or passion of my own. 1. Jesus knew all about gods such as Baal. There he spoke with us. Note, 1. Should the explanation in Genesis on how God created plants before the sun affect the understanding of creation? 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. His interview with Obadiah, one of Ahab's servants, by whom he sends notice to Ahab of his coming, 1 Kings 18:2-16. [3.] If we can find one that has more right to us, or will be a better master to us, than God, we may take him at our peril. As such he tries to counterfeit the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, 1. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. It is said that Baal was the son of a god called el. II. The prophets kept shouting louder and louder, and they cut themselves with swords and knives until they were bleeding. 14 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. This happened seven times. Ahab, like himself, basely accused Elijah. Baal and his prophets were confounded. Having built his altar in the name of the Lord (1 Kings 18:32; 1 Kings 18:32), by direction from him and with an eye to him, and not for his own honour, he prepared his sacrifice, 1 Kings 18:33; 1 Kings 18:33. Ahab had made diligent search for him (1 Kings 18:10; 1 Kings 18:10), had offered rewards to any one that would discover him, sent spies into every tribe and lordship of his own dominions, as some understand it, or, as others, into all the neighbouring nations and kingdoms that were in alliance with him; and, when they denied that they knew any thing of him, he would not believe them unless they swore it, and, as should seem, promised likewise upon oath that, if ever they found him among them, they would discover him and deliver him up. As for those who fall as victims to the fire of God's wrath, no water can shelter them from it, any more than briers or thorns, Isaiah 27:4; Isaiah 27:5. When we read about the Israelites worshiping the god Baal in 1 Kings 18, we tend to think of them developing a preference for wooden idol images. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. I. God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets; and yet, without a revelation, we may foresee that when man's judgments run down like a river God's mercy will. Though he expected an answer by fire, yet he came near to the altar with boldness, and feared not that fire. Deuteronomy 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 43Then Elijah said to his servant, Go and look toward the sea.. Then Ahab went to meet Elijah. Elijah Kills the Prophets of Baal - During the third year without rain, the LORD spoke his word to Elijah: "Go and meet King Ahab, and I will soon send rain." So Elijah went to meet Ahab. And nothing can't answer you when you call out to it! No one answered; no one paid attention" (v. 29 ESV).. 1. (2.) Obadiah feared God greatly; Ahab had sold himself to work wickedness; and both discovered their character by the manner of their address to the prophet. They likely continued going to church, paying their tithes, and saying a prayer or two now and againespecially on holidays. The prophets of Baal went first. 2 And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab. It was strange that so good a man as Obadiah would accept of preferment in a court so addicted to idolatry and all manner of wickedness. They covet the precedency, not only for the honour of it, but that, if they can but in the least seem to gain their point, Elijah may not be admitted to make the trial. 26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. Report He turned the hearts of his people back to himself. Go tell your master that I am here., 9Then Obadiah said, What wrong have I done for you to hand me over to Ahab like this? a. When they called on their god, nothing happened. 27At noon Elijah began to make fun of them. So Elijah issued a challenge. Yet, bad as things were. What was the result of this fair trial. Elijah told him to go and look again. IV. shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Providence ordered it so, that Ahab might, with his own eyes, see how bad the consequences of this judgment were, that so he might be the better inclined to hearken to Elijah, who would direct him into the only way to put an end to it. "In reconcilable differences (says bishop Hall) nothing more safe than indifferency both of practice and opinion; but, in cases of such necessary hostility as betwixt God and Baal, he that is not with God is against him." Article Images Copyright , The Real Reason Israel Worshiped Baal (It Wasn't Just a Pretty Statue), Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, and Brian Fikkert. Note, Those who profess religion should study to recommend themselves to the esteem even of those that are without by their integrity, fidelity, and application to business. The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD , saying, Stand in the gate of the LORD 's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD , all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD . And he said, Go again seven times. He would not make use of theirs, which had been polluted with their prayers to Baal, but, finding the ruins of an altar there, which had formerly been used in the service of the Lord, he chose to repair that (1 Kings 18:30; 1 Kings 18:30), to intimate to them that he was not about to introduce any new religion, but to revive the faith and worship of their fathers' God, and reduce them to their first love, their first works. 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"I love Jesus and it is the honor of my life to get to portray him," he said. 19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. In it, Elijah, the prophet of Gd, puts to the test what was at the time perceived as the most supreme and powerful of all the godsBaal. Let it go on therefore to a trial. 6:9). III. Three years and a half's famine would not bring them back to God. 3. 40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. Let it for ever be looked upon as a point adjudged against all pretenders (for it was carried, upon a full hearing, against one of the most daring and threatening competitors that ever the God of Israel was affronted by) that Jehovah, he is God, God alone. The purpose of the prophet's request was to demonstrate who was the true God that deserved the people's dedicated worship. But this was not all; to complete the miracle, the fire consumed the stones of the altar, and the very dust, to show that it was no ordinary fire, and perhaps to intimate that, though God accepted this occasional sacrifice from this altar, yet for the future they ought to demolish all the altars on their high places, and, for their constant sacrifices, make use of that at Jerusalem only. [2.] 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people, for their shelter in difficult times, even where one would least expect them. He insists upon it that we mortify our lusts and corruptions; but corporeal penances and severities, such as the Papists use, which have no tendency to that, are no pleasure to him. 0 responses Those that were firm for God doubted not but it would end to his honour; those that were indifferent were willing to be determined; and Ahab and the prophets of Baal durst not oppose for fear of the people, and hoped that either they could obtain fire from heaven (though they never had yet), and the rather because, as some think, they worshipped the sun in Baal, or that Elijah could not, because not at the temple, where God was wont thus to manifest his glory. The execution he did upon the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:40. His prayer was not long, for he used no vain repetitions, nor thought he should be heard for his much speaking; but it was very grave and composed, and showed his mind to be calm and sedate, and far from the heats and disorders that Baal's prophets were in, 1 Kings 18:36; 1 Kings 18:37. Vote Up A fight to the finish. If Jehovah be the true God, Baal is a false God, to whom these Israelites had revolted, and seduced others to the worship of him; and therefore, by the express law of God, they were to be put to death, Deuteronomy 13:1-11. The Contemporary Parallel New Testament with KJV, NIV, NKJV, NASB, and more! By this time there was no food in Samaria. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull and kill it and cut it into pieces. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Also bring the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebels table.. Compare Psalms 135:7. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. God immediately answered him by fire, 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Kings 18:38. Elijah told him to go and look again. 115:8 NET). Elijah swears by the Lord of hosts, who has all power in his hands, and is therefore able to protect his servants against all the powers of hell and earth. But no voice was heard; Baal did not answer, and no one paid attention. ESV - 2. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. One may guess how people stand affected to God by observing how they stand affected to his people and ministers. [1.] God and Elijah were honoured, 1 Kings 18:21-39. Tyrants and persecutors, in their passion, are often unreasonably outrageous, even towards their friends and confidants. Elijah does not say, "The God that answers by water" (though that was the thing the country needed), but "that answers by fire, let him be God;" because the atonement was to be made by sacrifice, before the judgment could be removed in mercy. This is the right method. Even Christ and his apostles were thus misrepresented, Acts 17:6. 44The seventh time, the servant said, I see a small cloud, the size of a human fist, coming from the sea., Elijah told the servant, Go to Ahab and tell him to get his chariot ready and go home now. (1.) Roumie said he was drawn to both "The Chosen" and "Jesus Revolution" because of their scripts and characters, which "spoke to his heart.". Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. I would have healed Israel, but they would not be healed. 10As surely as the Lord your God lives, the king has sent people to every country to search for you. Note, It bodes well to any people when God calls his ministers out of their corners, and bids them show themselves--a sign that he will give rain on the earth; at least we may the better be content with the bread of affliction while our eyes see our teachers,Isaiah 30:20; Isaiah 30:21. ly. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: 4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) [1.] He bids Obadiah go and tell the king that he is there to speak with him: Tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is forth-coming, 1 Kings 18:8; 1 Kings 18:8. Does My Passion Mean That I'm Being Called? 732 views, 45 likes, 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from : 22 2023 . Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. From Genesis to Revelation, we see that one of our Creator Kings primary qualities is his lavish generosity. Elijah on Mount Carmel 26 And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. 17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? If Baal really is a god, maybe he is thinking, or busy, or traveling! What is the meaning of the parable of the rich man and his manager? Once we remember that the Jews saw idolatry as the ultimate sin that put one outside the community of faith, we can hear the full force of Pauls words. He withdrew to a strange place, to the top of Carmel, which was very high and very private. Stop for a moment. Elijah might have looked for rain seventy times seven times, and not have seen it, if he had not thus begun his work at the right end. 12The Spirit of the Lord may carry you to some other place after I leave. 33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. The Holy Bible, New Century Version. When Jezebel was killing all the LORD's . Elijah's Trial of the False Prophets; the Destruction of Baal's Prophets. 2. April 2018. Because our material possessions so often seduce us into worshiping them like gods, they pose possibly the preeminent threat to worshiping Jesus. 5Ahab said to Obadiah, Lets check every spring and valley in the land. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. But humans cannot serve two kings. Maybe we can find enough grass to keep our horses and mules alive and not have to kill our animals. 6So each one chose a part of the country to search; Ahab went in one direction and Obadiah in another. Has the book of Amos been fulfilled or is it a reference to end times? If the ruler said you were not there, Ahab forced the ruler to swear you could not be found in his country. I. Elijah reproved the people for mixing the worship of God and the worship of Baal together. Why did the prophets of Baal cut themselves (1 Kings 18:28) Context: 1 Kings 18:27-28 New International Version (NIV) 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. And there was a sore famine in Samaria. He fitted up an altar. 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. But it is strange to find such an eminently good man governor of Ahab's house, an office of great honour, power, and trust. 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Before the sun affect the understanding of creation: 22 2023 and when midday was past, they pose the... Prepare the other bull, putting the meat on the wood but setting! True for Christians that 'Once Saved, Always Saved ' in the land give the., 11 loves, 7 comments, 73 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from: 22 2023 Kings primary is! My passion Mean that I 'm Being called to swear you could not be healed confidants. 20 so Ahab sent unto all the people, and said, how long ye. Back to God by observing how they stand affected to God by observing how they stand affected to his,... Dancing, and Elijah were honoured, 1 Kings 18:38 and mules alive and not to! Testament with KJV, NIV, NKJV, NASB, and they cut themselves after their with... Kings 18:21-39 the priests of Baal ; let not one of our Creator Kings primary qualities is his lavish.! Spring and valley in the book of Amos been fulfilled or is it True Christians... 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