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1 Kings 18

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‹ Chapter 17 1 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

1 After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth." 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria, 3 and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD, 4 for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) 5 Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock." 6 So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself. 7 Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?" 8 “It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’" 9 But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death? 10 As surely as the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent someone to search for you. When they said, ‘He is not here,’ he made that kingdom or nation swear that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go tell your master that Elijah is here!’ 12 I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel slaughtered the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD, fifty men per cave, and I provided them with food and water. 14 And now you say, ‘Go tell your lord that Elijah is here!’ He will kill me!" 15 Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today." 16 So Obadiah went to inform Ahab, who went to meet Elijah. 17 When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" 18 “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19 Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table." 20 So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good." 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire." 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. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!" 28 So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. 29 Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention. 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. 31 And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name." 32 And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood, 34 and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “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. 37 Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again." 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" 40 Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there. 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. 43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back." 44 On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” And Elijah replied, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’" 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain began to fall. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

‹ Chapter 17 1 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

Study Notes — 1 Kings 18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah confronts King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, proposing a test to determine whose god is real. The prophets of Baal fail to summon their god, while Elijah's prayer is answered with fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and authority. The people recognize the true God, and Elijah has the prophets of Baal executed. The chapter concludes with Elijah praying for rain, ending a three-year drought. Key verses include 1 Kings 18:21, 24, 38, and 45, which highlight the confrontation, the test, and God's response.

Context for the Chapter

1 Kings 18 is part of the larger narrative of the division of the kingdom of Israel and the reign of King Ahab. The chapter is situated in a time of spiritual decline and idolatry, with the Israelites worshipping Baal and other false gods. The events of this chapter are a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as they mark a turning point in the struggle between the worship of the true God and the worship of idols. This context is crucial for understanding the significance of Elijah's confrontation and the demonstration of God's power.

Heart Application

The chapter challenges believers to examine their own hearts and lives for any form of idolatry or compromise, calling us to exclusive devotion to the one true God. As we reflect on Elijah's boldness and faith, we are encouraged to stand firm in our own faith, trusting in God's power and authority. This application is rooted in 1 Kings 18:21, where Elijah calls the people to decide between the true God and Baal.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Elijah, a prophet who stood up against the false god Baal and the king who supported it. Elijah prayed, and God sent fire from heaven, showing his power and authority. The people realized their mistake and turned back to the true God. Elijah's example teaches us to trust in God and reject false idols, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:38.

Voices from the Church

“The fire that fell from heaven was a symbol of the divine approval and the demonstration of God's power, which should inspire our faith and obedience.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is a powerful illustration of the conflict between true and false religion, highlighting the exclusive claim of the one true God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Confrontation (1 Kings 18:1-20) — Elijah confronts King Ahab and proposes a test to determine whose god is real, highlighting the theme of confrontation and decision.
  2. The Test (1 Kings 18:21-40) — The prophets of Baal fail to summon their god, while Elijah's prayer is answered with fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and authority.
  3. The Execution of the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40) — Elijah has the prophets of Baal executed, emphasizing the consequences of idolatry and the importance of obedience to God.
  4. The Prayer for Rain (1 Kings 18:41-46) — Elijah prays for rain, ending a three-year drought, and demonstrating God's power and provision.
  5. The Conclusion (1 Kings 18:46) — Elijah's actions and God's response conclude the chapter, highlighting the theme of God's power and authority.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter demonstrates God's power and authority over all things, including the forces of nature and the hearts of men, as seen in 1 Kings 18:38 and 1 Kings 18:45.
The Importance of Faith
Elijah's faith and trust in God are exemplary, showing the importance of believing in God's power and promises, as highlighted in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:36.
The Consequences of Idolatry
The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of rejecting the true God, as seen in 1 Kings 18:18 and 1 Kings 18:40.
The Power of Prayer
The chapter demonstrates the effectiveness of prayer in accomplishing God's will, as seen in Elijah's prayers in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45.

Lessons from 1 Kings 18

  1. The Importance of Exclusive Devotion — The chapter teaches us the importance of exclusive devotion to the one true God, rejecting all forms of idolatry, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21.
  2. The Power of Faith — Elijah's faith and trust in God are exemplary, showing the importance of believing in God's power and promises, as highlighted in 1 Kings 18:36-38.
  3. The Dangers of Compromise — The chapter highlights the dangers of compromise and the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:40.
  4. The Effectiveness of Prayer — The chapter demonstrates the effectiveness of prayer in accomplishing God's will, as seen in Elijah's prayers in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45.
  5. The Demonstration of God's Power — The chapter demonstrates God's power and authority over all things, including the forces of nature and the hearts of men, as seen in 1 Kings 18:38 and 1 Kings 18:45.

Themes from 1 Kings 18

  1. Confronting Idolatry — The chapter highlights the importance of confronting and rejecting idolatry in all its forms, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:40.
  2. Demonstrating God's Power — The chapter demonstrates God's power and authority over all things, including the forces of nature and the hearts of men, as seen in 1 Kings 18:38 and 1 Kings 18:45.
  3. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in our lives, as seen in Elijah's example in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:36-38.
  4. The Role of Prayer — The chapter demonstrates the effectiveness of prayer in accomplishing God's will, as seen in Elijah's prayers in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45.
  5. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God's commands, as seen in 1 Kings 18:18 and 1 Kings 18:40.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that we may be tempted to worship, and how can we apply the lesson of 1 Kings 18:21 to our lives?
  2. How does Elijah's boldness in the face of opposition encourage us to stand firm in our faith, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:40?
  3. What role does prayer play in our lives, and how can we learn from Elijah's example in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45?
  4. How does the demonstration of God's power in 1 Kings 18:38 relate to the power of God in our lives, and what are the implications for our trust and obedience?
  5. What are some ways we can apply the lesson of 1 Kings 18:21 to our daily lives, rejecting idolatry and trusting in the one true God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Confrontation (1 Kings 18:1-20)

18:1 The Lord speaks to Elijah, telling him to present himself to King Ahab, highlighting the theme of confrontation and decision.
18:2 Obadiah, the palace administrator, is told to find Elijah, demonstrating the complexity of the situation and the need for careful action.

2. The Test (1 Kings 18:21-40)

18:21 Elijah challenges the people to decide between the true God and Baal, highlighting the theme of confrontation and decision.
18:24 The prophets of Baal fail to summon their god, while Elijah's prayer is answered with fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and authority.

3. The Execution of the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40)

18:40 Elijah has the prophets of Baal executed, emphasizing the consequences of idolatry and the importance of obedience to God.

4. The Prayer for Rain (1 Kings 18:41-46)

18:41 Elijah prays for rain, ending a three-year drought, and demonstrating God's power and provision.
18:42 Elijah's servant reports the coming rain, highlighting the theme of God's power and authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the fire from heaven in 1 Kings 18:38?

The fire from heaven demonstrates God's power and authority, answering Elijah's prayer and confirming his message, as seen in 1 Kings 18:38 and 1 Kings 18:24.

Why did Elijah have the prophets of Baal executed?

Elijah had the prophets of Baal executed as a judgment for their idolatry and rebellion against the true God, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40 and 1 Kings 18:18.

What is the importance of Elijah's prayer in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45?

Elijah's prayers demonstrate the effectiveness of prayer in accomplishing God's will, as seen in 1 Kings 18:36-38 and 1 Kings 18:42-45, and highlight the importance of faith and obedience in our lives.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Kings 18:21 → Joshua 24:15 The challenge to choose between the true God and false idols is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in Joshua 24:15 and 1 Kings 18:21.
2 1 Kings 18:38 → Hebrews 12:29 The fire from heaven demonstrates God's power and authority, which is also described in Hebrews 12:29 as a consuming fire.
3 1 Kings 18:40 → Deuteronomy 13:6-10 The execution of the prophets of Baal is consistent with the biblical principle of punishing idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
4 1 Kings 18:42 → Psalm 65:9-13 The coming rain is a symbol of God's blessing and provision, which is also seen in Psalm 65:9-13.
5 1 Kings 18:45 → James 5:17-18 The prayer for rain and its answer demonstrate the power of prayer, which is also emphasized in James 5:17-18.
6 1 Kings 18:1 → Luke 4:25-26 The drought and its ending are also referenced in the New Testament, highlighting the theme of God's power and authority.
7 1 Kings 18:21 → Matthew 6:24 The challenge to choose between the true God and false idols is also relevant to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:24.
8 1 Kings 18:38 → 2 Thessalonians 1:8 The demonstration of God's power in 1 Kings 18:38 foreshadows the ultimate display of God's power and authority in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:8.

Sermons on 1 Kings 18

SermonDescription
Duncan Campbell Then the Fire of the Lord Fell by Duncan Campbell In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes the need for conviction and the fear of God in our lives. He describes a powerful experience of God's presence during a church se
Duncan Campbell The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i
Leonard Ravenhill 1 Kings 16-18 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab. He emphasizes the power of one person with God, using Elijah as an example. The preach
Leonard Ravenhill Worship - Then Prayer - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with God over worldly distractions. He criticizes the tendency to spend hours watching TV shows but not
A.W. Tozer (Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di
A.W. Tozer (Men Who Met God): Elijah and the Fire on the Altar by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to take a moment to appreciate the good people in their lives. He emphasizes the importance of being grateful to God for the abi
David Wilkerson Test of Confusion - Part 1 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who was struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. The man had a vision of his own funeral, which confirmed his f
Brian Green When Wales Caught the Fire of the Holy Ghost - the 1904 Welsh Revival by Brian Green In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts the story of a man named Evan who embarked on a journey to spread his faith without any resources or support. Despite the challenges
Manley Beasley Prayer by Manley Beasley In this sermon, Dr. James Stewart emphasizes the importance of having both a vision and a strategy from God. He believes that God not only gives us a vision but also provides a str
Art Katz Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 2 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing between two opposing paths in the last days. They highlight the contrast between the biblical view of reality and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 18

In this chapter, we see the boldness and faith of Elijah, who confronts the prophets of Baal and demonstrates God's power. The fire from heaven is a symbol of God's approval and judgment, highlighting the exclusive claim of the one true God. The chapter teaches us the importance of exclusive devotion, the power of faith, and the dangers of compromise. As Matthew Henry notes, the demonstration of God's power in this chapter is a powerful reminder of his authority and majesty, and should inspire our faith and obedience. The chapter is a call to trust in God's power and promises, and to reject all forms of idolatry, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21 and 1 Kings 18:40. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Boldness of Elijah

Elijah's bold challenge to the prophets of Baal and King Ahab demonstrates his faith and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This boldness is a model for believers to stand firm in their faith, as seen in 1 Kings 18:21.

The Power of Prayer

Elijah's prayers are answered dramatically, showing the effectiveness of prayer in accomplishing God's will. This is evident in 1 Kings 18:36-38, where Elijah's prayer for fire is answered, and in 1 Kings 18:42-45, where his prayer for rain ends the drought.

The Importance of Obedience

The consequences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience are clearly seen in the chapter, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands, as highlighted in 1 Kings 18:18 and 1 Kings 18:40.

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