1 Kings 18:40
1 Kings 18:40 in Multiple Translations
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.
And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
And Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal, let not one of them get away. So they took them, and Elijah made them go down to the stream Kishon, and put them to death there.
Then Elijah ordered them, “Grab hold of the prophets of Baal. Don't let any escape!” They grabbed them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.
And Elijah said vnto them, Take the prophets of Baal, let not a man of them escape. and they tooke them, and Eliiah brought them to the brooke Kishon, and slewe them there.
And Elijah saith to them, 'Catch ye the prophets of Baal; let not a man escape of them;' and they catch them, and Elijah bringeth them down unto the stream Kishon, and doth slaughter them there.
Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let one of them escape!” They seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there.
And Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
And Elias said to them: Take the prophets of Baal, and let not one of them escape. And when they had taken them, Elias brought them down to the torrent Cison, and killed them there.
Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize all the prophets of Baal! Do not allow any of them to escape!” So the people seized all the prophets of Baal, and took them down the mountain to the Kishon Valley, and Elijah killed them all there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:40
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 18:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ
לָ/הֶ֜ם
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ
אֶת
נְבִיאֵ֣י
הַ/בַּ֗עַל
אִ֛ישׁ
אַל
יִמָּלֵ֥ט
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֑וּ/ם
וַ/יּוֹרִדֵ֤/ם
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙
אֶל
נַ֣חַל
קִישׁ֔וֹן
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
שָֽׁם
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
לָ/הֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נְבִיאֵ֣י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
N-mp
הַ/בַּ֗עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יִמָּלֵ֥ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֑וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַ/יּוֹרִדֵ֤/ם
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
קִישׁ֔וֹן
Qîyshôwn
H7028
Kishon
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
to slaughter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:40
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
לָ/הֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נְבִיאֵ֣י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
הַ/בַּ֗עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִמָּלֵ֥ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֑וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
וַ/יּוֹרִדֵ֤/ם
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ֙
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִישׁ֔וֹן
Qîyshôwn
H7028
"Kishon"
N-proper
Kishon is a river in central Palestine where the Israelites defeated Sisera and Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal. The name Kishon means winding and it is mentioned in several biblical books. Kishon played a significant role in biblical history.
Definition: § Kishon = "winding" a river in central Palestine; scene of the defeat of Sisera by the Israelites in the time of the judges and the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kishon, Kison. See also: Judges 4:7; Judges 5:21; Psalms 83:10.
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
"to slaughter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:40
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:40
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:40
Context — Elijah’s Prayer
38Then 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.
39When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”
40Then 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.
41And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42So 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 18:20 | But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” |
| 2 | Judges 4:7 | And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand.’” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:5 | Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 4 | Judges 5:21 | The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength! |
| 5 | Zechariah 13:2–3 | And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through. |
| 6 | Revelation 19:20 | But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 10:24–25 | And they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and warned them, “If anyone allows one of the men I am delivering into your hands to escape, he will forfeit his life for theirs.” When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 48:10 | Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed. |
| 9 | Revelation 20:10 | And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. |
1 Kings 18:40 Summary
[This verse shows us that God is a God of justice and mercy, and He will not tolerate false teachings or idols. Elijah's actions were a demonstration of God's power and authority, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40. Just like Elijah, we must be faithful to God's commands and trust in His sovereignty, even when faced with difficult situations, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will guide us and provide for us, just like He did for Elijah.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah order the prophets of Baal to be seized and slaughtered?
Elijah ordered the prophets of Baal to be seized and slaughtered because they were false prophets who had led the people of Israel astray, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40, and this act was a judgment from God, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and 18:20.
Was Elijah acting out of personal revenge or was this a directed act of God?
Elijah's actions were directed by God, as he was a prophet of the Lord, and this act was a fulfillment of God's judgment on the false prophets, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40 and Deuteronomy 18:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice and mercy?
This verse demonstrates God's justice in dealing with those who lead people away from Him, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40, and His mercy in calling people to repentance, as seen in 1 Kings 18:39 and 2 Peter 3:9.
What can we learn from Elijah's actions in this verse about our own relationship with God?
We can learn from Elijah's actions that we must be faithful to God's commands and trust in His sovereignty, even when faced with difficult situations, as seen in 1 Kings 18:40 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising with false teachings or idols in my own life, and how can I take a stand for the truth like Elijah did?
- How can I balance God's justice and mercy in my own relationships and interactions with others, especially when dealing with those who may be opposed to God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, like Elijah did in this verse?
- How can I be a faithful witness for God, like Elijah, in a world that often opposes Him, and what are some ways that I can demonstrate God's love and mercy to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:40
And Elijah said unto them, take the prophets of Baal,.... The four hundred and fifty that were upon the spot; for the number of the people of Israel, now gathered together, were equal to it; nor was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:40
And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
Elijah said unto them; he takes the opportunity, whilst the people’ s hearts were warm with the fresh sense of this great miracle. Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, that their blood might be poured into that river, and thence conveyed into the sea, and might not defile the holy land. Slew them there. Quest. How could Elijah do this, seeing he was but a private person? Answ. First, he had no doubt the consent of all the heads of the people, who were there assembled; and of the king too, who durst not resist the universal torrent, and could not deny that they were impostors, and worthy of death; and probably was by the prophet assured of rain when this was done. Answ. Secondly, As these idolatrous priests were manifestly under a sentence of death, passed upon such by the sovereign Lord of life and death, Deuteronomy 13 Deuteronomy 17; so Elijah had sufficient authority to execute it, as being a prophet, and an extraordinary minister of God’ s vengeance against sinners, now especially when the magistrate so grossly neglected his duty therein.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
1 Kings 18:40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.Ver. 40. And they took them.] The recent miracle had made them submissive. To the brook Kishon.] Haply, to testify that because of their idolatry God’ s hand was upon the brooks and rivers.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
(40) Slew them.—This ruthless slaughter of Baal’s prophets, as a judgment on their idolatry and perversion of the people, belongs alike to the fierce righteousness of the character of Elijah, and to the spirit of the old Law. (See, for example, Deuteronomy 13:6-18; Deuteronomy 17:2-7.) The law was adapted (as in the terrible crucial example of the slaughter of the Canaanites) to the “hardness of men’s hearts.” In the imperfect moral and religious education of those times, it did not recognise the difference between moral and political offences punishable by human law, and the religious sin or apostasy which we have been taught to leave to the judgment of God alone; and it enjoined an unrelenting severity in the execution of righteous vengeance, which would be morally impossible to us, who have been taught to hate the sin, and yet spare, as far as possible, the sinner. The frequent quotation of such examples by Christians—of which Luke 9:54 is the first example—is a spiritual anachronism. In this particular case, however, it is also to be remembered that those slain were no doubt implicated in the persecution headed by Jezebel, and that the Baal-worship was a licentious and perhaps bloody system. Elijah, presiding over the slaughter which dyed the waters of the Kishon with blood, felt himself the avenger of the slaughtered prophets, as well as the instrument of the judgment of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
Verse 40. Let not one of them escape.] They had committed the highest crime against the state and the people by introducing idolatry, and bringing down God's judgments upon the land; therefore their lives were forfeited to that law which had ordered every idolater to be slain. It seems also that Ahab, who was present, consented to this act of impartial justice.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:40
40. Take the prophets of Baal] Elijah avails himself of the newlykindled enthusiasm to put an end, as far as he may, to the false worship. Josephus explains ‘they seized and slew the prophets, Elijah exhorting them so to do.’ Although the text may be taken to signify that Elijah put the priests to death with his own hand, we can hardly suppose this to have been so. He is only said to do himself what he caused others to do. the brook Kishon] This is at the foot of Mount Carmel on the side towards the sea. It was the spot where Sisera was overthrown by Barak (Judges 4:7) and the stream then was pictured as sweeping away the dead bodies of those who had been slain by the Israelite forces (Judges 5:21).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:40
Elijah required the people to show their conviction by acts - acts which might expose them to the anger of king or queen, but which once committed would cause them to break with Baal and his worshippers forever.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:40
40. Take the prophets of Baal — Take them prisoners; lay hold upon them as criminals worthy of immediate death. The order was addressed to the obedient multitude, now all enthusiasm to vindicate Jehovah’s honour.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:40
| Sermon | Description | |
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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 |
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(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 |
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(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 |
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Elijah Was a Calvinist by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the audience's indecisiveness and urges them to consider the end and make a serious decision. He emphasizes that the path to life is difficul |
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Is Muhammad a True Prophet of God? by Sam Shamoun | Sam Shamoun presents six propositions that challenge the belief in Muhammad as a true prophet of God, urging Muslims to reflect on these claims. He argues that Muhammad's teachings |
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Trodden Down Strength by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the theme of spiritual warfare in his sermon 'Trodden Down Strength,' drawing inspiration from Judges 5:21. He encourages believers to march on with coura |
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(Revelation) the Banishment of Satan by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting a passage from the Bible about the Spirit of the Lord being upon him to preach good tidings to the meek. He then talks about the key |