ELIJAH ON THE MOUNT SINAI (IKINGS 18:17-46)

CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

TOPIC: ELIJAH ON MOUNT CARMEL (1 KINGS 18:17-46)

CLASS: S S 2

Introduction

The encounter on Mount Carmel was a spiritual showdown between the Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Following a three-and-a-half-year drought in Israel, King Ahab accused Elijah of being the "troubler of Israel." Elijah retorted that the King’s apostasy (worshipping Baal) was the true cause of the nation's suffering. To resolve this, Elijah proposed a contest on Mount Carmel to prove who the true God is.

Key Points of the Contest

1. The Challenge: Elijah requested that King Ahab gather all of Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal. He challenged the people to stop wavering between two opinions: if the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.
2. The Terms: Two bulls were provided. The prophets of Baal and Elijah were to place their bulls on wood but set no fire. The God who answered by fire would be acknowledged as the true God.
3. The Failure of Baal: From morning until noon, the prophets of Baal called on their god, danced frantically, and even cut themselves until they bled. Despite their efforts, there was no voice, no answer, and no fire. Elijah mocked them, suggesting their god might be sleeping or traveling.
4. Elijah’s Preparation: Elijah rebuilt the altar of the Lord using twelve stones (representing the twelve tribes of Israel). He dug a trench around the altar and ordered four jars of water to be poured over the sacrifice and wood three times, until the trench was full.
5. The Divine Answer: Elijah prayed a simple, 60-word prayer asking God to prove He is the God of Israel. Immediately, the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licked up the water in the trench.
6. The People’s Reaction: Seeing the miracle, the people fell on their faces and shouted, "The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God!"
7. The End of the Drought: Elijah ordered the execution of the 450 prophets of Baal at the Brook Kishon. Afterward, he prayed for rain, and a great rainstorm ended the long drought.

Summary

The event on Mount Carmel demonstrates the supremacy and power of the Almighty God over idols. It highlights Elijah’s unwavering faith and courage in the face of national apostasy. The story teaches that God honors those who stand for the truth and that He alone deserves the worship of His people.