1 Kings 18:25
1 Kings 18:25 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.
And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under.
Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Take one ox for yourselves and get it ready first, for there are more of you; and make your prayers to your god, but put no fire under.
Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, because there are so many of you. Call on your god by name, but don't light the fire.”
And Eliiah said vnto the prophets of Baal, Chuse you a bullocke, and prepare him first, (for ye are many) and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire vnder.
And Elijah saith to the prophets of Baal, 'Choose for you the one bullock, and prepare first, for ye [are] the multitude, and call ye in the name of your god, and place no fire.'
Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves, and dress it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.”
And Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under .
Then Elias said to the prophets of Baal: Choose you one bullock and dress it first, because you are many: and call on the names of your gods, but put no fire under.
Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You call to Baal first, because there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls and prepare it, and then call to your god. But do not light a fire under the wood!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 18:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
לִ/נְבִיאֵ֣י
הַ/בַּ֗עַל
בַּחֲר֨וּ
לָ/כֶ֜ם
הַ/פָּ֤ר
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
וַ/עֲשׂ֣וּ
רִאשֹׁנָ֔ה
כִּ֥י
אַתֶּ֖ם
הָ/רַבִּ֑ים
וְ/קִרְאוּ֙
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/אֵ֖שׁ
לֹ֥א
תָשִֽׂימוּ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
לִ/נְבִיאֵ֣י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Prep | N-mp
הַ/בַּ֗עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
בַּחֲר֨וּ
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ/כֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
הַ/פָּ֤ר
par
H6499
bullock
Art | N-ms
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
וַ/עֲשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
רִאשֹׁנָ֔ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
הָ/רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
many
Art | Adj
וְ/קִרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Conj | N-cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָשִֽׂימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:25
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
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.
אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ
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.
לִ/נְבִיאֵ֣י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Prep | 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.
בַּחֲר֨וּ
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לָ/כֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/פָּ֤ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וַ/עֲשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רִאשֹׁנָ֔ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הָ/רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/קִרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Conj | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָשִֽׂימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Kings 18:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:25
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:25
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:25
Context — Elijah on Mount Carmel
23Get 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.
24Then 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.”
25Then 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.”
26And 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. 27At 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!”1 Kings 18:25 Summary
[In 1 Kings 18:25, Elijah is challenging the prophets of Baal to show the power of their god, by preparing a sacrifice and calling on their god to send fire. This is a test of the true power of God, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Elijah is confident that the one true God will reveal His power, and this event will demonstrate the emptiness of idolatry, as stated in Exodus 20:3. By trusting in God's power and sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 115:3, we can also experience His presence and provision in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah suggest the prophets of Baal go first in their demonstration of power?
Elijah suggested the prophets of Baal go first to show the people of Israel the emptiness of their idolatry, as seen in 1 Kings 18:25, and to demonstrate the power of the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3.
What is the significance of Elijah's instruction not to light the fire?
Elijah's instruction not to light the fire, as seen in 1 Kings 18:25, was to ensure that the prophets of Baal could not cheat or manipulate the outcome, allowing the true God to reveal His power, as promised in Deuteronomy 13:1-4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse, 1 Kings 18:25, illustrates the spiritual warfare between the prophet of God, Elijah, and the prophets of Baal, highlighting the importance of trusting in the power of God, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, and not in human strength or idolatry.
What can we learn from Elijah's confidence in this situation?
Elijah's confidence, as seen in 1 Kings 18:25, demonstrates his trust in the power and sovereignty of God, as stated in Psalm 115:3, and serves as an example for believers to trust in God's power and provision in their own lives, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to trust in my own strength or the power of idols, rather than in the power of God?
- How can I, like Elijah, demonstrate my trust in God's power and sovereignty in the face of challenges or opposition?
- What are some ways I can 'prepare the altar' in my own life, as Elijah did, to invite God's power and presence to work on my behalf?
- In what ways can I, like the prophets of Baal, be deceived into thinking that my own efforts or strengths are sufficient, rather than relying on God's power and provision?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:25
And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal,.... Who agreed to this proposal, though not expressed; or they signified it by their silence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:25
And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
Ye are many, and I am willing to give you the precedency. This he did, partly because if he had first offered, and God had answered by fire, as he knew that he would do, Baal’ s priests would have been discouraged, and upon some excuse (which would easily be accepted in regard of the king’ s authority, and the favour which they had with the people) would have desisted from making the trial on their part; and partly because the disappointment of the priests of Baal, of which he was well assured, would notably prepare the way for the people’ s more diligent attention unto his words and actions, and cause them to entertain the prophet’ s good success with more admiration and affection; and this coming last, would leave the greater impression and relish upon their hearts. And this they accepted, be cause they might think, that if Baal did answer them first, which they presumed he would, the people would be so confirmed and heightened in their opinion of Baal, that they by the king’ s assistance might murder Elijah before he came to his experiment.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
1 Kings 18:25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress [it] first; for ye [are] many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire [under].Ver. 25. Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first.] All privileges and advantages are granted them, lest it should be pretended that their god was sullen, and therefore silent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:25
Verse 25. For ye are many] And therefore shall have the preference, and the advantage of being first in your application to the deity.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:25
25. the prophets of Baal] Here, as above in 1 Kings 18:19, the LXX., instead of ‘Baal’ has τῆςαἰσχύνης. See note there. The pomp and splendour of the priests of Baal glittering no doubt with gorgeous vestments (cf. 2 Kings 10:22) would shew the more because of the rough shaggy garb of the Tishbite, whose congenial abode was the mountain tops or the fastnesses of Gilead.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:25
Elijah gives precedence in everything to the Baal-priests, to take away all ground for cavil in case of failure.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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(Men God Made) Elijah by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal from the Bible. He highlights Elijah's fearlessness and faith as he challenges the prophets of B |
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The Majority Can Be Wrong by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes that the majority can often be wrong, as illustrated in 1 Kings 18:25-29, where the prophets of Baal, despite their numbers and fervor, failed to call down |