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1 Kings 18:38
Verse
Context
Sermons
Duncan Campbell
Leonard Ravenhill
Art Katz
Ralph Sutera
George VerwerGeorge Verwer
Del Fehsenfeld Jr.Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Then the fire of the Lord fell - It did not burst out from the altar; this might still, notwithstanding the water, have afforded some ground for suspicion that fire had been concealed, after the manner of the heathens, under the altar. Pindar's account of the Rhodians' settling is the isle of Rhodes, and their first sacrifice there, bears a near affinity to the account here given: the shower of gold descending on the sacrifice offered up without fire, to show the approbation of their god, is little more than a poetic account of the above transactions. Καιτοι γαρ αιθουσας εχοντες Σπερμ' ανεβαν φλογος ου Τευξαν δ' απυροις ἱεροις Αλσος εν ακροπολει· κεινοισι μεν ξαν - θαν αγαγων νεφελαι· Πολυν ὑσε χρυσον Pind. Olymp. Od. 7, ver. 86. The Rhodians, mindful of their sire's behest, Straight in the citadel an altar reared; But with imperfect rites the Power addressed, And without fire their sacrifice prepared; Yet Jove, approving, o'er the assembly spread A yellow cloud, that dropped with golden dews. West. Consumed the burnt-sacrifice - The process of this consumption is very remarkable, and all calculated to remove the possibility of a suspicion that there was any concealed fire. 1. The fire came down from heaven. 2. The pieces of the sacrifice were first consumed. 3. The wood next, to show that it was not even by means of the wood that the flesh was burned. 4. The twelve stones were also consumed, to show that it was no common fire, but one whose agency nothing could resist. 5. The dust, the earth of which the altar was constructed, was burned up. 6. The water that was in the trench was, by the action of this fire, entirely evaporated. 7. The action of this fire was in every case downward, contrary to the nature of all earthly and material fire. Nothing can be more simple and artless than this description, yet how amazingly full and satisfactory is the whole account!
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 it in Ahab's power to hinder it, and he might himself be so far surprised and convicted as not in the least to object to it: let not one of them escape: that there might be none of them left to seduce the people any more: and they took them; laid hold on them, everyone of them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon; which ran by the side, and at the bottom of Mount Carmel, into the sea; See Gill on Jdg 4:7, Jdg 5:21. and slew them there; intimating, that it was owing to the idolatry they led the people into that rain had been withheld, and the brooks were dried up, as this might be; or, as Ben Gersom thinks, that the land might not be defiled with their blood, but be carried down the river after it: these he slew not with his own hand, but by others he gave orders to do it; and this not as a private person, but as an extraordinary minister of God, to execute justice according to his law, Deu 13:1 by which law such false prophets were to die; and the rather he was raised up and spirited for this service, as the supreme magistrate was addicted to idolatry himself.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:38-39 Whether by lightning strike or more supernatural means, the Lord sent fire to consume everything, including all the water in the trench. This was convincing proof that the Lord is God. The continuing story demonstrates conclusively that the Lord, not Baal, has control over fire, water, and the weather.
1 Kings 18:38
Elijah’s Prayer
37Answer 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.”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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Then the Fire of the Lord Fell
By Duncan Campbell9.9K1:22:35Baptism Of The Holy Spirit1KI 18:381KI 18:40ISA 63:1ACT 2:38In 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 service, where the congregation was deeply moved and cried out for God to do it again. The preacher shares how the Holy Spirit was at work, convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's continued presence and a reference to biblical visions of God's glory.
The Indestructible Man (Kansas City) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.4K41:34John The Baptist1KI 18:38DAN 3:25LUK 3:7LUK 3:12JHN 1:29JHN 1:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the three things that are missing in modern preaching: immensity, intensity, and eternity. He believes that if a sermon does not touch on eternity or evoke a sense of awe and reverence, it is not effective. The preacher also discusses the importance of repentance and the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. He uses biblical references, such as John the Baptist's preaching and the story of Solomon's altar, to illustrate his points. The sermon concludes with a call for personal transformation and a plea for God's fire to fall upon the congregation.
Finn-01 Elijah the Prophet
By Art Katz2.3K45:18Elijah1KI 17:41KI 18:38MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 9:11ROM 10:14HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers and being pursued by God. He emphasizes the power of a word spoken in authority and how it can turn someone's life around. The speaker also discusses the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts our own reasoning. He challenges the church to be a prophetic presence and to speak a word that can bring judgment and transformation. The sermon references the story of Elijah being commanded by God to hide by a brook and be fed by ravens, highlighting the need for trust and obedience in following God's instructions.
Philosophy of Revival Part 1
By Ralph Sutera1.6K44:591KI 18:382CH 7:14MAT 24:12JHN 13:35ROM 10:14PHP 3:14HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher talks about the ongoing revival happening in their church. They mention how the Holy Spirit is stirring and how believers are surrendering to God while sinners are being saved. The preacher also shares a personal testimony of their own journey towards conforming to Christ and the deep surgery God is performing in their heart. They emphasize that revival is not about striving for faith, but about finding victory and joy in resting in God. The preacher also highlights the need for revival due to the disunity in the body of Christ and the changing value systems in society.
Coordinators Conf 1974 Pt2
By George Verwer59949:08Leadership1KI 18:241KI 18:38MAT 6:33MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 10:30JHN 14:6In this sermon, the speaker describes a scene on Mount Carmel where the people gathered to witness a spectacle between the prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah. The speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing to follow the Lord rather than being indecisive. The priests of Baal perform rituals and invoke their god, but their efforts are in vain. Meanwhile, Elijah confidently calls upon the Lord and witnesses a miraculous display of fire from heaven, proving the power of the true God. The sermon highlights the significance of genuine devotion and the need to trust in the Lord.
Consuming Fire
By George Verwer53958:34Christian LifeEXO 3:2EXO 13:211KI 18:38MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ACT 2:3HEB 12:29In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of faith and the challenges he faced in his search for truth. He initially questioned the exclusivity of Christianity and explored various religions. However, his encounter with the evangelist Billy Graham and hearing the simple message of the gospel transformed his life. The speaker reflects on his struggles with sin, including lying, gambling, and hatred, and how these habits controlled him. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for everyone to recognize their sinfulness and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Fire From Heaven
By Del Fehsenfeld Jr.01KI 18:38ISA 64:4MAL 3:2HEB 12:29JAS 4:8Del Fehsenfeld Jr. preaches about the desperate need for the fire of God to fall upon the church today, drawing parallels between the story of Elijah and the current state of spiritual dryness and lack of power. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the manifest presence and glory of God, the supernatural power that cannot be explained by human effort, and the deep conviction and repentance that come when the fire falls. Fehsenfeld challenges believers to examine their hearts, surrender all to God, and be willing to pay the price for revival, highlighting the necessity of sacrificing anything that hinders God's presence in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Then the fire of the Lord fell - It did not burst out from the altar; this might still, notwithstanding the water, have afforded some ground for suspicion that fire had been concealed, after the manner of the heathens, under the altar. Pindar's account of the Rhodians' settling is the isle of Rhodes, and their first sacrifice there, bears a near affinity to the account here given: the shower of gold descending on the sacrifice offered up without fire, to show the approbation of their god, is little more than a poetic account of the above transactions. Καιτοι γαρ αιθουσας εχοντες Σπερμ' ανεβαν φλογος ου Τευξαν δ' απυροις ἱεροις Αλσος εν ακροπολει· κεινοισι μεν ξαν - θαν αγαγων νεφελαι· Πολυν ὑσε χρυσον Pind. Olymp. Od. 7, ver. 86. The Rhodians, mindful of their sire's behest, Straight in the citadel an altar reared; But with imperfect rites the Power addressed, And without fire their sacrifice prepared; Yet Jove, approving, o'er the assembly spread A yellow cloud, that dropped with golden dews. West. Consumed the burnt-sacrifice - The process of this consumption is very remarkable, and all calculated to remove the possibility of a suspicion that there was any concealed fire. 1. The fire came down from heaven. 2. The pieces of the sacrifice were first consumed. 3. The wood next, to show that it was not even by means of the wood that the flesh was burned. 4. The twelve stones were also consumed, to show that it was no common fire, but one whose agency nothing could resist. 5. The dust, the earth of which the altar was constructed, was burned up. 6. The water that was in the trench was, by the action of this fire, entirely evaporated. 7. The action of this fire was in every case downward, contrary to the nature of all earthly and material fire. Nothing can be more simple and artless than this description, yet how amazingly full and satisfactory is the whole account!
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 it in Ahab's power to hinder it, and he might himself be so far surprised and convicted as not in the least to object to it: let not one of them escape: that there might be none of them left to seduce the people any more: and they took them; laid hold on them, everyone of them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon; which ran by the side, and at the bottom of Mount Carmel, into the sea; See Gill on Jdg 4:7, Jdg 5:21. and slew them there; intimating, that it was owing to the idolatry they led the people into that rain had been withheld, and the brooks were dried up, as this might be; or, as Ben Gersom thinks, that the land might not be defiled with their blood, but be carried down the river after it: these he slew not with his own hand, but by others he gave orders to do it; and this not as a private person, but as an extraordinary minister of God, to execute justice according to his law, Deu 13:1 by which law such false prophets were to die; and the rather he was raised up and spirited for this service, as the supreme magistrate was addicted to idolatry himself.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:38-39 Whether by lightning strike or more supernatural means, the Lord sent fire to consume everything, including all the water in the trench. This was convincing proof that the Lord is God. The continuing story demonstrates conclusively that the Lord, not Baal, has control over fire, water, and the weather.