First Kings

18:20-46

The Ministry of Elijah the Prophet (part 3): Elijah’s Ultimatum

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

In all of our lives, we have what we might call “defining moments,” which are incidents that signal a significant turn of events or change in our circumstances. For many of us, our conversions in adulthood would qualify as one of those “defining moments,” since our whole lives were reoriented at that point. We could also point to our marriages as a “defining moment,” since that occasion marked the end of our living as one and the beginning of our life shared in the most intimate ways possible with another human being. Having children, achieving some goal, being honored for something—all these events are moments that have such an impact that we realize life will not be the same thereafter.

Last week, I called attention to the many stories in the Bible where a servant of God is put in a situation in which he is greatly outnumbered or facing a foe who is obviously superior. In the same way, there are many stories in the Bible that qualify as “defining moments” for individuals, nations, and even the whole human race. When these events happen, it is obvious that things are not going to progress as anticipated.

Take, for example, the story of Noah once again. Last week, I reminded us of how that man was practically alone against the world’s population as he obeyed God and built that ark while having to listen to the jeers and mocking of his neighbors. Noah prevailed, of course. What, therefore, was that “defining moment” in that story? I would say the defining moment in that story occurred when it started to rain.

I also mentioned Moses and his task of leading the Jews out of captivity. What constituted a defining moment in that story, a moment when it became obvious that what some were expecting—Pharaoh, in particular—was not going to happen? I would say the parting of the Red Sea was one of those “defining moments.” That is when Israel escaped and the pursuing army was destroyed in a supernatural manner. That is when it became apparent that this was not a battle between earthly forces only. What about Joshua and the conquest of the Promised Land? I also mentioned him. I think maybe the collapse of the walls of Jericho would qualify as a “defining moment” in his career as leader of the nation.

Finally, I called attention to the story of David facing Goliath. David was but a youth and his opponent was a huge, scary beast of a man. It didn’t appear that David could survive this encounter, much less defeat the giant. But the turning point came when that stone sank into the head of Goliath and he fell dead in the dirt. That was a “defining moment” in David’s life and the life of the nation of Israel.

We return this morning to the ministry of Elijah the prophet. In the last sermon, we covered his return to confront Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. In out next section, Elijah issues what amounts to an “ultimatum.” He requires a face-to-face meeting between himself, representing Jehovah, and the hundreds of prophets of the gods Israel was then worshiping—thanks largely to Ahab. The ultimatum takes the form of a definitive event that will reveal who is powerful and who is a pretender. This is one of those “defining moments” in the life of Elijah.

01. Elijah’s Proposal (vv. 20-24)

20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.”

In the context, Ahab and Elijah have exchanged accusations. The prophet is now ready to offer a demonstration to prove that he is, in fact, speaking for Jehovah. The extent to which he is willing to go gives us an idea of just how entrenched was the idolatrous thinking of the people. They show no initial fear that God might be displeased with them—they are assuming, of course, that they have been worshiping true gods who will protect them. Ahab has managed to enslave the whole nation by the one transgression that pointedly insults Jehovah and shows contempt for His generosity toward the people. All sin is contrary to God’s law, of course, but the sin of idolatry is particularly heinous and is described as “adultery” by God.

Elijah called for the people and the prophets of Baal and Asherah to assemble on Mount Carmel. This was a picturesque part of that region. Mount Carmel stands on the coast and is known to receive the first of the rains that roll in from the sea. In Elijah’s day, the mountain was productive throughout the year; as a result, the slopes were home to many orchards and vineyards. In the Old Testament, Mount Carmel is used as a symbol of God’s bounty and the beauty to be observed in His creation.

There, on one of the most stunning locations in the whole Palestinian area, the man of God prepared to challenge the representatives of idols. Though overwhelmed, in terms of numbers, Elijah did not waiver and showed no sign of dread. On the contrary, he shows convincing evidence of undaunted courage and confidence. One man stood against hundreds and hundreds of men who represented the gods of Ahab and his evil wife, Jezebel.

Elijah is about to propose a definitive test. Before that, however, he addresses the people: “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” Elijah uses an unusual term, translated “limping” (pacach). It refers to the condition of lameness. His point is that the people are spiritually maimed.

The people are unwilling to speak to Elijah. The scene was most tense, I’m sure, and the fact that some kind of confrontation was about to take place must have been obvious to all. When the people remain silent, therefore, Elijah continues and declares that he alone is left as a prophet of the LORD. His proposal is that the two sides offer a demonstration of the power of their respective deities. He asks that two bulls be brought before them and that the prophets of Baal be allowed to choose one or the other of the animals. Then the bull is to be prepared for sacrifice and placed on the altar.

Elijah will do the same to the other bull. When both are prepared, all the prophets will call upon the ones they serve and, as Elijah states, “the God who answers by fire, he is God.” Now the people speak up and indicate approval of this plan. As far as they are concerned, this should be a fair demonstration; the people, however, are steeped in idolatry and spiritual illness. Elijah knows there are no gods but the One he serves, but he is working within the context of the people’s belief system. This really is an interesting demonstration of apologetics, although I’m not sure it fits into any of our modern schools of thinking!

It would be easy to misinterpret God’s actions here. Some might assume that this is yet another demonstration of God’s willingness to extend every opportunity for repentance to these people before judgment falls—and we certainly would have no trouble finding multiple examples of such situations. I don’t think that is what is going on here, however. God has already declared that this nation is doomed. There is no mass repentance in the future. The purpose behind this action is the defense of God’s character. Often, the work of God is not for the benefit of man, but for the purpose of exalting Himself above wicked thoughts and expectations.

God’s integrity has been challenged, to say the least. The people have forsaken Him and shown incredible disdain for His holiness and goodness. Should they be allowed to continue heaping scorn upon the good name of God? In this case, God says “No.” Therefore, He sends His prophet to manifest the truth that He, alone is God—again, not for the purpose of drawing the people to repentance, but for the purpose of defending His own glorious character. In this way, God will bring glory to Himself in the midst of a people who have long ago dispensed with honoring Him.

One of the hardest truths for people to grasp, in my experience as a pastor, is the notion that God will glorify Himself regardless of what we think or desire. He will not let His character be assaulted indefinitely. I’ve had numerous opportunities to be the first one outside immediately family to speak to someone who has just lost a spouse or another loved one. I am careful what I say, of course. But there is a rule that always proves dependable in such situations. Those who, before the tragedy, believed and lived as though God is entitled to all honor and glory regardless of circumstances, are the ones to whom I can say: “Even in this, dear brother, God will be glorified.”

Those who, before the tragedy, did not seem to grasp this essential truth are the ones who wrestle with the many, many questions that arise when a loved one is taken. Such a situation is a trial of the most difficult kind. If they are not armed with a solid knowledge of God and how we are to relate to Him before the test comes, it is very unlikely that they will suddenly develop a mature and God-honoring perspective during the trial.

We must understand that, if necessary, God will glorify Himself at the expense of everything in creation. This is the teaching found in our own Larger Catechism, in fact: What is the chief and highest end of man? Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever. When you reach the point where you can not only memorize this catechism question and answer, but actually conform your life to it, then you are well-grounded in the faith; and your life will be rich and meaningful. The richness and purpose come not from what is gained in this world, but from submission to the call to glorify God in all circumstances and at all times.

02. Elijah’s Mocking (vv. 25-29)

25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.

I well remember my surprise the first time I realized that God sometimes mocks people in the Bible. For various reasons, the main one being ignorance of Scripture, I didn’t expect to read about God mock His enemies. But after my conversion, as I read the Bible hour upon hour, I saw examples of this kind of reaction from the LORD. I now understand that it is another way in which God glorifies Himself and unveils the hypocrisy and stupidity of His enemies. We have an example of this before us.

Elijah repeats his proposal to the false prophets and they accept his challenge. And this is where a colossal breach opens to expose the difference between God and the imaginations of sinners. Once prepared, the text says the false prophets “called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, ‘O Baal, answer us!’” (v. 26) The cries were absolutely worthless because Baal was nothing more than a fabrication of deranged and corrupt minds. These men plead with their make believe deity for hours, but there is no response. No sign occurred that might be interpreted as an answer to the loud appeals being made—nothing, not even a spark!

The prophets of Baal “limped around the altar,” the writer says. The same word found in v. 21 is used here. These men were in a frenzied state as they yelled and became more and more agitated. You can picture them expressing their anxiety in their movements. Nothing was working, however.

Finally, at noon, the text says Elijah began mocking them. He facetiously suggest a few possible explanations for the lack of a reply from Baal. Is Baal day-dreaming or visiting the bathroom; is he away on a trip or simply asleep? Elijah is bold in his ridicule; he knows why Baal has not responded—there is no such thing as Baal! The folly of the prophets is underscored by his scorn. How will you explain Baal’s silence? How can Baal ignore your cries at this crucial moment?

The prophets of Baal continued calling aloud and began to cut themselves with “swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.” (v. 28) This is a pathetic display of what sin will do to fallen men. They self-destruct. Every step away from the Word of God is a step toward this end. The dearest possession any man can offer is his own life; and the prophets of Baal have reached that point of utter desperation, so they begin the process of self-sacrifice hoping to convince their god to reveal himself.

What a sad sight. Yet this is fallen man in his wisdom; this is fallen man in the world he creates for himself apart from God. The ironic truth is that fallen man rejects God, but then creates a god! He refuses to serve the true God, but then dedicates himself in submission to his imagined god! Fallen man shuns the help God offers, but then offers himself to his made-up deity! This illogical way of thinking and behaving is all due to man’s corrupted soul.

They “raved on,” the writer declares, all day “until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice.” (v. 29) The word translated “raved on” refers to ecstatic utterances, such as those supposedly speaking under the influence of a spirit. The prophets were near insanity. The entire day has passed and they have neither seen nor heard the slightest indication that Baal even exists! The “offering of the oblation,” by the way, is a reference to an evening sacrifice, which took place in the afternoon, not the evening. It was a standard time marker among the Jews. The writer mentions it here to provide his reader with a time frame for this event.

The way the author ends his part of his report is forthright: “No one answered; no one paid attention.” This is a way of saying the whole effort on the part of the prophets of Baal was completely useless.

MORE TO SAY?

03. Elijah’s Vindication (vv. 30-46)

As Elijah prepares to act, he calls the people to himself and then rebuilds the altar of the LORD using twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. He then dug a trench around the altar, cut up the bull, and laid the pieces upon the wood. Then the prophet ordered the people to fill four jars with water to be poured on the offering and the wood. Elijah had the people repeat this procedure for a total of three times. The writer notes that water ran around the altar and filled up the trench. (vv. 30-35)

With his offering prepared, Elijah prayed to the LORD asking Him to answer so that the people will know He is God in Israel. (vv. 36, 37) The text then reads:

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.

What happened next was unmistakable. Fire fell and consumed not only the pieces of the bull, but also the wood, the stones, the dust, and all the water in the trench. According to the word used, which is translated “consumed,” everything on and near the altar was vaporized. The people witnessed something for which there was no ordinary explanation. The magnitude of the fire from above was such that no earthly cause could have been responsible. Therefore, they “fell on their faces” and confessed that the LORD is God, indeed.

The prophets of Baal were slaughtered, the writer reports. The demonstration of God’s presence and power was so great that no room was left to debate, negotiate, or even express a change of mind. Those men were destroyed for the evil they had perpetrated in the midst of God’s people.

The one thing that remained to be addressed was this drought. Elijah had promised that no rain would fall except at his word. For three years, the skies had been empty and the land was parched. Food and water had become scarce. But after dispensing with the prophets of Baal, Elijah said to Ahab: “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” (v. 41) The time had come for the drought to end. Ahab departed and Elijah, standing on top of Mount Carmel, bowed down. The text then says:

43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’“ 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

The rain began to fall and the downpour was great. Elijah warned Ahab to begin his journey before conditions became such that he would be unable to travel. Both men next met at the entrance of Jezreel. Soon, Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, will become involved in this story.

Application

This is the story of one man facing a wicked king, a hostile population, and hundreds of false prophets. In a general sense, Elijah represented one thing in this confrontation: the voice of the LORD. When he spoke to Ahab, Elijah spoke on behalf of God. When he spoke to the people, he spoke on behalf of God; and when Elijah spoke to the prophets, he spoke on behalf of God. Elijah was one man, representing God, representing righteousness, representing submission, representing obedience—he was the picture of a man of God and he stood in extreme contrast to those he encountered.

Ahab was wickedly ambitious and would do anything to preserve his position. Elijah was humbly submissive and did what God commanded. The people were paying allegiance to various false gods; Elijah was committed to the one true God. The prophets lived well in this kingdom by their lies and deception; Elijah did not live well in the same sense, but he lived in peace with God. One man against all others. The king challenged his authority, the people challenged his loyalty, and the false prophets challenged his power.

There is, therefore, a basic lesson illustrated in this story. It is a simple lesson, one that believers see in many places in the Scriptures. While it is a simple lesson, it is essentially important because it remains relevant from birth to death for the people of God. And even if most adults here this morning may not need to be reminded of this truth, I am certain the children of the church do need to hear it.

The lesson has to do with the various obstacles Christians face in this world as they attempt to conform their lives to the standard of God. The lesson is that no matter what form opposition takes and no matter how many make up the opposition, the thing that matters most is that which pleases God. Over and over again we find stories illustrating this truth in the Bible. Elijah, as noted, was one man against a powerful and wicked king, a population of rebellious people, and hundreds of false prophets who were not about to go away just because Elijah came to town.

But Elijah represented the voice of God. He stood for the only rule to which all are accountable. He represented the only Judge to whom all must answer. He represented the One true Sovereign of the universe whose will was absolute. Again, therefore, all the opposition Elijah faced did not matter in the final analysis. The prophet would have been no better off had he had an army of thousands standing behind him when he spoke to Ahab and the false prophets. He didn’t need an army of thousands because God was behind him. Elijah didn’t need to use flowery speech, he didn’t need to hide his true intentions, and he didn’t need to seek some way to appease his enemies. Elijah was sent by God and he spoke for God. That fact is the element that determined the outcome of this confrontation—not Ahab’s desires or power, not the people’s opinions, and not the actions of the false prophets.

The lesson, once again, is that only God’s point of view, only God’s commands, only God’s Word matters in the ultimate sense. Opposition—no matter how fierce or how numerous—doesn’t change anything. God’s will is not to be followed only if the majority of people around you agree to let you follow His will. God’s calling of you is not subject to convenience or permission or any other factor. In this world, as one of His children, the issue that matters most and the issue that must be held as supreme above all other concerns is God’s Word.

Let me say to young and old alike, it is not those who oppose you who judge you. It is not your enemy who is to be feared. It is not the opinion of family, friends, strangers, or the government that should serve as the standard by which you live. Only God’s Word can occupy that seat of final authority. That means that where there is a conflict, God’s Word is to be followed.

While this is, once again, a basic lesson of the Bible, it has to do with our daily routines. This isn’t a lesson that comes into play only a few times in life; it comes into play every day. If you are a man, you have to consider God’s Word in your labors, in your calling (perhaps in those monumentally important roles as husband and father), in the friends you keep, and in the decisions you make. There is plenty of opposition to a righteous man in our world today; but the nature and amount of the opposition is not your chief concern. Your chief concern is to work, lead your family, and participate in the lives of others according to what the Word teaches. You can pray that God will deliver you from hard circumstances and you can take time to analyze your situations, but what you cannot do is allow God’s will to be set aside.

If you are a woman, you too have to consider God’s Word in your daily life, and in your calling (perhaps in those critical roles as wife and mother), in the friends you keep, and in the decisions you make. There is also plenty of opposition in store for a righteous woman in our world today. But, as I just said, the nature and amount of that opposition is not your chief concern. Your chief concern is to please God in the circumstance where He has placed you. You, too, can pray for help and perseverance, but you cannot surrender to people or circumstances that are in conflict with God’s will.

I would point out again that this is a lesson that every believer must learn and I think it has particular relevance to the young people and children of this congregation. I say that because they do not have the benefit of experience to know just how true these words of mine are. They haven’t been severely tested in most cases, but that will surely come. The world our children will live in will manifest even greater opposition to the righteous who seek to conform to the will of God.

Young men, young women, and children, when those days of challenge come, remember the story of Elijah—one man against enormous opposition, yet also one man speaking for God. And that was what really mattered. There will be times in your futures when your understanding of what God desires to see in your life will be tested. That testing might come in numerous forms, but all you have to remember is that your duty is to walk with God and do what God commands. That perspective will greatly simplify many potentially troubling situations. It is when God’s people start struggling with whether to obey Him or follow another path that their peace is disrupted.

All of us must keep in mind that God had mercy on us when we were without hope. When we were condemned justly before Him, He had mercy and delivered us from death. He has graciously allowed us to know Him and know about Him. We know He is sovereign, we know He is good and kind, we know His Word is always right and His will is always done. Why, then, would we ever decide to do anything that displeases Him? When we know we are His and when we know we cannot be snatched away and when we know there is nothing in this world strong enough to prevent our reaching glory, why would we ever hesitate between obedience and disobedience, or between doing what God commands and following those who don’t know Him?

And why would we ever even think about giving any portion of our lives to anyone or anything other than God and His Word when we realize what He has done for us. It wasn’t an employer or a friend or any other person who endured the cross for your sake, was it? No one and no institution in this world gave you eternal life. God is the One who saved you by sending His Son as your Savior. He bought your life with the blood of Jesus Christ. Even a lifetime of the most humble and consistent service will not begin to repay God for what He has given us. How thankful should we be, therefore, that salvation is a gift, not a favor to be repaid?

Please think of your life right now and determine if there are areas where you are not speaking with the voice of God, as it were. Are there places where you have disobeyed? Are there relationships you need to repair based on God’s Word? Are their sins that need to be repented of according to the teaching of the Scriptures? Have you been compromised in any manner by the opposition you have faced, even the opposition of your own sinful flesh? If so, please take the lesson of this story to heart. You serve God and Him only. You are to stand for His truth and only His truth. You are safe with Him and you are blessed beyond measure with Him. It is His will that is of supreme importance for us all.

Prayer

Hymn for Communion

Conclusion

As we come to the Lord’s Table, let us think again on what God has provided for us. As I just mentioned, God has given us a Redeemer and that is the chief truth by which our lives are to be guided. These elements serve to remind us that Christ, our Redeemer, gave His life in our place when He allowed His body to be nailed to that cross. And the elements remind us that Christ, our Substitute, allowed His own precious blood to be shed so that our sins would be covered.

What should our reaction be, given these wonderful truths? Should we not thank Him now and take the strength He supplies in this sacrament and return to the world to do battle for His glory and the honor of our heavenly Fathter?

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”