Translations
Original
Notes
Mount Carmel is on a ridge that separates the coastal plain of Palestine. The site was famous for Canaanite idol worship, and an altar to the Lord was also built there earlier (1 Kings 18:30). It was a natural place for the contest with Baal. The Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament) might suggest that the prophets of Asherah were present at the contest on Mount Carmel, but the Hebrew text does not confirm this (compare 1 Kings 18:22).
The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).
Events
People
Ahab: Wicked king of Israel; husband of Jezebel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Places
Mount Carmel: Mountain range; site of Elijah's confrontation with prophets of Baal
Glossary
Ahab (King) Baal (Idol) Carmel Jehu Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Pagans Sons of the Prophets
Topics
Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal Carmel: A Fertile and Picturesque Mountain in Palestine: An Idolatrous High Place Upon Meets Ahab and Directs Him to Assemble the Prophets of Baal Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Revivals: Elijah