Elijah at mount sinai

King Ahab and his wife nearly succeeded in confusing the Israelites and turning away their hearts from God with introduction of the worship of Baal. The contest on Mount Camel can be said to have been inspired by God and this gave the people spiritual rebirth.

Ahab, through the instruction the instruction of Elijah gathered the people of Israel on Mount Camel. Elijah came out and said: “How long will you go limping between two opinions. If the Lord is God follow Him, if Baal follow him.” He further made a request that “let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one and cut in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire in it, and I will prepare the other bull, lay on it on the wood with no fire.” The contest was that any one that answers with fire to consume the meat is the through God.

The prophets of Baal numbering about four hundred and fifty were given the chance to pray and call on their god, Baal. They prayed from morning till night but Baal did not answer. They even cut themselves yet Baal did not answer. After that Elijah came and first of all repaired the altar of God that had been thrown down . he picked twelve stones representing twelve tribes of Israel. He made an altar with these stones in the name of the Lord. He cut the bull, placed it on the altar and asked them to pour four jars of water on the altar and the offering. Elijah prayed and immediately fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. The people were convinced and said “the Lord is God, the Lord is God.” Elijah ordered the people to seize the prophets of Baal and they were all killed. Elijah then prayed and rain came back, it rained heavily and that marked the end of the drought.

Lessons to be Learnt

1. Elijah’s action shows that the weakness of a leader may ruin a nation. Ahab weakness enabled Jezebel to replace Yahweh’s worship with Baal’s in Israel.
2. Most interreligious marriages have their consequences.
3. God is always on hand to defend His course hence He called Elijah to

defend the worship of Yahweh.

4. God controls nature
5. He cares for those who obey Him
6. He is above all things- rulers and their subjects
7. God’s command must be obeyed to avoid punishment
8. God is powerful and hears His people when they call upon Him.

EVALUATION

1. How many were the prophets of Baal?
2. In your own understanding why did Elijah pour more water on his altar?