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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice [see note on 1 Kings 18:29 ], that Elijah the prophet [this designation of Elijah is unusual. Cf. Malachi 4:5 . Elsewhere he is "the Tishbite," or the "man of God"] came near, and said, Lord [Heb. Jehovah . Not only does the sacred name stand at the head of his prayer, it is also mentioned thrice ( LXX . four times)] God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel [Two things are to be noticed here: first, that this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:36-40

The Triumph. While Elijah completed his preparations for offering up his sacrifice, the prophets of Baal, who had failed to vindicate their religion, were hoping that the servant of Jehovah likewise might fail. It was matter of history that Jehovah had answered by fire. (See Genesis 4:5 ; Le Genesis 9:24 ; 6:21 ; 1 Chronicles 21:26 .) About a century before this that fire came from heaven which was still kept burning upon the altar at Jerusalem ( 2 Chronicles 7:1 ). But Carmel is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:37

Hear me, O Lord [ Jehovah ] , hear me [or answer me ; same word as in 1 Kings 18:24 , 1 Kings 18:26 , and 1 Kings 18:29 ], that this people may know that thou art the Lord God [Rather, "that thou, Jehovah, art the God ." Same expression as in 1 Kings 18:24 , "let him be the God"], and that thou hast turned their heart back again. [Cf. Malachi 4:5 , Malachi 4:6 : "He "Elijah the prophet") shall turn the heart of the fathers," etc. He speaks as if the miracle... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:38

Then the fire of the Lord [ Jehovah . Not lightning, but supernatural light and heat emanating from God Himself. Cf. Le 1 Kings 9:24 ; 1 Chronicles 21:26 ; 2 Chronicles 7:1 ; Hebrews 12:29 ] fell, and consumed [Heb. ate up, devoured ] the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones [ in calcem redigit, Cler.], and the dust [Bähr translates die Erde, and understands this to be the earth with which the altar of twelve stones had been packed. Similarly Rawlinson. But... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:32

He built an altar in the name of the Lord - i. e., calling, as he built it, on the name of Yahweh, and so dedicating it to His service.Two measures of seed - literally, “two seahs of seed.” The seah contained about three gallons. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:33

And he put the wood in order ... - He obeyed, that is, all the injunctions of the Law with respect to the offering of a burned sacrifice (marginal reference). He thus publicly taught that the ordinances of the Law were binding upon the kingdom of Israel.Barrels - Rather, “pitchers” or “water-jars,” such as the maidens used to carry on their heads (Genesis 24:14-20. Compare Judges 7:16, Judges 7:19). The flooding the sacrifice and the trench with water would at once do away with any suspicion of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:36

At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice - i. e., probably “the ninth hour,” or three o’clock. Thus there might still remain about five hours of light, during which the other events of the day were accomplished.Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel - This solemn address would carry back the thoughts of the pious to the burning bush of Horeb, and the words there spoken (marginal references), for there only had this mysterious formula been used before. Its use now was calculated... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:37

That thou hast turned their heart - The hearts of the people were turning. Elijah speaks of them as already turned, anticipating the coming change, and helping it on. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:38

The fire of the Lord fell - This cannot have been a flash of lightning. It was altogether, in its nature as well as in its opportuneness, miraculous. Compare the marginal references for the conduct of the people. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 18:32-33

1 Kings 18:32-33. With the stones he built an altar With the assistance of the people, who now readily yielded their helping hands. In the name of the Lord By the authority of God and for his worship. He made a trench, as great as would contain two measures of seed As capacious, say some, as a sack that would contain that quantity, namely, two third parts of an ephah. Others understand the words as meaning a trench of sufficient breadth and circuit to sow therein that quantity of seed,... read more

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