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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 18:21-40

Ahab and the people expected that Elijah would, in this solemn assembly, bless the land, and pray for rain; but he had other work to do first. The people must be brought to repent and reform, and then they may look for the removal of the judgment, but not till then. This is the right method. God will first prepare our heart, and then cause his ear to hear, will first turn us to him, and then turn to us, Ps. 10:17; 80:3. Deserters must not look for God's favour till they return to their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 18:30

And Elijah said unto all the people, come near unto me ,.... And observe what I do, and what will be done at my request: and all the people came near unto him ; left the prophets of Baal to themselves, and took no more notice of them, but attended to what the prophet should say and do: and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down ; which had been set up when high places and altars were allowed of, while the tabernacle was unsettled, and the temple not built; this is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 18:30

He repaired the altar of the Lord - There had been an altar of Jehovah in that place, called, even among the heathens, the altar of Carmel, probably built in the time of the judges, or, as the rabbins imagine, by Saul. Tacitus and Suetonius mention an altar on Mount Carmel, which Vespasian went to consult; there was no temple nor statue, but simply an altar that was respectable for its antiquity. " Est Judaeam inter Syriamque Carmelus; ita vocant montem Deumque: nec simulachrum... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:1-46

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. Elijah is now prepared for his work. He who had sent him into the desert now commands him to enter into open conflict with idolatry. God makes His will known to him in two ways. I. BY AN INWARD IMPULSE . II. THROUGH HIS MEETING WITH THE YOUNG OBADIAH , the protector of the prophets, and the faithful servant of God in the midst of the impure court of Ahab. Let it be ours to seek such a twofold assurance of the will of God. Let... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:21-40

Israel's Conversion. It has been remarked elsewhere that in the history of the Israelitish people we may see pourtrayed the trials and experiences of a Christian soul. And not only is that true of this history as a whole, but it also holds good of various periods of that history, of various crises in the nation's life. It holds good of that great crisis recorded in this chapter. For from the conversion of Israel on the day of Carmel, we may gather some lessons as to the true doctrine of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:21-40

The God that answereth by fire. I. ISRAEL 'S SIN ( 1 Kings 18:21 ). 1 . Its nature : indecision, a want of whole-hearted devotion; "How long halt ye?" etc. They tried to combine both worships, bowing before Jehovah in secret, and publicly before Baal in the assemblies commanded by the court. There are two who contend today for our devotion and service—the world and God ( 1 John 2:15 ). The world has its rewards and demands; God has His. 2 . Its folly . Both cannot... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:30

And Elijah said unto all the people [He has now done with the priests. They have had their opportunity; his turn is come], Come dear unto me. [Hitherto they had gathered round the altar of Baal, and some, it may he, had joined their prayers to those of the priests ( 1 Kings 18:24 ). In 1 Kings 18:21 , he "drew near"—same word—to them. Now they must stand round the altar he is about to build. He will have "eyewitnesses and ear-witnesses" (Keil). There must be no suspicion of imposture.]... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:30-35

The Prepatation. As the time of the evening sacrifice approached, Elijah left the priests of Baal prophesying in despair. Satan, if permitted, could have brought fire down (see Job 1:12 , Job 1:16 ; Revelation 13:13 , Revelation 13:14 ); but God restrained him. The people were now convinced that Baal was not able to hear his priests; so they drew round Elijah, and observed the order in which he proceeded with his preparation. I. HE REPAIRED THE ALTAR OF THE LORD .... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 18:30

1 Kings 18:30. Elijah said, Come near unto me Come away from these impudent deceivers to me, and expect from me the satisfaction of your desire. He repaired the altar of the Lord An altar which probably had remained from the time of the judges; at least, it had been built by some of their ancestors, for the offering of sacrifices to the God of Israel, which was frequently done in high places, of which, it is probable, Carmel was once one of the most eminent in the whole kingdom. This... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 18:1-46

Elijah and the prophets of Baal (18:1-46)After three years unbroken drought, God told Elijah that the time had come to make Ahab and Israel decide clearly whether they would follow him or Baal (18:1-2). Ahab was concerned about the effect of the drought on Israel’s trade and defence (for he was in danger of losing his valuable transport animals), but he was not so concerned about the religious condition of the country. He still tried to serve both God and Baal. While his queen attacked God’s... read more

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