1 Kings 18:39

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 18:39

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces ,.... In reverence of God, astonished at the miracle wrought, ashamed of themselves and their sins, particularly their idolatry, that they should turn their backs on the true God, and follow idols: and they said, the Lord, he is the God, the Lord, he is the God ; which acknowledgment of God, as the true God, in opposition to Baal, is repeated, to show their firm belief and strong assurance of it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 18:39

Fell on their faces - Struck with awe and reverence at the sight of this incontestable miracle. And they said - We should translate the words thus: Jehovah, He is the God! Jehovah, He is the God! Baal is not the God; Jehovah alone is the God of Israel. As our term Lord is very equivocal, we should every where insert the original word יהוה , which we should write Yeve or Yeheveh, or Yahvah or Yehueh, or, according to the points, Yehovah. 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 18:36-40

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 18:39

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces [As in Le 1 Kings 9:24 ; 2 Chronicles 7:3 ; cf. Numbers 22:31 ; Joshua 5:14 ; Revelation 11:16 . They recognized in the fire, that is to say, the token of the Divine Presence]: and they said, The Lord [ Jehovah . The connexion of this verse with the three verses preceding is obscured by our translation], he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. [The echo of verse 24. The Hebrew words are the same. Stanley remarks that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 18:39

The Lord, he is the God - The people thus pronounced the matter to be clearly and certainly decided. Baal was overthrown; he was proved to be no god at all. The Lord Yahweh, He, and He alone, is God. Him would they henceforth acknowledge, and no other. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 18:39

1 Kings 18:39. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces In acknowledgment and adoration of the true God; and all, as one man, cried out, Jehovah, he is the God He alone; and Baal is a senseless idol. And they repeated the words to signify their abundant satisfaction, and assurance of the truth of their assertion. And some, we may hope, had their hearts so turned back as to be determined that he should be their God, and that they would serve him only, Joshua 24:24. But it is... read more

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