Kings and the kingdom · Old Testament
The Story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
After three years of drought Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel; fire falls from the LORD, rain returns, and the exhausted prophet meets God in a low whisper at Horeb.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
In the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, when Israel worships Baal, Elijah announces a drought. In the third year he meets Ahab and calls the people and the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel. 1 Kings 16:30–331 Kings 17:11 Kings 18:17–19
The LORD answers Elijah’s prayer with fire, and the people fall on their faces. When Jezebel threatens his life Elijah flees to the wilderness, asks to die, and is fed and met by God at Horeb. 1 Kings 18:36–391 Kings 19:1–13
Principal passages
People in this story
Places named
- Mount Carmel 1 Kings 18:19–20
- The brook Cherith 1 Kings 17:3
- Zarephath 1 Kings 17:9
- Beersheba and Horeb 1 Kings 19:31 Kings 19:8
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
The drought announced
Elijah tells Ahab there will be neither dew nor rain except at his word. He hides by the brook Cherith, where ravens bring him bread and meat.
The widow of Zarephath
A widow in Zarephath shares her last flour and oil with Elijah, and they do not run out. When her son dies, Elijah prays and the boy lives again.
People: Elijah, the widow of Zarephath
“You troubler of Israel”
In the third year Elijah meets Obadiah, who has hidden a hundred prophets from Jezebel, and then Ahab, who calls him the troubler of Israel. Elijah says Ahab’s house has troubled Israel by following the Baals.
The contest on Carmel
Elijah asks the people how long they will waver between two opinions. The prophets of Baal call on their god from morning until evening, but there is no answer.
Fire from the LORD
Elijah repairs the altar, soaks the offering with water and prays. The fire of the LORD falls and consumes the offering, and the people cry, “The LORD, he is God!” The prophets of Baal are killed.
People: Elijah
Rain returns
Elijah prays on the top of Carmel seven times until a small cloud rises from the sea. Heavy rain falls, and Elijah runs ahead of Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel.
Elijah flees
Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, and he runs for his life. In the wilderness he asks to die; an angel twice wakes him with food and water, and he travels forty days to Horeb.
The low whisper at Horeb
God is not in the wind, the earthquake or the fire, but in a still, small voice. God asks why Elijah is there, gives him new work, and tells him seven thousand in Israel have not bowed to Baal.
Elisha called
Elijah finds Elisha ploughing and throws his cloak over him. Elisha says farewell to his parents, sacrifices his oxen and follows Elijah.
Later in the Bible
Later passages that recall or interpret this story. They are not events within it.
- Malachi 4:5–6 Later recollection — God promises to send Elijah the prophet before the day of the LORD.
- Matthew 17:1–4 Direct reference — Elijah appears with Moses at the transfiguration.
- Luke 4:25–26 Direct reference — Jesus recalls the widow of Zarephath in the Nazareth synagogue.
- Romans 11:2–4 Direct reference — Paul recalls the seven thousand who did not bow to Baal.
- James 5:17–18 Direct reference — Elijah prayed and it did not rain, then prayed again and it rained.
Connected themes
- Prayer Illustrates the theme
James holds up Elijah’s prayers as an example. James 5:17–18
- Perseverance
Elijah is given rest and food before he continues. 1 Kings 19:5–8
- Worship
The contest on Carmel over whom Israel will worship. 1 Kings 18:39
Related life situations
- Loneliness
Elijah believes he is the only faithful one left. 1 Kings 19:10
- Financial Difficulty
The widow of Zarephath in the famine. 1 Kings 17:12–16
- Hopelessness and Depression
Elijah’s despair after Carmel, and God’s care. 1 Kings 19:4–8
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What does Elijah ask the people in 1 Kings 18:21?
- Compare the prayers in 1 Kings 18:26-29 and 18:36-37.
- What does God provide for Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5-8 before speaking to him?
- What is God not in, and what is he in, at Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-12)?
Use offline
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