Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
Elijah soaked the altar first
Before God sent fire on Mount Carmel, Elijah had the altar and sacrifice drenched with water three times. 1 Kings 18:33–38
Discover why
The prophets of Baal called on their god all day with no answer. Elijah repaired the LORD's altar and had four jars of water poured on the offering and wood, three times, until the trench was full. 1 Kings 18:26–35
"Then the LORD's fire fell, and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench." 1 Kings 18:38–39
Read the passage
1 Kings 18:33–38 WEB
33He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34He said, “Do it a second time;” and they did it the second time. He said, “Do it a third time;” and they did it the third time. 35The water ran around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water. 36At the time of the evening offering, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37Hear me, LORD, hear me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again.” 38Then the LORD’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust; and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
For children
Elijah poured water all over the altar three times. Then God sent fire that burned up everything, even the water!