20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and agathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.
21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, a“How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lordis God, follow Him; but if Baal, bfollow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
22 Then Elijah said to the people, a“I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; bbut Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
23 Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire underit; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire underit.
24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who aanswers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said,1 “It is well spoken.”
25 Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire underit.”
26 So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But therewasano voice; no one answered. Then they2 leaped about the altar which they had made.
What Elijah set up on Mount Carmel is a sign to show who is the true God. Only the true God would be able to bring fire down from heaven and burn up this sacrifice, which had been placed on water-soaked wood. This passage describes a contest between the God of Israel and Baal to determine which is the true God.
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