This was a contest between Elijah who represented Yahweh and the 450 Baal prophets together with the 400 prophets of goddess Asherah in the presence of the people of Israel.

Elijah commanded the people of Israel to make up their minds either to worship the Lord, their God or worship Baal

Besides, Prophet Elijah revealed that he was the only prophet of the Lord among the 450 prophets of Baal.

The Mount Carmel contest involved the offering of sacrifices by Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. Accordingly, Elijah ordered for two bulls; one for him and the other for the 450 Baal prophets.

Prophet Elijah revealed the God to be worshipped on that day would respond to the sacrifices offered by burning it.

Elijah and the 450 Baal prophets showed confidence that their God would respond and would be worshipped on that day. 

Elijah ordered for two bulls to be brought for sacrifices i.e. one for him and one for the 450 Baal prophets.

Elijah commanded the Baal prophets to slaughter their bull first. They had to cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but were to wait before setting the wood on fire.

The Baal prophets offered their sacrifices early in the morning the next day. They prayed to Baal till noon while shouting and dancing around the fire but their god Baal never responded.

Elijah made fun of the Baal prophets. He asked them to pray louder pointing out that probably Baal was daydreaming, relieving himself or could have gone for a journey.

The Baal prophets prayed louder and louder to the extent that they cut themselves with knives but still could not receive any response from Baal.

Elijah called upon the people of Israel to move closer so that they could witness his sacrifices.

Elijah rebuilt an altar for the worship of God using twelve stones each representing the 12 tribes in Israel.

The prophet also dug a trench large enough to hold almost fourteen litres of water around the altar he had rebuilt and poured some water in it.

The prophet cut his bull into two pieces, added more wood and commanded the people of Israel to fill four jars with water and pour it on the offerings, which they did.

Elijah prayed asking the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to prove himself as the God of Israel. This signified God as being a historical God.

Besides, Elijah prayed to the Lord to prove to the people that he was His servant doing everything at His commands.

In addition, Elijah prayed to God to answer him so that the people could know him as the Lord and the God who wanted them back to him.

The Lord responded to Elijah's prayer by sending fire down that burnt up the sacrifice, the wood, and the stones and scorched the earth.

The people of Israel threw themselves down upon seeing how the Lord had responded to Elijah's prayer as they praised him as "The Lord is God; the Lord alone is God". This signified their repentance and return to monotheism.

Elijah ordered people of Israel to seize the 450 Baal prophets who were later led to River Kishon and killed instantly.

Shortly after the contest, rain started falling and this marked the end of the two three years of drought.

Revision Question

1.          Discuss the confrontation between Prophet Elijah and the Baal prophets during the Mt. Carmel contest

2.          Comment on the Mount Carmel contest

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOUNT CARMEL CONTEST TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL AND THE PROPHETIC CAREER OF ELIJAH

It signified the omnipotence of God as Elijah alone defeated the 450 Baal prophets and the fire that came down burnt up the sacrifices to the extent of drying up the water in the trench.

It proved the omnipresence of God to the people of Israel. He was with Elijah and showed his presence back in Israel during the contest by sending down on to his sacrifices.

It restored monotheism in Israel as the people themselves acknowledged the Lord as their only God.

It revived theocracy in Israel. The people confessed in the Lord as God and their only God thus showing their acceptance for Him to take control of the events in their lives.

It rededicated the people of Israel back to God. They acknowledged and confessed that He was the Lord and their only God.

It proved God's constant and everlasting love for the people of Israel. Yahweh accepted them as His people and forgave them despite their sinful nature.

It purified and cleansed Israel's land proved by the killing of all 450 Baal prophets who had polluted Israel.

It showed the importance of faith and Elijah believed that Israel's God would respond to his sacrifices and would be worshipped on that day.

It showed the importance of prayer to the people of Israel. Elijah prayed and the Lord responded positively.

It proved Yahweh as a historical God. Elijah in his prayer asked the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to prove himself as the God of Israel.

It showed God as being the controller of events in Israel. He had caused the drought and it was Him who brought it to an end.

It reminded the Israelites about the importance of offering sacrifices in their religion as the Lord consumed Elijah's by sending fire that burnt up everything.

It proved the supremacy of God over Baal. He responded to Elijah's prayer and was worshipped by the people.

It signified the idea of the remnants of Israel. The people who witnessed the contest were the survivors of the 2-3 years drought.

It signified repentance to the people of Israel. The people turned back to God they confessed that he was their only God.

It showed that God's punishment was redemptive. God had punished the' people during the 2-3 years drought in order for them to realize their mistakes and turn back to him.

It proved that God had forgiven the people of Israel and accepted them as His people despite their sinfulness.

It restored God's revelation among His people. The people felt and realized His presence first time after a long period as He sent down fire that burnt up Elijah's fire.

It signified a call for a return to the covenant faith which the Israelites had broken. Elijah told King Ahab that he had disobeyed the Lord's command and worshipped idols as well.

It proved that Elijah was the true prophet of God as he told the people of Israel that he was the only prophet of the Lord left alive.

It signified unity among the people of Israel as Elijah rebuilt an altar using twelve stones, each representing the twelve sons of Jacob who formed the twelve tribes in Israel.

The Mount Carmel Contest humiliated Jezebel, the pagan wife of King Ahab together with her Baal prophets who were all killed.

The Mount Carmel Contest increased Jezebel's hostility towards Elijah and the people of Israel. She promised to kill Elijah before the end of the following day and persecuted whoever believed in his victory.

The contest proved to the Israelites that they suffered the 2-3 years drought because of King Ahab's disobedience and sinfulness.

The Mount Carmel contest brought to an end a period of 2-3 years of drought. The Lord blessed the people with rain immediately after the contest.

However, he contest marked the beginning of Elijah's second life in exile in the wilderness at Mount Horeb (Sinai). He fled following the death threat from Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab.

Revision Questions

1.          Examine the significance of the Mount Carmel contest in the prophetic career of EIijah.

2.          Account of the contest between Prophet Elijah and the Baal prophets at Mount Carmel

3.          Show the significance of the above event to Christians today.

4.          What lessons can modern Christians can draw from Mount Carmel contest

Reasons for the Mount Carmel Contest

•              It was intended to challenge the 450 Baal prophets

•              It was intended to call the people of Israel back go monotheism

•              It was intended to prove the omnipresence of God

•              Elijah wanted the people of Israel to repent

•              It was intended to show Israel that God's punishment was redemptive

•              It was intended to restore God's revelation in Israel

•              Elijah wanted to prove the omnipotence of Yahweh

•              It was intended to purify and cleanse the land of Israel defiled by Baal worship

•              Elijah wanted to show God's concern for the suffering of the people of Israel

•              He wanted to defend the covenant faith which the Israelites had broken

•              Elijah wanted to show the importance of offering sacrifices in the Israelite religion

•              Elijah intended to save the people of Israel from further destruction because of Ahab's disobedience which had caused drought.

•              It was intended to show God's love for the people of Israel.

•              Elijah wanted to show the Israelites the importance of faith and prayer.

•              Elijah intended to protect the other prophets of Yahweh who were living under fear and threat from jezebel.

•              He intended to protect the rights of the poor people among the Israelites for Ahab had violated them.

•              He intended to get rid of religious syncretism in Israel

Lessons for Christians from Mount Carmel contest

•              Christians should worship God only

•              Christians should always be ready to face challenges from non believers

•              Christians should endure persecution

•              Christians should be committed to God even in times of difficulties

•              Christians should be confident when serving God

•              Christians should guard the church against false teachings

•              Christians should help non believers turn back

•              Christians should give material support to the church

•              Christians should repent their sins so that they are put right with God

•              Christians are called upon to approach God with holiness.

•              Christians ought to approach God through prayer

•              Christians should seek protection from God

•              Christians should remain hopeful in difficult situations

•              Christians should serve God faithfully

•              Christians should forgive their enemies

•              Christians should be united