God's Prophets Elijah & Elisha

In an era of extreme spiritual darkness in the northern kingdom of Israel, the LORD God raised up Elijah and Elisha, two prophets who denounced the idolatrous false religion of their times.

Noah, Moses, Samuel, and Ahijah were prophets (messengers) from God. During the time of the divided kingdom, pagan religions influenced Israel and Judah. But God did not abandon them. He sent prophets to speak for Him, of whom Elijah (Yahweh is God) was one.

Ahab became king over Israel, reigning in Samaria. He was the worst king yet. Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon, and began to serve and worship Baal, the supreme god of the Canaanites, who was supposedly the god of rain and weather.

Elijah declared to Ahab, “Just as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, a drought is coming for several years. You won’t see a drop of rain or dew unless I say otherwise.” The people had a choice: follow the “god of rain and weather” or the LORD, the one true and living God.

After three and a half years of no rain, Ahab met Elijah again. “Is that you, troublemaker?”

Elijah replied, “I haven’t troubled Israel. You and your family have, abandoning the LORD and following the Baals. Now call the people together from all over Israel to Mount Carmel, and be sure to bring the 450 prophets of Baal.”

When they met on the mountain, Elijah challenged the people, “How long will you waver? If the LORD is the true God, follow Him. But if it’s Baal, follow him. Decide!” The people kept quiet.

Elijah continued. “I’m the only one of the LORD’s prophets left. Baal has 450. Get us two bulls. They can choose the one they want, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood, but not set fire to it. I’ll do the same with the other bull. Then call to Baal, and I’ll call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” The people agreed.

The prophets of Baal prepared their bull and called to Baal all morning long. “O Baal, answer us!” No response. They danced. No response.

Elijah taunted them. “Shout louder! Maybe your god is deep in thought, or traveling, or sleeping.” They shouted louder and cut themselves. Their blood flowed. Midday passed. Still no response.

Elijah addressed all the people. “Enough. Come here.” The people came and watched as he repaired the altar of the LORD, which was in ruins. He dug a trench around the altar. He arranged the wood, killed and cut up the bull, and laid it on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” They did. “Do it again.” They did it again. “Do it once more.” They poured the water a third time so that it ran down the altar and filled the trench.

Then Elijah prayed: “O God, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let these people know now that You are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Answer. Show that You are God, the true God and that You want them to turn back to You.”

Fire flashed down from heaven, consuming the bull, the wood, the altar, the dirt, and all the water in the trench! The people saw and fell on their faces in worship. They shouted, “The LORD is God! The LORD is the true God!”

Elijah served the LORD as His prophet until God took him to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha, his assistant, carried on the prophetic ministry in Israel and beyond for many more years.