1 Kings 18:20-40
Elijah’s Triumph over the Priests of Baal
Background: The book of 1 Kings is part of larger
text in the Hebrew Bible that comprises 1 and 2 Kings. These books provide a
continuous literary account of Israel’s history from the death of David (ca.
970 BCE) to King Jehoiachin’s release from prison in Babylon (561/560 BCE). 1
Kings 13-22 provides an account of King Ahab and his son Ahaziah.
Theme: In this selection the priests of Baal are
prominent, partly because of Ahab’s apostasy with Jezebel. The reader is
presented with the details of the challenge between יהוה’s
prophet and Baal’s prophets – with יהוה’s
prophet winning in the contest with Baal.
Questions to Ponder:
* Please read 1 Kings 18:20-40. Briefly identify the setting
for today’s text – what has been taking place in Israel, the state of the
nation (divided or united or something else), etc.
* Identify the following locations, people, and items: Mount
Carmel and the Kishon Valley (Wadi Kishon); Elijah and Ahab; the time of the
evening sacrifice.
* What or who is Baal? Why do you think Baal has developed a
prominence in Israel? Where does Baal worship arise from?
* The phrase “…you waver between two options…” can
alternately be translated as “…you go limping on two crutches…” What do you
think the author is saying or implying in that statement? Which seems to make
more sense in the text? Even with the confusing phrase, what do you think the
author is relating about Elijah’s mood and/or intent?
* What might the significance be in Elijah’s claim that,
“The god who answers by fire – he is God.” be focused on? Why might the author
use fire as the test between יהוה
and Baal?
* Elijah seems to
make ridiculous statements about Baal – being deep in thought, relieving
himself, or sleeping; all with the intent of inciting or ridiculing his
opponents. For what reason do you think Elijah is portrayed as taunting the followers
of Baal?
* Why might the priests of Baal slash themselves with swords
and spears?
* What seems incredible about Elijah’s prowess and the
prowess of Baal’s prophets?
* What might the significance be with Elijah having the
people pour four jars of water on the sacrifice three different times? How
would the occurrence of 3 times 4 (12 times) be important in the spiritual life
of Israel?
* In verse 36, the author identifies יהוה as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel” which seems
different than previous descriptions (substituting Jacob for Israel). What
might the implication of the distinction as “Israel” as opposed to “Jacob” be?
*
Why might Elijah command the people to capture and destroy the prophets of
Baal?
*
What do you think the implication of this story was in Elijah’s day?
* What is the challenge for us in 21st
century Suffolk?
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment