The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Contest of Prophets on Carmel

With an authority irresistible the prophet directed the king to gather all Israel together to Mount Carmel. The four hundred fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of the groves, who ate at Jezebel’s table, must also be there. They must meet Elijah in a great demonstration before the people. By a very practical test, it must be shown which is the true God,—Baal or Jehovah. All that Elijah commanded was faithfully performed by Ahab. Elijah stood alone before the eight hundred fifty prophets of Baal. AGP 94.2

The famine with all its horrors was still on. The whole nation was crying for rain. Now, said Elijah, let it be seen who can give rain, Baal or Jehovah. So he directed Baal’s prophets to place their sacrifice on the altar, and call upon their god, in the presence of all the people, to demonstrate by sending fire, that he had control over the elements. AGP 94.3

The prophets obeyed, and “called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon,” and still on “until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice.” But “there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” 1 Kings 18:26-29. Their frantic, exhaustive efforts witnessed by all the people were a dismal failure. AGP 94.4

Then “Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord” that had been “broken down” by the worshipers AGP 94.5

of Baal. Verse 30. Now he subjected himself and his God, Jehovah, to a great test in the eyes of the people. Having placed his sacrifice on “the altar of the Lord,” he had twelve barrels of water poured upon the sacrifice and the wood and the altar, until the trench around the altar was filled with water. AGP 95.1

The multitude, including the king and the prophets and priests of Baal, is now to witness the results of Elijah’s appeal to his God. AGP 95.2

“The people of Israel stand spellbound, pale, anxious, and almost breathless with awe, while Elijah calls upon Jehovah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The people have witnessed the fanatical, unreasonable frenzy of the prophets of Baal. In contrast they are now privileged to witness the calm, awe-inspiring deportment of Elijah. He reminds the people of their degeneracy, which has awakened the wrath of God against them, and then calls upon them to humble their hearts, and turn to the God of their fathers, that His curse may be removed from them. Ahab and his idolatrous priests are looking on with amazement mingled with terror. They await the result with anxious, solemn silence.” Testimonies for the Church 3:284. AGP 95.3