“Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God?”
The full verse · 1 Kings 18:24 · KJV
And ye on the of your , and I will on the of the : and the that by , let him be . And all the and , It is .
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Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionElijah’s question was a direct challenge to the prophets of Baal, intended to expose the impotence of Baal and affirm the LORD’s sovereignty. It was rhetorical and confrontational, seeking to restore Israel’s faith and turn them from idolatry (1 Kings 18:21-24). The goal was public demonstration of God’s power to unify the people under Yahweh.
The Response
What Scripture recordsThe people of Israel responded, acknowledging Elijah’s proposal as reasonable, saying, ‘What you say is good’ (1 Kings 18:24). Their response indicates an openness to witness God’s power and truth in the contest between Elijah and Baal’s prophets.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe highlights Elijah’s question as a pivotal moment exposing Israel’s spiritual indecision, urging believers to choose whom they will serve. Matthew Henry emphasizes the challenge’s power in convicting the people by demonstrating God’s supremacy through fire. Elijah’s question was both a test and a call to repentance, revealing the impotence of Baal and the reality of Yahweh’s power (1 Kings 18:24). This confrontation encourages us today to boldly call on the LORD, trusting that He answers and acts on behalf of His people. The question remains relevant: whom do we serve? Both commentators remind us that faith requires action and that God’s power is evident to those who seek Him sincerely (Psalm 34:6).
Believers today face similar challenges to faith from false teachings and idols. Elijah’s example encourages standing firm in faith and calling on God boldly (James 5:17-18). The challenge to call on God’s name reminds us to trust God’s power to answer prayers (Psalm 34:3-4). This passage warns against syncretism and calls for wholehearted devotion to the one true God (Deuteronomy 6:5).
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Keep questioning
“Shout louder! Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened?”
“How long halt ye between two opinions?”
“Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?”
“Art thou that my lord Elijah?”