Elijah on Mount Carmel

c. 863 BC

Divided Kingdom Old Testament

What Happened

The prophet Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel to a contest: whichever god answered by fire was the true God. Baal's prophets cried out all day with no answer. Elijah prayed, and God sent fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice, the altar, and even the water in the trench.

Biblical Significance

The contest on Mount Carmel is one of the most dramatic demonstrations of God's supreme power over false gods. Elijah's bold faith and God's decisive answer called Israel back to exclusive worship of the Lord.

Quick Facts

Date
c. 863 BC
Era
Divided Kingdom
Testament
Old Testament
Key Verses
4
Key People
3

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