1 Kings 18:19

KJV

Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore send {H7971}, and gather {H6908} to me all Israel {H3478} unto mount {H2022} Carmel {H3760}, and the prophets {H5030} of Baal {H1168} four {H702} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}, and the prophets {H5030} of the groves {H842} four {H702} hundred {H3967}, which eat {H398} at Jezebel's {H348} table {H7979}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now order all Isra'el to assemble before me on Mount Karmel, along with the 450 prophets of Ba'al and the 400 prophets of the asherah who eat at Izevel's table."

Berean Standard Bible

Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, that eat at Jezebel’s table.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:19 serves as the dramatic summons from the prophet Elijah, calling for a decisive spiritual confrontation on Mount Carmel. It encapsulates the bold challenge issued to a nation deeply entrenched in idolatry, demanding that King Ahab gather all Israel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (referred to as "prophets of the groves") who were under Queen Jezebel's direct patronage. This verse meticulously sets the stage for one of the most pivotal and powerful demonstrations of divine sovereignty in biblical history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed following a severe three-and-a-half-year drought, a direct judgment from Yahweh prophesied by Elijah in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought"). The immediate preceding narrative describes Elijah's direct confrontation with King Ahab, where Elijah accuses Ahab of troubling Israel by forsaking the commandments of the Lord and following Baals ([1 Kings 18:18](/1_kings/18-18 "1 Kings 18:18 - Elijah Confronts Ahab")). Having established Yahweh's power over the elements through the drought, Elijah now escalates the spiritual battle, moving from a private confrontation with the king to a public, national showdown. This summons initiates the grand contest on Mount Carmel, detailed in [1 Kings 18:20-40](/1_kings/18-20 "1 Kings 18:20-40 - The Contest on Mount Carmel"), where the true God of Israel will be undeniably revealed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Omride dynasty (King Ahab and Queen Jezebel) was marked by an aggressive promotion of Canaanite polytheism, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, throughout the northern kingdom of Israel. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, was a zealous devotee of Baal and actively persecuted the prophets of Yahweh, establishing her own cultic infrastructure with royal support. Baal was revered as the storm god, responsible for rain and fertility, making the ongoing drought a direct challenge to his perceived power. Asherah was a prominent Canaanite mother goddess, often associated with fertility and depicted by sacred poles or trees ("groves"). Mount Carmel itself was a significant high place, often used for worship, making it an ideal, symbolically charged location for a contest between Yahweh and the false deities. The presence of 850 state-sponsored prophets underscores the pervasive and institutionalized nature of this idolatry.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"):
* **Divine Authority and Confrontation:** Elijah, acting as Yahweh's sole remaining prophet, boldly asserts God's supreme authority over all false gods, challenging the prevailing idolatry directly and publicly.
* **Idolatry's Pervasiveness:** The sheer number of false prophets (450 of Baal, 400 of Asherah) highlights the widespread nature and deep entrenchment of pagan worship within Israel, reaching even into the royal court.
* **Jezebel's Influence:** The specific mention of prophets "which eat at Jezebel's table" underscores her direct patronage, financial support, and aggressive commitment to establishing and maintaining these pagan cults, revealing her as the primary antagonist against Yahweh worship.
* **A Call to Decision:** The gathering on Mount Carmel, initiated by this summons, is not merely a spectacle but a profound call for all Israel to choose whom they will serve—Yahweh or Baal—echoing Elijah's later challenge in [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge to Choose"). This theme of exclusive devotion to God is central to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carmel (Hebrew, _Karmel'_):** Meaning "garden land" or "fruitful place," Mount Carmel is a fertile mountain range stretching along the Mediterranean coast. Its name itself suggests a place of lushness and abundance, making it a fitting, yet ironic, location for a contest during a severe drought. The choice of Carmel as the site for this confrontation is highly symbolic, representing the spiritual barrenness of Israel due to idolatry, and anticipating the return of rain and spiritual renewal.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Ba'al'_):** This term literally means "lord" or "master" and was commonly used for the Canaanite storm and fertility god, worshipped as the provider of rain, crops, and livestock. His cult involved various rituals, including self-mutilation and ecstatic practices. The 450 prophets of Baal represent the official, state-sponsored priesthood dedicated to this specific deity, whose perceived power was directly challenged by the drought and Yahweh's impending demonstration.
* **Groves (Hebrew, _’ăshērāh'_):** While translated as "groves" in the KJV, the Hebrew word refers to the Canaanite goddess Asherah, her cult image, or the sacred pole often associated with her worship. Asherah was a prominent mother goddess, often depicted as a consort to Baal or El, and was associated with fertility and creation. The 400 prophets of Asherah, distinct from those of Baal, indicate the dual nature of the idolatry promoted by Jezebel, who explicitly supported both cults, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Israel's spiritual apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel":** This opening phrase reveals Elijah's divine authority and direct command. "All Israel" signifies the national scope of the spiritual crisis and the need for a public, undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's power. The summons to "Mount Carmel" designates the specific, symbolically charged location for the impending showdown, a place where the people would be forced to witness and make a choice.
* **"and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty":** This specifies the first group of adversaries. The number 450 is substantial, indicating the widespread and institutionalized nature of Baal worship within Israel, likely supported by the royal treasury and integrated into the national religious life. These were the official, well-established religious leaders of the false cult.
* **"and the prophets of the groves four hundred":** This identifies the second group of false prophets, those dedicated to Asherah. Their distinct and equally large number (400) emphasizes that the idolatry in Israel was not confined to a single deity but encompassed a broader pantheon of Canaanite gods, aggressively promoted by Jezebel.
* **"which eat at Jezebel's table":** This crucial detail highlights the direct patronage and financial support these 400 Asherah prophets received from Queen Jezebel. It signifies their privileged status within the royal court and underscores Jezebel's personal, zealous commitment to establishing and maintaining these pagan cults in Israel, making her the primary human antagonist in this spiritual conflict.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to heighten its dramatic impact and underscore its theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the detailed summons meticulously sets the stage for the epic confrontation on Mount Carmel, building anticipation for the divine revelation that is to follow. The sheer numbers provided (450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of the groves) serve as a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration**, not necessarily in strict literal count, but in emphasizing the overwhelming statistical disadvantage of Elijah and the pervasive nature of idolatry in Israel. This creates a powerful **contrast** between the lone prophet of Yahweh and the multitude of state-sponsored false prophets, highlighting the spiritual isolation of truth. Furthermore, Mount Carmel itself acts as **symbolism**, representing a battleground where the true God's power over creation (rain, fire) will be demonstrated against the impotent claims of Baal, the supposed storm god.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 18:19 is a profound theological statement on the nature of exclusive worship and the constant biblical tension between divine sovereignty and human idolatry. It encapsulates the core biblical demand for singular allegiance to Yahweh, revealing God's jealousy for His glory and His active intervention against spiritual apostasy. The verse sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's power, demonstrating that He is not merely one god among many, but the only true and living God who exercises ultimate authority over creation and history. It challenges the syncretistic tendencies of the human heart, which often seeks to combine the worship of God with the pursuit of worldly comforts or false securities, demanding a clear and decisive choice for the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal verse from 1 Kings 18 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the enduring spiritual battle against idolatry. While modern idols may not be physical statues of Baal or Asherah, they can manifest as anything that subtly or overtly takes God's rightful place in our lives: money, power, possessions, career, relationships, comfort, self-image, or even digital distractions. Elijah's bold summons to Mount Carmel challenges us to identify and confront these contemporary idols, urging us to examine our allegiances and ensure that our devotion to God is singular and unwavering. It calls us to cultivate the same courage and spiritual discernment as Elijah, to stand firm for truth in a world that often compromises spiritual values, and to trust that God will ultimately reveal His power and sovereignty in our lives and in the world. This verse is a powerful call to make a clear, conscious choice, echoing the ancient challenge to live lives that honor God above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently allowing "idols" to compete for God's rightful place and ultimate allegiance?**
* **How can I cultivate the boldness and unwavering faith of Elijah to stand for biblical truth in a culture that often promotes conflicting values?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my daily choices and priorities reflect a clear and decisive commitment to serving God alone?**

### FAQ
**Why were there so many prophets of Baal and Asherah, and why did they "eat at Jezebel's table"?**

Answer: The large number of prophets (850 combined) underscores the pervasive and institutionalized nature of Baal and Asherah worship in Israel during Ahab and Jezebel's reign. This was not merely a fringe cult but a state-sponsored religion actively promoted by the monarchy. Jezebel, a zealous Phoenician princess, brought her devotion to Baal and Asherah with her and aggressively established their cults, even persecuting the prophets of Yahweh. The phrase "which eat at Jezebel's table" signifies that these 400 Asherah prophets (and likely the Baal prophets as well, though not explicitly stated for them here) were under royal patronage. This meant they received financial support, sustenance, and protection directly from the queen, indicating their privileged status, their integration into the court, and Jezebel's deep personal and political commitment to establishing and maintaining these false religions as the dominant faith in Israel. This royal endorsement provided them with legitimacy and resources, allowing their numbers to swell and their influence to spread throughout the kingdom, making them formidable opponents to Elijah and the worship of Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 18:19, while a powerful Old Testament narrative, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Elijah, as a prophet, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Prophet who perfectly reveals God's will and confronts the spiritual idolatry of humanity. The dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, where Elijah calls for a decisive choice between Yahweh and Baal, points to the even more profound and ultimate choice presented by Jesus: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Just as Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, demonstrating Yahweh's power, Jesus, the true Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death and resurrection represent the definitive victory over all false gods, spiritual principalities, and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "rain" that followed Elijah's victory symbolizes the spiritual blessings and new life that flow from Christ, who pours out the Holy Spirit upon His believers ([Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17-18 - The Spirit Poured Out")). Ultimately, the confrontation on Carmel, where the people were called to choose whom they would serve, finds its echo in the gospel's call to repent and believe in Jesus, the one true Lord, who alone offers salvation and delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and spiritual idolatry.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 19:26

And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

1 Kings 16:33

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

2 Kings 2:25

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

1 Samuel 15:12

And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.

Amos 9:3

And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

Amos 1:2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

1 Kings 19:1

¶ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.