1 Kings 18:22

KJV

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, [even] I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets [are] four hundred and fifty men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Elijah {H452} unto the people {H5971}, I, even I only, remain {H3498} a prophet {H5030} of the LORD {H3068}; but Baal's {H1168} prophets {H5030} are four {H702} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Eliyahu said to the people, "I, I alone, am the only prophet of ADONAI who is left, while Ba'al's prophets number 450.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.

American Standard Version

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, am left a prophet of Jehovah; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 18:22, the prophet Elijah stands before the assembled people of Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal, declaring his stark isolation as the sole remaining prophet of the LORD. This dramatic pronouncement sets the stage for the pivotal confrontation on Mount Carmel, where the true identity and power of God will be decisively revealed, forcing Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal. Elijah's declaration underscores the profound spiritual apostasy of the Northern Kingdom and highlights his unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Elijah's ministry, specifically within the broader account of his confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 17-19. Immediately prior to this verse, Elijah has challenged Ahab to gather all Israel and the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel ([1 Kings 18:19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - Elijah's Challenge to Ahab")). Elijah's previous actions, including his prophecy of a severe drought ([1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought")) and the miraculous provision for the widow of Zarephath ([1 Kings 17:8-16](/1_kings/17-8 "1 Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath")) and the raising of her son ([1 Kings 17:17-24](/1_kings/17-17 "1 Kings 17:17-24 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")), have already established his prophetic authority and the LORD's power. Verse 22 directly precedes the challenge to Baal's prophets to call down fire from heaven, initiating the epic contest that will expose the impotence of idolatry and vindicate the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 18 unfold during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 874-853 BC). This period was marked by an aggressive promotion of Baal worship, largely due to Jezebel's Phoenician heritage and her systematic persecution of Yahweh's prophets ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides Prophets")). Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity, revered as the god of storms, rain, and fertility, whose worship involved elaborate rituals, including self-mutilation and ecstatic practices. The severe drought, now in its third year, was a direct challenge to Baal's perceived dominion over weather and agriculture, setting the stage for a theological showdown. Mount Carmel, a fertile and prominent mountain range, was an ideal location for such a contest, as it was often associated with Baal worship due to its lushness, yet now demonstrated the LORD's control over the very elements Baal supposedly commanded.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **solitary courage and faithfulness of a true prophet** in the face of overwhelming apostasy, emphasizing Elijah's unwavering commitment to Yahweh despite immense personal risk. Secondly, it underscores the **uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh** over all false gods; the numerical disparity between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal serves to magnify the LORD's power, which is not dependent on human numbers or strength. This contest is a direct challenge to the syncretism prevalent in Israel, forcing a decisive choice between the living God and powerless idols, echoing the ancient call to "choose you this day whom ye will serve" found in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve"). Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **divine vindication and judgment**, as the LORD is about to demonstrate His supremacy, thereby exposing the futility of idolatry and calling Israel back to covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nābî'_):** This term denotes one who is called by God to speak on His behalf, acting as a messenger or spokesman. A true prophet delivers God's word, often accompanied by signs or fulfillment of prophecies. Elijah's declaration that he "remains a prophet of the LORD" asserts his divine commission and legitimacy in contrast to the false prophets of Baal, who speak from their own imaginations or demonic influence.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Ba'al_):** Meaning "lord" or "master," this term refers to the chief Canaanite deity, venerated as the god of storms, rain, fertility, and often associated with thunder and lightning. His worship involved rituals believed to ensure agricultural prosperity. The mention of "Baal's prophets" immediately identifies the nature of the spiritual opposition: a direct challenge to Yahweh's exclusive claim as Israel's sovereign God and provider.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Elijah unto the people":** Elijah, as the divinely appointed messenger, takes the initiative to address the assembled Israelites. This highlights his prophetic authority and the public nature of the impending confrontation. He is not speaking to the prophets of Baal directly at this moment, but to the undecided, wavering people, preparing them for the stark choice ahead.
* **"I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD":** This emphatic repetition ("I, even I") underscores Elijah's profound sense of isolation and singular position. It conveys both the stark reality of how few faithful prophets were left in Israel due to Jezebel's persecution and Elijah's personal courage in standing alone. Despite feeling isolated, his declaration affirms his unwavering identity and allegiance as a legitimate representative of Yahweh.
* **"but Baal's prophets [are] four hundred and fifty men":** This clause presents the overwhelming numerical disparity, starkly contrasting Elijah's solitary stand with the multitude of Baal's prophets. The number 450 (with another 400 prophets of Asherah mentioned in [1 Kings 18:19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - Elijah's Challenge to Ahab") but not present at this specific contest) emphasizes the magnitude of the apostasy in Israel and the seemingly insurmountable odds against Elijah. It sets up the dramatic tension, making the LORD's subsequent victory even more pronounced.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, setting Elijah's singular faithfulness against the multitude of Baal's prophets, highlighting the spiritual chasm within Israel. The phrase "I, even I only" utilizes **Emphasis** through repetition and specific word order, underscoring Elijah's isolation and the weight of his prophetic calling. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating his aloneness to make a theological point about the state of Israel's faith, though it reflects a grim reality for the visible prophetic community. The numerical disparity itself serves as **Symbolism**, where the overwhelming number of false prophets symbolizes the pervasive nature of idolatry, while Elijah's single figure symbolizes the enduring truth of Yahweh and the power of a faithful remnant. This sets the stage for a dramatic **Irony**, where the "many" will be proven powerless, and the "one" will be divinely vindicated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of truth, faithfulness, and divine power. Elijah's solitary stand against overwhelming odds encapsulates the biblical theme of the faithful remnant—a small group or even an individual preserved by God, through whom His purposes are accomplished, even when the majority has apostatized. It challenges the notion that truth is determined by popular opinion or numerical strength, asserting instead that God's power is not limited by human limitations or perceived disadvantages. The confrontation underscores the exclusivity of Yahweh as the one true God, demanding a clear and decisive choice from His people, exposing the futility and impotence of all rival deities. This moment on Mount Carmel is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His willingness to intervene dramatically to reclaim His people from idolatry.

* [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God Preserves a Remnant")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Jeremiah 2:27-28](/jeremiah/2-27 "Jeremiah 2:27-28 - Idols Cannot Save")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elijah's courageous declaration in 1 Kings 18:22 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to biblical truth. It reminds us that faithfulness to God may sometimes lead to profound isolation, where we feel outnumbered or marginalized for upholding unpopular truths. Yet, Elijah's example calls us to unwavering courage, reminding us that the power of God is not dependent on the size of the crowd, but on His sovereign might and the faithfulness of His servants. One person committed to God can be a powerful instrument in His hands, capable of challenging entrenched spiritual darkness. This verse also serves as a potent call to decisiveness: just as the people of Israel were forced to choose between the LORD and Baal, we are continually presented with choices between following Christ and conforming to the values and idols of our contemporary culture. It urges us to examine our allegiances and make a clear, uncompromised commitment to the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or culture do you feel like Elijah, standing alone for the truth of God?**
* **How does the knowledge that God's power is not limited by numbers encourage you in difficult situations?**
* **What "Baals" or false gods (e.g., materialism, self-worship, secular ideologies) compete for allegiance in our modern world, and how can we challenge them decisively?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to make a more decisive commitment to Christ in an area where you might be wavering?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elijah declare himself "I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD," when there were other prophets of Yahweh (like Obadiah's 100 prophets)?**

Answer:Elijah's declaration emphasizes his unique public and active stand against the pervasive Baal worship, especially in contrast to the 450 prophets of Baal who were openly promoted by the monarchy. While Obadiah had hidden 100 prophets of the LORD in caves ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides Prophets")), they were in hiding, not publicly confronting the idolatry. Elijah was the only one publicly and directly challenging the official state religion, making his isolation in the public arena acutely felt and dramatically significant. His statement underscores the dire state of apostasy in Israel and the immense courage required for his singular, open defiance.

**What was the significance of the number 450 for Baal's prophets?**

Answer:The number 450 signifies the overwhelming numerical superiority of the false prophets, highlighting the pervasive nature of Baal worship in the Northern Kingdom. This specific number, alongside the 400 prophets of Asherah mentioned in [1 Kings 18:19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - Elijah's Challenge to Ahab") (though not present at this specific contest), emphasizes the vast institutional support for idolatry under Ahab and Jezebel. The sheer multitude of Baal's prophets makes Elijah's solitary stand even more dramatic and underscores the miraculous nature of the LORD's subsequent victory, demonstrating that divine power is not contingent on human numbers or popular support.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elijah's solitary stand in 1 Kings 18:22 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solitary stand of Jesus Christ. Just as Elijah stood as the lone true prophet against a multitude of false religious authorities and a nation steeped in idolatry, Jesus, the unique Son of God, stood alone against the spiritual darkness of the world and the religious hypocrisy of His day. He was the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the only one capable of mediating between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). His isolation in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane")) and on the cross, where He bore the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Bearing the Sins of Many")), reflects an even deeper, more profound aloneness than Elijah's. While Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice, Christ Himself became the ultimate sacrifice, consumed by divine wrath for our redemption. His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")) was not achieved by overwhelming numbers, but by His singular, perfect obedience and divine power, definitively proving Him to be the one true Lord and Savior, to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

1 Kings 19:10

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:14

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 20:38

So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.

1 Kings 20:13

And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

1 Kings 20:35

And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.

Matthew 7:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.