1 Kings 18:23

KJV

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them therefore give {H5414} us two {H8147} bullocks {H6499}; and let them choose {H977} one {H259} bullock {H6499} for themselves, and cut it in pieces {H5408}, and lay {H7760} it on wood {H6086}, and put {H7760} no fire {H784} under: and I will dress {H6213} the other {H259} bullock {H6499}, and lay {H5414} it on wood {H6086}, and put {H7760} no fire {H784} under:

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them give us two young bulls, and they can choose the bull they want for themselves. Then let them cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood but put no fire under it. I will prepare the other bull, lay it on the wood and put no fire under it.

Berean Standard Bible

Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire.

American Standard Version

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:23 establishes the terms for the climactic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, a decisive test to determine the true God of Israel. This verse meticulously outlines the conditions for the sacrificial contest: two bullocks are to be prepared and laid on wood, but with the explicit prohibition of any human-ignited fire. This critical stipulation ensures that only a supernatural demonstration of power can validate the deity invoked, setting the stage for Yahweh's undeniable vindication over the impotent idol Baal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the dramatic apex of the narrative concerning Elijah's ministry, specifically the confrontation on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"). Immediately preceding this, Elijah challenges the people of Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal, questioning their wavering allegiance in [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge to Israel"). The specific terms laid out are a direct response to this challenge, designed to provide an undeniable demonstration of divine power. Following this verse, the narrative details the futile efforts of the prophets of Baal to invoke their god, culminating in Elijah's powerful prayer and Yahweh's miraculous response by fire in [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven"). The entire chapter builds to this moment of divine vindication and the subsequent judgment on Baal's prophets.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel") unfold during a severe drought, a divine judgment upon Israel for its widespread apostasy under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah (cf. [1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30-33 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness")). Baal was a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, believed to control rain, thunder, and lightning – precisely the elements missing during the drought. The contest on Mount Carmel, a high place often associated with pagan worship, was a direct challenge to Baal's perceived domain and the religious syncretism rampant in Israel. The public nature of the challenge, involving hundreds of Baal's prophets and the assembled nation, underscores the high stakes and the need for a clear, public demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy against the prevailing idolatry.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by [1 Kings 18:23](/1_kings/18-23 "1 Kings 18:23 - The Terms of the Contest") is the **Supremacy of Yahweh** over all false gods. The "no fire" clause is central to demonstrating Yahweh's unique power, directly contrasting with the impotence of Baal, who was supposedly a god of fire and storms. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, as God chooses to reveal Himself through a spectacular, undeniable sign. Furthermore, it sets the stage for a **Confrontation with Idolatry**, forcing the Israelites to witness the stark difference between a living God and lifeless idols. The very structure of the challenge, giving the Baal prophets the first opportunity, emphasizes the fairness of the test and the confidence Elijah has in Yahweh's power, echoing the call for decision found in [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Call for Decision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullocks (Hebrew, _pārîm'_):** These were young cattle, typically used for sacrifice in ancient Israelite and Canaanite religious practices. The choice of two identical animals signifies fairness and equal opportunity for both parties in the contest. Their size and the need to "cut it in pieces" (see below) indicate a substantial offering, making the miraculous consumption by fire even more impressive.
* **Cut it in pieces (Hebrew, _nitteḥu'_):** This verb describes the customary preparation of a sacrificial animal, where it is dismembered and laid on the altar. This detail confirms that the sacrifices were prepared according to standard ritual practice, removing any suspicion of trickery in the setup itself and focusing the miraculous element solely on the ignition of the fire.
* **Put no fire [under] (Hebrew, _v'esh lo tasimu'_):** This is the most crucial stipulation of the challenge. The Hebrew phrase is emphatic, unequivocally stating the prohibition of human-ignited fire. It underscores that the test's validity hinges entirely on a supernatural intervention, making any outcome undeniably a direct act of the deity invoked. This condition elevates the contest from a mere ritual to a profound demonstration of divine power and authenticity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them therefore give us two bullocks;":** Elijah initiates the terms of the contest, proposing the sacrificial animals as the means of demonstration. The number "two" ensures a direct, side-by-side comparison under identical conditions.
* **"and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:":** This clause outlines the specific instructions for the prophets of Baal. Giving them the first choice of the bullock demonstrates Elijah's confidence in Yahweh and eliminates any accusation of unfair advantage. The preparation steps (cutting, laying on wood) are standard, but the absolute prohibition of human fire is the critical, non-negotiable condition for divine authentication.
* **"and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:":** Elijah commits to the exact same conditions for his own sacrifice. This parallelism ensures the fairness and impartiality of the test, reinforcing that the only variable is the identity and power of the God being called upon. The repetition of "put no fire [under]" emphasizes its paramount importance to the integrity of the challenge.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 18:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of the Mount Carmel confrontation. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical instructions given to both the prophets of Baal and Elijah, ensuring an equal and fair contest ("choose one bullock...lay it on wood, and put no fire under" for them, and "I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under" for Elijah). This structural balance emphasizes the impartiality of the test. **Antithesis** is implicitly at play, setting up a direct opposition between the true, living God (Yahweh) and the false, impotent god (Baal), which the "no fire" clause is designed to expose. The verse also functions as a powerful moment of **Foreshadowing**, as the explicit condition of "no fire" directly anticipates the miraculous, undeniable divine intervention that will follow in [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Yahweh's Fiery Response"), where fire from heaven consumes Elijah's sacrifice. Finally, there's an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Baal is a powerless idol, but the prophets of Baal are about to undergo a humiliating, futile ordeal, unaware of the true God's impending demonstration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational to understanding the core theological message of the Mount Carmel narrative: the absolute sovereignty and unique power of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all rival deities. By stipulating "no fire," Elijah forces a direct confrontation between human effort and divine omnipotence, demonstrating that true worship is not about human manipulation or ritualistic fervor, but about God's self-revelation and active intervention. It underscores the biblical truth that idols are powerless, incapable of hearing or responding, in stark contrast to the living God who answers prayer and demonstrates His supremacy. This contest serves as a powerful theological statement against syncretism and idolatry, demanding exclusive allegiance to Yahweh.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Psalm 115:3-7](/psalms/115-3-7 "Psalm 115:3-7 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 18:23, though set in an ancient context, speaks powerfully to contemporary challenges of faith and allegiance. In a world saturated with competing ideologies, philosophies, and distractions that demand our devotion, this verse compels us to consider what or whom we truly serve. Just as Elijah challenged the Israelites to choose between Yahweh and Baal, we are constantly faced with choices that reveal our ultimate loyalties—whether to God or to modern "idols" like wealth, success, comfort, or self-gratification. The "no fire" clause serves as a timeless reminder that true faith relies not on human ingenuity or effort, but on the undeniable, supernatural power of God. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to reveal Himself and to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing opposition or when outnumbered, confident that the Lord will ultimately vindicate His truth and demonstrate His living presence in our lives. It calls us to examine our own lives: where are we attempting to "light our own fires" rather than waiting for God's divine intervention?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baals" or competing loyalties might be demanding my allegiance in today's world, and how does this story challenge them?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own efforts or "light my own fire" instead of trusting God for supernatural intervention?**
* **How does the certainty of God's power, as demonstrated on Mount Carmel, encourage me to stand firm in my faith amidst opposition?**
* **What tangible steps can I take to ensure my worship and devotion are exclusively directed towards the one true God?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important that "no fire" be put under the sacrifice?**

Answer: The stipulation that "no fire" be put under the sacrifice was absolutely critical to the integrity and theological significance of the contest. It eliminated any possibility of human trickery, manipulation, or natural occurrence being mistaken for divine intervention. By ensuring that any ignition of the sacrifice had to come from an external, supernatural source, Elijah made the test undeniable. It forced the confrontation to be a direct demonstration of which deity possessed true power and could respond to prayer. For Baal, a god associated with fire and lightning, failing to send fire would be the ultimate public humiliation and proof of his impotence, while for Yahweh, sending fire would be a clear, unambiguous sign of His living presence and supremacy, as it indeed proved to be in [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Yahweh's Fiery Answer").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene on Mount Carmel, with its emphasis on a divinely-provided sacrifice, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the bullock was prepared and laid on the wood with "no fire under," signifying a reliance on God's supernatural power, so too was Christ's sacrifice on the cross a unique, divinely ordained act, not initiated by human will but by God's eternal plan (cf. [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan")). The fire that consumed Elijah's sacrifice was a powerful demonstration of God's acceptance and power, much like the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ultimate divine vindication and proof of God's acceptance of His Son's atoning work (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Furthermore, the "fire" of God's presence and power, once manifested dramatically on an altar, finds its New Testament fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, often described with imagery of fire (cf. [Acts 2:3-4](/acts/2-3-4 "Acts 2:3-4 - Tongues of Fire at Pentecost")), empowering believers to proclaim the true God. Ultimately, the contest on Mount Carmel revealed Yahweh as the one true God; in Christ, God has fully revealed Himself, demonstrating His love, power, and sole claim to worship, establishing Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.