1 Kings 18:26

KJV

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed [it], and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But [there was] no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} the bullock {H6499} which was given {H5414} them, and they dressed {H6213} it, and called {H7121} on the name {H8034} of Baal {H1168} from morning {H1242} even until noon {H6672}, saying {H559}, O Baal {H1168}, hear {H6030} us. But there was no {H369} voice {H6963}, nor any that answered {H6030}. And they leaped {H6452} upon the altar {H4196} which was made {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They took the bull that was given to them, prepared it and called on the name of Ba'al from morning till noon - "Ba'al! Answer us!" But no voice was heard; and no one answered, as they jumped around on the altar they had made.

Berean Standard Bible

And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made.

American Standard Version

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped about the altar which was made.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:26 vividly depicts the initial, futile attempts of the 450 prophets of Baal to invoke their deity during the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel. Despite their fervent, prolonged cries "from morning even until noon" and their desperate ritualistic "leaping upon the altar," Baal remained utterly silent, providing "no voice, nor any that answered." This profound silence underscores the impotence and non-existence of false gods, setting the stage for the powerful demonstration of Yahweh's unique sovereignty and responsiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment within the epic contest on Mount Carmel, detailed in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel"). It immediately follows Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal and Asherah (though only Baal's prophets are present for the sacrifice) to prepare a bullock and call upon their god, promising that the true God would answer by fire. Verse 26 initiates the first half of this divine showdown, showcasing the extensive and increasingly desperate efforts of Baal's prophets. Their failure here directly precedes Elijah's concise prayer and Yahweh's immediate, overwhelming response, creating a stark and powerful antithesis that highlights God's unique power and responsiveness. The narrative builds dramatic tension, contrasting the prolonged, fruitless efforts of the false prophets with the swift, decisive action of the true God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel") unfold during a severe, three-year drought in Israel, a divine judgment for the widespread apostasy under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, aggressively promoted the worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god believed to control rain, thunder, and agricultural abundance. This made the drought a direct challenge to Baal's supposed domain and power. Mount Carmel, a prominent geographical feature, was likely a traditional place of worship, possibly for both Yahweh and Baal, making it a fitting stage for this decisive confrontation. The "leaping upon the altar" and prolonged cries reflect common ancient Near Eastern ecstatic and sympathetic magical rituals, where devotees would attempt to "awaken" or compel their deities through intense physical and vocal exertion, hoping to influence natural phenomena like rain.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is the **Futility of Idolatry**. The absolute silence of Baal, despite the fervent and prolonged efforts of his prophets, powerfully demonstrates the emptiness and powerlessness of false gods. This directly contrasts with the **Sovereignty and Responsiveness of Yahweh**, who is shown to be a living, active, and hearing God, unlike the mute and impotent idols (cf. [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - Idols have mouths but do not speak")). The scene also highlights the **Deception and Desperation of False Worship**, as the prophets' escalating actions—from calling to leaping—reveal their increasing anxiety and the ultimate spiritual void inherent in their devotion to a non-existent deity. This profound silence serves as a divine judgment against the syncretism and apostasy prevalent in Israel, reinforcing the call to exclusive worship of the one true God, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Ba'al'_):** This term literally means "lord" or "master." In Canaanite religion, Baal was a principal deity, often associated with storms, rain, fertility, and kingship. The use of this title in the context of his utter silence is deeply ironic, as he proves to be no lord or master at all, especially in contrast to Yahweh, the true Lord of creation and history.
* **No voice, nor any that answered:** This phrase is a powerful declaration of Baal's absolute impotence and non-existence. It signifies a complete lack of response, communication, or intervention. The repetition of "no voice" and "nor any that answered" emphasizes the profound, damning silence, highlighting that Baal is not merely unresponsive but entirely incapable of response because he is not a living entity.
* **Leaped upon the altar:** The Hebrew verb for "leaped" (פסח, _pāsaḥ'_) can also mean to "limp" or "dance wildly," and in some contexts, even to "pass over" or "hover." Here, it likely describes a frenzied, ritualistic dance or ecstatic movement around the altar, possibly an attempt to rouse or compel their god through sympathetic magic, or an expression of their escalating desperation and religious fervor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed [it]":** This clause establishes the initial compliance of Baal's prophets with the terms of Elijah's challenge. They prepared the sacrifice according to the agreed-upon conditions, setting the stage for the demonstration of divine power.
* **"and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us.":** This describes the prolonged and fervent invocation of Baal. The duration ("from morning even until noon") emphasizes the extensive effort and desperation of the prophets, highlighting their unwavering commitment to their deity and the intensity of their supplications. Their direct plea, "O Baal, hear us," underscores their belief in his ability to respond, making his subsequent silence even more impactful.
* **"But [there was] no voice, nor any that answered.":** This is the pivotal and damning verdict on Baal. It unequivocally declares his utter silence and inability to respond. The double negation ("no voice, nor any that answered") powerfully conveys the absolute absence of any divine communication or intervention, revealing Baal as a powerless, non-existent entity.
* **"And they leaped upon the altar which was made.":** This final clause in the verse describes the escalating, ritualistic actions of the prophets. Their "leaping" suggests a desperate, ecstatic dance or frenzied movement, possibly an attempt to intensify their plea, to "awaken" their god, or to perform sympathetic magic to provoke a response. It illustrates their increasing desperation as their initial, more conventional calls proved fruitless.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Antithesis** is central, as the prolonged, futile efforts of Baal's prophets are set in stark contrast to the swift, decisive action of Yahweh later in the chapter. This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between a living, responsive God and a mute, impotent idol. **Irony** is also powerfully present: Baal, whose name means "lord," proves to be utterly powerless and incapable of even speaking, let alone acting. The fervent cries of "O Baal, hear us" are met with profound **silence**, which functions as a form of **dramatic irony**, as the reader knows the outcome, while the prophets desperately cling to hope. The phrase "no voice, nor any that answered" employs **repetition** and **negative parallelism** to emphasize the absolute void where Baal should have been. The description of the prophets' "leaping upon the altar" uses **vivid imagery** to depict their escalating desperation and the futility of their ritualistic efforts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound silence of Baal in 1 Kings 18:26 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of idolatry and the unique character of the one true God. It underscores that idols, being human constructs or figments of imagination, possess no inherent power, consciousness, or ability to respond. They are utterly dependent on human effort and belief, ultimately offering no genuine help or salvation. This stands in stark contrast to Yahweh, the living God, who is inherently active, responsive, and sovereign over all creation. The passage thus reinforces the biblical call to exclusive monotheism, warning against the spiritual emptiness and deception inherent in worshipping anything other than the Creator. It highlights that true worship involves a relationship with a God who hears, speaks, and acts in history, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His power.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - Idols have mouths but do not speak")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3 "Jeremiah 10:3-5 - The Worthlessness of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene on Mount Carmel, particularly the silence of Baal, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In our modern world, "Baals" may not be carved statues, but they manifest as anything we place our ultimate trust, hope, or devotion in apart from God: wealth, power, career, self-image, technology, political ideologies, or even relationships. Like the prophets of Baal, we can expend immense energy, time, and emotion in pursuit of these "gods," only to find them ultimately silent, unable to deliver true peace, purpose, or lasting fulfillment. This verse challenges us to honestly examine our lives: where do we truly seek answers? To whom do we cry out in desperation? The silence of Baal serves as a timeless warning that investing our spiritual capital in anything other than the living God will inevitably lead to emptiness and disappointment. It calls us to re-center our lives on the God who truly hears, truly speaks, and truly acts, inviting us to a relationship of genuine responsiveness and abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baals" or false sources of security do we unknowingly "call upon" in our lives today, expecting them to provide what only God can?**
* **How does the absolute silence of Baal challenge our assumptions about where true power, help, and answers reside?**
* **In what practical ways can we ensure our worship, trust, and ultimate hope are exclusively directed towards the living God, who is ever-present and responsive?**

### FAQ
**Why did the prophets of Baal leap upon the altar?**

Answer: The "leaping upon the altar" (Hebrew: פסח, _pāsaḥ'_) likely describes a frenzied, ritualistic dance or ecstatic movement around the altar. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern pagan worship, often intended to induce a trance-like state, generate spiritual energy, or symbolically "awaken" or compel the deity to act. It could be a form of sympathetic magic, where the physical exertion and heightened emotion were believed to influence the god. As Baal remained silent despite their initial fervent cries, their actions escalated into this more desperate and intense display, revealing their increasing anxiety and their futile attempts to elicit a response from their non-existent god. This desperate action stands in stark contrast to the calm and confident prayer of Elijah later in the narrative ([1 Kings 18:36-37](/1_kings/18-36 "1 Kings 18:36-37 - Elijah's Prayer")).

**What is the significance of "from morning even until noon"?**

Answer: This detail emphasizes the prolonged, fervent, and ultimately futile efforts of the prophets of Baal. It highlights their unwavering dedication to their deity and the sheer amount of time and energy they invested in their supplications. The duration makes Baal's silence even more profound and demonstrative of his non-existence and impotence. It serves as a dramatic foil to the swift and powerful response of Yahweh later in the day, who answers Elijah's concise prayer immediately with fire from heaven ([1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven")). The contrast underscores the difference between a false god who requires endless human effort and a true God who acts sovereignly and decisively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound silence of Baal in 1 Kings 18:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the living, speaking, and acting God. Unlike Baal, who could offer "no voice, nor any that answered," Jesus is the very "Word" of God made flesh, through whom God has definitively spoken to humanity ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"); [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true Lord (_Baal_ meaning "lord") who demonstrates absolute power over creation, sickness, sin, and death, unlike the impotent idol. The futile sacrifice offered to Baal contrasts sharply with the single, perfect, and eternally effective sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which truly takes away the sin of the world and provides access to God ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Where Baal's prophets leaped in vain, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of divine power, answering humanity's deepest cries for salvation and life. He is the God who not only hears but actively intervenes, providing the ultimate answer to our spiritual needs, proving Himself to be the one true God worthy of all worship and devotion ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy")).

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

Jeremiah 10:5

They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

Matthew 6:7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

1 Corinthians 12:2

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Zephaniah 1:9

In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.