1 Kings 18:27

And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he [is] a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, [or] peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

And it came to pass at noon {H6672}, that Elijah {H452} mocked {H2048} them, and said {H559}, Cry {H7121} aloud {H1419}{H6963}: for he is a god {H430}; either he is talking {H7879}, or he is pursuing {H7873}, or he is in a journey {H1870}, or peradventure {H194} he sleepeth {H3463}, and must be awaked {H3364}.

Around noon Eliyahu began ridiculing them: "Shout louder! After all, he's a god, isn't he? Maybe he's daydreaming, or he's on the potty, or he's away on a trip. Maybe he's asleep, and you have to wake him up."

At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”

And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god: either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth and must be awaked.

Commentary

1 Kings 18:27 captures a pivotal and dramatic moment on Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah confronts the 450 prophets of Baal. This verse showcases Elijah's intense zeal for God and his sharp, sarcastic wit in the face of idolatry.

Context

The scene is set during a severe drought in Israel, a judgment from God due to the widespread worship of Baal under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah had challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest: whoever's god answered by fire would be proven the true God. After the prophets of Baal spent hours from morning till noon passionately crying out, cutting themselves, and performing rituals, their god remained silent. This verse describes Elijah's taunt as the day progresses, highlighting the impotence of their false deity.

Key Themes

  • The Impotence of Idolatry: Elijah's mocking words underscore the absolute powerlessness of Baal. Unlike the living God who hears and acts, Baal is portrayed as deaf, distracted, or even asleep, demonstrating that false gods are mere human constructs with no divine capability. This contrasts sharply with the idols described in Psalm 115, which "have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not."
  • Elijah's Unwavering Faith and Zeal: Elijah's audacious mockery reveals his absolute confidence in Yahweh, the God of Israel. He is not afraid to confront the prevailing religious establishment and expose its falsehood, reflecting his deep commitment to God's honor. His actions prepare the way for the dramatic display of God's power later in the chapter.
  • Divine Mockery of Falsehood: While Elijah is the speaker, his words reflect a divine perspective on the futility of worshipping anything other than the one true God. This scene serves as a powerful testament to the supremacy of Yahweh over all other gods.

Linguistic Insights

The word "mocked" comes from the Hebrew word qalash (קָלַס), meaning to scoff, ridicule, or deride. Elijah's taunts are not mere insults but pointed sarcasms designed to expose the absurdity of their belief system. The phrases "talking" (perhaps referring to deep thought or meditation), "pursuing" (perhaps hunting or engaged in battle), "in a journey," or "sleepeth" are all human activities that would prevent a god from hearing, emphasizing the human limitations projected onto their deity.

Related Scriptures

  • The dramatic conclusion to this contest is found in 1 Kings 18:38, where fire descends from heaven, consuming Elijah's sacrifice.
  • Elijah's initial challenge to the people to choose whom they would serve is in 1 Kings 18:21.
  • For another prophetic denouncement of idol worship, consider Isaiah 44:9-20.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It challenges us to examine what we truly worship or rely on. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—be it wealth, career, entertainment, or even self-reliance—can become an "idol" that is ultimately powerless to truly help or satisfy. The living God, unlike the silent Baal, is attentive to the prayers of His people and is actively involved in their lives. We are called to put our trust in Him alone, knowing that He is the only One who truly hears and answers, just as He did dramatically on Mount Carmel.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:65

    Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, [and] like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

  • Psalms 78:66

    And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.

  • Isaiah 41:23

    Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

  • Isaiah 44:15

    Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth [it], and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth [it]; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.

  • Isaiah 44:17

    And the residue thereof he maketh a god, [even] his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth [it], and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou [art] my god.

  • Mark 4:38

    And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
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