1 Kings 18:35

KJV

And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the water {H4325} ran {H3212} round about {H5439} the altar {H4196}; and he filled {H4390} the trench {H8585} also with water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By now the water was flowing around the altar, and it had filled the trench.

Berean Standard Bible

So the water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.

American Standard Version

And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 18:35 marks a pivotal moment in Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, detailing the extreme measure taken to saturate the altar, the wood, and the sacrifice with water. This deliberate act of drenching, so thorough that water surrounded the altar and filled the surrounding trench, was designed to eliminate any possibility of human trickery or natural explanation for the impending divine intervention, thereby setting the stage for an undeniable demonstration of the Lord's supreme power over false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic narrative of the contest on Mount Carmel, as recorded in [1 Kings 18](/1-kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel"). Immediately preceding it, Elijah has challenged the prophets of Baal to call down fire from their god, which they fail to do despite hours of fervent appeals and self-mutilation ([1 Kings 18:26-29](/1-kings/18-26 "1 Kings 18:26-29 - The Prophets of Baal Fail")). Elijah then mocks them and prepares his own altar, repairing the broken altar of the Lord with twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel ([1 Kings 18:30-32](/1-kings/18-30 "1 Kings 18:30-32 - Elijah Repairs the Altar")). The command to pour water, repeated three times in [1 Kings 18:33-34](/1-kings/18-33 "1 Kings 18:33-34 - Elijah Commands Water to Be Poured"), culminates in verse 35, emphasizing the sheer volume of water used. The subsequent verses describe the Lord's immediate and overwhelming response as fire consumes the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust, and even the water in the trench ([1 Kings 18:38](/1-kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire Falls from Heaven")), leading to the people's confession of God's true identity and the execution of the Baal prophets ([1 Kings 18:39-40](/1-kings/18-39 "1 Kings 18:39-40 - The People Confess and Prophets are Slain")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 18](/1-kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel") occur during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a period marked by rampant apostasy and the widespread promotion of Baal worship in Israel. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, aggressively introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to a severe spiritual crisis. The drought, which had afflicted the land for three and a half years ([1 Kings 17:1](/1-kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Proclaims Drought")), was understood as divine judgment for this idolatry. Baal was revered as the storm god, controller of rain, thunder, and fertility, making the contest on Mount Carmel a direct challenge to his perceived domain. Mount Carmel itself was a significant religious site, often associated with Baal worship, making it an ideal location for this dramatic showdown. The public nature of the event, witnessed by "all Israel" ([1 Kings 18:20](/1-kings/18-20 "1 Kings 18:20 - The Gathering on Mount Carmel")), underscored the national crisis of faith and the need for a decisive demonstration of the true God's power.

* **Key Themes:** First Kings 18:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Primarily, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence of Yahweh** over all creation and all false gods. By making the humanly impossible task of igniting a drenched altar a prerequisite for the miracle, God underscores His absolute control and ability to act beyond natural limitations. This act also serves as an undeniable **Confrontation of Idolatry**, exposing the impotence of Baal, who was supposedly the god of rain and fire, yet could not even ignite a dry altar. The drenching of the altar with water, a commodity made precious by the drought, further mocks Baal's inability to provide rain. Furthermore, the verse showcases **Elijah's Unwavering Faith and Obedience**; his willingness to follow God's seemingly illogical instruction demonstrates profound trust in God's power to deliver. It sets the stage for God to reveal Himself as the **One True God**, challenging Israel's divided loyalties and calling them back to exclusive worship of Yahweh, as seen in the people's confession in [1 Kings 18:39](/1-kings/18-39 "1 Kings 18:39 - The People Confess").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ran round about (Hebrew, _saviv_):** This adverbial phrase, meaning "around, on every side, all around," emphasizes the comprehensive and encircling nature of the water's flow. It paints a picture of complete saturation, indicating that the water was not merely poured on top but flowed freely and abundantly, covering the entire area surrounding the altar. This detail underscores the deliberate and extreme measures taken to ensure no part of the sacrificial setup remained dry.
* **Trench (Hebrew, _te'alah_):** This noun refers to a channel, conduit, or moat. In this context, it describes a significant ditch or furrow dug around the altar, specifically designed to collect the excess water. The mention of the trench being "filled" highlights the immense volume of water used—enough to not only drench the altar and sacrifice but also to overflow into and fill a substantial surrounding channel. This detail further reinforces the impossibility of the subsequent miracle by natural means.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mala'_):** The verb "mala'" means "to fill, be full." Its use here, in conjunction with "trench," conveys the idea of abundance and completeness. The trench was not merely damp or partially covered; it was completely inundated with water, leaving no doubt about the saturated condition of the entire sacrificial site. This verb choice intensifies the dramatic effect and the miraculous nature of God's subsequent intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the water ran round about the altar":** This clause vividly describes the immediate effect of pouring the water. It suggests a significant volume that flowed freely and abundantly, not just soaking into the wood and sacrifice but also spilling over and encircling the altar itself. This visual detail emphasizes the complete saturation of the entire sacrificial arrangement, making it humanly impossible to ignite. The act was public, visible, and designed to leave no room for doubt about the drenching.
* **"and he filled the trench also with water":** This second clause further amplifies the extent of the drenching. The "trench" (a channel dug around the altar, as described in [1 Kings 18:32](/1-kings/18-32 "1 Kings 18:32 - Elijah Repairs the Altar")) was not just damp but completely filled. This detail underscores the superabundance of water used, demonstrating Elijah's absolute commitment to making the upcoming miracle undeniable. It eliminated any accusation that the fire could have been hidden or that the wood was not genuinely soaked, as even the surrounding ground was saturated.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact of 1 Kings 18:35 is enhanced by the strategic use of several **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the act of drenching the altar and trench with such an excessive amount of water goes beyond what would be merely sufficient, creating an exaggerated scenario that highlights the impossibility of human ignition. This extreme measure serves to magnify the divine power that will inevitably follow. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play; the water, a precious commodity during the drought and a substance associated with Baal's domain, becomes a symbol of the ultimate test and an overwhelming obstacle that only Yahweh can overcome. Its use also foreshadows the subsequent rain that will break the drought, demonstrating God's complete control over the elements. Furthermore, the meticulous description of the drenching serves as **Foreshadowing**, building intense anticipation for the dramatic divine intervention that will undeniably prove Yahweh's supremacy. The sheer absurdity of attempting to ignite a water-soaked altar sets the stage for a miracle of unparalleled magnitude, ensuring that when God's fire falls, its source will be unequivocally divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Kings 18:35 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. By orchestrating a situation where human effort is not only futile but actively counterproductive, God ensures that His subsequent act of consuming the sacrifice by fire is unequivocally miraculous. This eliminates any possibility of human manipulation or natural explanation, forcing the people to confront the reality of His unique power. It underscores the biblical truth that God often works in ways that defy human logic and conventional wisdom, particularly when His glory and the revelation of His truth are at stake. This event stands as a timeless testimony to God's ability to overcome any obstacle, expose all falsehoods, and reveal Himself as the one true God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people and creation.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God.")
* [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 1 Kings 18:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by human logic or the apparent impossibility of our circumstances. Just as Elijah's faith was tested by the instruction to drench the altar, we are often called to trust God in situations where the path forward seems illogical or self-defeating from a human perspective. This verse encourages us to embrace radical obedience, even when it appears to complicate our challenges, knowing that God's intervention is most gloriously displayed when human effort is clearly insufficient. It challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might be relying on our own strength or seeking "natural" solutions, rather than fully trusting in God's supernatural ability to act. Furthermore, the undeniable nature of the miracle on Mount Carmel calls us to live lives that clearly demonstrate the reality of God's power in a world filled with competing ideologies and "idols," whether they be materialism, self-reliance, or false philosophies. We are to stand for truth, confident that God will vindicate His name and reveal His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on human logic or effort, rather than trusting God for a seemingly "impossible" outcome?**
* **How does the extreme drenching of the altar challenge my understanding of God's power and His methods of working?**
* **What "trenches" of difficulty or doubt do I need to surrender to God, believing He can work even through the most saturated obstacles?**
* **How can I, like Elijah, live a life that provides undeniable proof of God's reality to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elijah command such an extreme amount of water to be poured on the altar, especially during a severe drought?**

Answer: Elijah commanded the drenching of the altar, wood, and sacrifice with copious amounts of water (four jars, three times, as detailed in [1 Kings 18:33-34](/1-kings/18-33 "1 Kings 18:33-34 - Elijah Commands Water to Be Poured")) for a critical reason: to eliminate any possible doubt or accusation of trickery regarding the impending miracle. By making the altar thoroughly saturated, it became humanly impossible for the wood to ignite naturally or for any hidden fire to be present. This extreme measure ensured that when God's fire fell from heaven, consuming not only the sacrifice but also the water in the trench and even the stones and dust ([1 Kings 18:38](/1-kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire Falls from Heaven")), it would be an irrefutable demonstration of the Lord's supernatural power and His absolute supremacy over Baal, the false god of rain and fertility. The use of precious water during a drought also served to highlight Baal's impotence and Yahweh's ultimate control over the elements.

**What was the significance of the "trench" being filled with water?**

Answer: The "trench" (Hebrew: _te'alah_) was a channel or ditch that Elijah had dug around the altar, large enough to contain two seahs of seed ([1 Kings 18:32](/1-kings/18-32 "1 Kings 18:32 - Elijah Repairs the Altar")). Its significance being filled with water further amplified the dramatic effect and the undeniable nature of the miracle. Not only was the sacrifice itself thoroughly soaked, but the surrounding area was also inundated. This detail provided additional visual proof that no natural fire could have been involved, as the ground around the altar was also saturated. When God's fire consumed even the water in this trench, it demonstrated His power to transcend all natural limitations and leave no room for skepticism among the witnesses.

**Did this dramatic event on Mount Carmel lead to a lasting spiritual revival in Israel?**

Answer: While the immediate impact of the event on Mount Carmel was profound, leading the people to proclaim, "The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!" ([1 Kings 18:39](/1-kings/18-39 "1 Kings 18:39 - The People Confess")), and resulting in the execution of the prophets of Baal, the spiritual revival was not entirely permanent or widespread throughout the nation. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel continued their idolatrous practices, and the people often reverted to their old ways. The subsequent narratives in 1 Kings and 2 Kings show a continued struggle with idolatry and a pattern of spiritual decline, despite powerful interventions from prophets like Elijah and Elisha. However, the event served as a crucial turning point for many individuals and demonstrated God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, providing a powerful witness for future generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene of 1 Kings 18:35, where water saturates the altar to make God's subsequent act undeniable, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, undeniable demonstration of God's power and love in Jesus Christ. Just as Elijah's sacrifice was prepared to prove Yahweh's supremacy over Baal, Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate, once-for-all offering that defeated sin, death, and all spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "impossible" act of consuming a water-drenched altar by fire points to the infinitely more "impossible" act of God raising Jesus from the dead, conquering the grave and offering eternal life to humanity. This resurrection is the ultimate "undeniable proof" of God's power and Christ's divine identity ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Furthermore, while Elijah's water symbolized a test and purification, Christ offers the "living water" that truly satisfies the soul ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and the "fire" of the Holy Spirit that purifies and empowers believers ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire")). In Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), God has provided the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate, undeniable victory over all forms of spiritual idolatry and human brokenness, inviting all to confess Him as Lord.

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 18:38

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench.

1 Kings 18:32

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.