Why was the timing of the "evening sacrifice" so important for Elijah's prayer?

The timing was strategically significant for several reasons. First, it connected Elijah's extraordinary act to the established, daily rhythm of Israelite worship, specifically the minchah or grain offering, which often accompanied the evening burnt offering. This implicitly recalled the covenant relationship between God and Israel, grounding the miraculous event within the framework of God's historical faithfulness. Second, it was a time when people's attention would typically be directed towards Yahweh, making the public demonstration of His power undeniable and universally observable. It served as a stark contrast to the chaotic, self-mutilating rituals of the Baal prophets, highlighting the order and purpose of true worship versus the futility of idolatry. Elijah was essentially reclaiming a sacred moment for Yahweh, challenging Israel to remember their true God.

What does Elijah's invocation, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel," signify?

This invocation is profoundly theological. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, revealing His personal, relational, and unchanging nature, as first revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14-15. By specifically naming Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob), Elijah grounds his prayer in the historical covenant promises God made to the patriarchs. This emphasizes God's faithfulness across generations, His unique identity as the God who acts in history, and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. It serves as a powerful reminder to both God and Israel of their foundational relationship and Yahweh's exclusive claim as the one true God, distinct from any pagan deity like Baal.

18:35 18:35

1 Kings 18:36

Q: How does Elijah's declaration, "and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word," demonstrate true servanthood?

This declaration exemplifies true servanthood by emphasizing humility, obedience, and a singular focus on God's glory. Elijah explicitly states that his actions, including challenging the prophets of Baal and preparing the sacrifice, are not born of personal ambition or a desire for self-glorification, but are direct commands from God. He positions himself as a mere instrument in God's hands, ensuring that when the miracle occurs, all credit and praise will be directed to Yahweh alone. This posture of submission and dependence on God's word is a hallmark of genuine prophetic ministry and serves as a model for all who seek to serve God faithfully.

18:37 18:37

Bible Versions

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

And it came to pass at the time of the offering {H5927} of the evening sacrifice {H4503}, that Elijah {H452} the prophet {H5030} came near {H5066}, and said {H559}, LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Abraham {H85}, Isaac {H3327}, and of Israel {H3478}, let it be known {H3045} this day {H3117} that thou art God {H430} in Israel {H3478}, and that I am thy servant {H5650}, and that I have done {H6213} all these things at thy word {H1697}.

Then, when it came time for offering the evening offering, Eliyahu the prophet approached and said, "ADONAI, God of Avraham, Yitz'chak and Isra'el, let it be known today that you are God in Isra'el, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.

At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening oblation, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

1 Kings 18:29

And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the [time] of the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that [there was] neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
2 Kings 19:19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.
Exodus 3:6

Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
1 Kings 8:43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.
Matthew 22:32

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.
Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

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