1 Kings 18:40

KJV

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elijah {H452} said {H559} unto them, Take {H8610} the prophets {H5030} of Baal {H1168}; let not one {H376} of them escape {H4422}. And they took {H8610} them: and Elijah {H452} brought them down {H3381} to the brook {H5158} Kishon {H7028}, and slew {H7819} them there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eliyahu said to them, "Seize the prophets of Ba'al! Don't let one of them escape!" They seized them; and Eliyahu brought them down to Vadi Kishon and killed them there.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.

American Standard Version

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:40 serves as the stark and definitive conclusion to the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah, empowered by Yahweh, unequivocally demonstrated God's supremacy over the false deity Baal. Following the miraculous descent of divine fire that consumed Elijah's sacrifice, this verse records Elijah's command to the people to seize the prophets of Baal and their subsequent execution at the brook Kishon, thereby signifying the immediate, divinely sanctioned consequences of idolatry and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. It stands as a powerful testament to divine judgment, the eradication of spiritual corruption, and Elijah's zealous obedience in upholding God's honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the immediate and grim resolution to the epic Mount Carmel narrative, which spans [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel"). Prior to this, Elijah had challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a contest to determine the true God. After their prolonged and futile appeals to Baal, Elijah rebuilt the Lord's altar, drenched his sacrifice with water, and called upon Yahweh. In a spectacular display of divine power, fire descended from heaven, consuming the offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even the water in the trench ([1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven Consumes the Sacrifice")). This undeniable miracle prompted the people to fall on their faces and declare, "The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God!" ([1 Kings 18:39](/1_kings/18-39 "1 Kings 18:39 - The People's Confession")). The execution of the prophets of Baal is the direct, divinely sanctioned consequence of this revelation, solidifying the victory of Yahweh and the defeat of idolatry, paving the way for the end of the drought.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel") occurred during a period of severe spiritual apostasy in Israel under the reign of King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Queen Jezebel. Jezebel aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, importing hundreds of their prophets and persecuting the prophets of Yahweh ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides Prophets")). Baal worship, a Canaanite fertility cult, involved abhorrent practices such as ritual prostitution, self-mutilation, and even child sacrifice, directly violating God's covenant with Israel and the first commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")). The Mosaic Law explicitly commanded the death penalty for those who led Israel into idolatry or practiced false prophecy ([Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets"), [Deuteronomy 17:2-5](/deuteronomy/17-2-5 "Deuteronomy 17:2-5 - Punishment for Idolatry")). Thus, Elijah's actions, far from being personal vengeance, were an execution of divine judgment in accordance with established covenant law, aimed at purifying the land and restoring proper worship to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The events of [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel") and specifically verse 40 powerfully underscore several major theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all creation and His unwavering commitment to judge idolatry and spiritual rebellion. The immediate and decisive action against the false prophets illustrates the severity with which God views the violation of His covenant and the leading of His people astray. Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Eradication of Idolatry and Restoration of True Worship**. The slaying of the prophets of Baal symbolizes the tearing down of false worship systems and the necessary cleansing of the land from spiritual defilement. This act was crucial for the spiritual health of Israel, reminding them of their exclusive devotion to Yahweh, as declared in [1 Kings 18:39](/1_kings/18-39 "1 Kings 18:39 - The People's Confession"). Lastly, it showcases **Elijah's Zeal and Obedience**, portraying him as a courageous instrument of divine will. His unyielding commitment to God's truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, serves as a powerful example of prophetic faithfulness and the consequences of rejecting the true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _tâp̄aś'_):** This verb (H8610) means to manipulate, seize, or capture, often implying force or apprehension. In this context, Elijah's command to "take" the prophets of Baal signifies a decisive and authoritative directive for the people to apprehend them, ensuring none escape. It underscores the thoroughness of the impending judgment and the people's active participation in executing divine justice.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H7819) means to slaughter, whether in sacrifice or massacre, to kill. Here, its use unequivocally refers to the complete and decisive execution of the false prophets, marking the finality of their judgment. The word conveys a sense of thoroughness and the irreversible nature of the act, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment against idolatry.
* **Brook Kishon (Hebrew, _Naḥal Qîshôn'_):** The term "brook" (_nachal_, H5158) refers to a stream, especially a winter torrent, often running through a narrow valley. "Kishon" (_Qîshôn_, H7028) means "winding," describing this specific river in the Jezreel Valley. Its selection as the place of execution is deeply symbolic; the Kishon was historically a site of decisive battles and judgments (e.g., [Judges 4:7](/judges/4-7 "Judges 4:7 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera")). Its natural function as a drainage point suggests a cleansing or washing away of the impurity of Baal worship from the land of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape."**: Immediately following the miraculous demonstration of God's power and the people's confession of Yahweh as the true God, Elijah, acting as God's prophet and agent, issues a direct and urgent command. The imperative "Take" (apprehend) combined with the explicit instruction "let not one of them escape" underscores the absolute necessity of a complete and thorough purging of the false prophets. This was not a suggestion but a divinely sanctioned directive, reflecting the severity of their offense against God and His covenant, and the need to fully eradicate the source of spiritual corruption.
* **"And they took them:"**: This concise clause highlights the immediate and willing obedience of the people. Having just witnessed the undeniable power of Yahweh, their previous wavering allegiance was replaced with conviction and a renewed commitment to God. Their active participation in apprehending the prophets of Baal signifies their agreement with Elijah's command and their acknowledgment of God's righteous judgment, marking a crucial turning point in their spiritual commitment and national repentance.
* **"and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there."**: Elijah leads the captured prophets to the brook Kishon, a location laden with historical and symbolic significance, as it was previously a site of divine judgment and defeat for God's enemies. The act of "slew them there" signifies the execution of divine justice. This was not an act of personal vengeance on Elijah's part but the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law concerning false prophets and idolaters ([Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets")). The choice of the Kishon, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, also symbolizes the washing away and removal of the spiritual defilement that the Baal prophets had brought upon the land of Israel, signifying a cleansing and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Climax** is powerfully evident as this verse represents the dramatic culmination of the Mount Carmel confrontation, serving as the ultimate resolution of the contest between Yahweh and Baal. The preceding divine fire sets the stage for this final, decisive act of judgment. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play with the choice of the brook Kishon, a site with historical associations of judgment and defeat (e.g., Sisera's army in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera")), suggesting the washing away of idolatry and the cleansing of the land. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Vindication** and **Retribution**, where the false prophets, who had led Israel astray and challenged God's authority, now face the swift and uncompromising consequences of their rebellion. The narrative highlights the **Zeal** of Elijah, portraying him as a fervent and unwavering instrument of God's will, committed to purging evil from Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The execution of the prophets of Baal at the brook Kishon is a profound theological statement about God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores Yahweh's absolute holiness, His intolerance for idolatry, and His unwavering commitment to justice. This act was not an arbitrary display of wrath but a necessary purging to restore the purity of worship and uphold the covenant established at Sinai, which demanded exclusive allegiance to God. It served as a stark reminder that God is not to be trifled with and that there are severe consequences for leading His people into spiritual apostasy. This event demonstrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, intervening decisively to defend His honor and reclaim His rightful place in their hearts, ensuring the spiritual integrity of His chosen nation.

* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - The Law Against False Prophets")
* [Deuteronomy 17:2-5](/deuteronomy/17-2-5 "Deuteronomy 17:2-5 - Punishment for Idolatry")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the account of 1 Kings 18:40 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature—His holiness, His justice, and His demand for exclusive worship. In a world saturated with competing ideologies, material pursuits, and self-worship, this passage challenges us to examine what "idols" might subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance, distracting us from wholehearted devotion to Christ. We are called to cultivate a similar zeal for God's truth, discerning between spiritual truth and error, and standing firm against anything that seeks to usurp God's rightful place in our lives and in society. It also highlights the serious accountability of those in spiritual leadership and the dire consequences of leading others astray. Ultimately, it compels us to choose whom we will serve, echoing Elijah's earlier challenge to Israel to stop "limping between two different opinions" ([1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge to Choose")). This passage calls us to a radical commitment to God, ensuring that our worship is pure, undivided, and centered solely on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice in light of His love and mercy, particularly in the New Covenant?**
* **In what ways might modern "idols" (e.g., career, possessions, social media, self-image, political ideologies) subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance, similar to how Baal competed for Israel's devotion?**
* **What does Elijah's unwavering zeal and courage teach us about standing for biblical truth in a world that often compromises or rejects it?**
* **How can we, as New Covenant believers, apply the principle of "purging idolatry" in our personal lives and in the church, without resorting to physical violence?**

### FAQ

**Was Elijah's act of slaying the prophets of Baal an act of personal vengeance, and is it justified?**

Answer: Elijah's act was not personal vengeance but an execution of divine judgment in accordance with the Mosaic Law. Under the Old Covenant, the law prescribed the death penalty for false prophets and those who led Israel into idolatry ([Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets"), [Deuteronomy 17:2-5](/deuteronomy/17-2-5 "Deuteronomy 17:2-5 - Punishment for Idolatry")). These prophets were not merely religious competitors; they were agents of spiritual corruption who actively sought to undermine Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and promote practices abhorrent to God. Elijah, acting under direct divine authority and as an instrument of God's justice, was fulfilling the legal and theological requirements of the covenant. The justification lies in God's holiness and His commitment to protect His people from spiritual apostasy, which had severe societal and spiritual consequences for the nation.

**What is the significance of the brook Kishon as the location for the execution?**

Answer: The brook Kishon, located in the Jezreel Valley, holds both historical and symbolic significance. Historically, it was the site where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera's Canaanite army, a victory attributed to God's intervention ([Judges 4:7](/judges/4-7 "Judges 4:7 - Sisera's Defeat at the Kishon"), [Judges 5:21](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Kishon Swept Them Away")). By bringing the prophets of Baal to the Kishon, Elijah was invoking a place already associated with divine judgment and the defeat of God's enemies. Symbolically, a brook or river can represent cleansing and washing away. The execution of the false prophets at the Kishon could thus symbolize the purging and washing away of the spiritual defilement and idolatry that had plagued the land of Israel, preparing it for spiritual renewal and the restoration of pure worship.

**How does this Old Testament judgment relate to the New Testament message of grace and love?**

Answer: While the mode of divine action changes from the Old to the New Covenant, God's character—His holiness, justice, and hatred of sin—remains consistent. The New Testament reveals God's ultimate solution to sin and idolatry through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, offering grace and forgiveness to all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). However, the New Testament also warns against spiritual idolatry and teaches that God will ultimately judge all unrighteousness and those who reject Him ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry"), [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). The severity of judgment in 1 Kings 18:40 underscores the seriousness of spiritual rebellion, reminding us that while God's grace abounds, it does not nullify His justice. Instead, it directs our focus to the cross, where God's justice and love perfectly meet, providing a way of escape from the judgment due to sin for all who repent and believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 1 Kings 18:40, culminating in the decisive judgment against the prophets of Baal, find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Elijah, as a prophet of God, acted as an instrument of divine judgment against false worship, purging Israel of its spiritual corruption. Yet, Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, greater than Elijah ([Matthew 12:41](/matthew/12-41 "Matthew 12:41 - Something Greater Than Jonah is Here")), who came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). While Elijah's cleansing was physical and external, Jesus offers a spiritual and internal cleansing from the idolatry of the human heart, which is the root of all sin ([Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Comes from Within")). He confronted the spiritual darkness of His day, not by slaying false prophets with a sword, but by casting out demons ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), exposing religious hypocrisy ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), and ultimately, by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, thereby taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The judgment against Baal worship foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")) and His future return when He will execute final judgment on all evil and establish His righteous kingdom, fully eradicating all forms of false worship and rebellion ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Judgment")). Through His atoning work, believers are cleansed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God in spirit and truth, living lives free from the dominion of spiritual idols ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), [Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 18:20

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Judges 4:7

And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Judges 5:21

The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Zechariah 13:3

And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.