1 Kings 18:17–24

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, aAhab said to him, “Is this you, you troubler of Israel?”

18 He said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because ayou have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and byou have followed the Baals.

19 “Now then send and gather to me all Israel at aMount Carmel, btogether with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of cthe Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

God or Baal on Mount Carmel

20 So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel.

21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, “aHow long will you 1hesitate between two opinions? bIf the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.

22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I aalone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are b450 men.

23 “Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it.

24 “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and athe God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people said, “1That is a good idea.”