the Hebrews (Lev. 19:28; Deut. 14:1). Baal’s priests acted like ecstatic prophets (v. 29, NIV, frantic prophesying; better RSV ‘ranted and raved’). This rare form of the verb (Heb. hitnabbē’) is used of mad actions (cf. 2 Kgs 9:11; Jer. 29:26). The fact that there is no response indicates Baal’s impotence (Jer. 10:5). 30. Elijah’s actions (vv. 30–39) underscored the significance of the test. 31. The repaired altar—the twelve stones represented the true Israel (as at Gilgal, Josh. 4:2–5) and the twelve
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