Elijah – The Prophet
Northwest Bible Church – June 4, 2006 – Worship Service – 1&2 Kings Series – Alan Conner
1 Kings 17:1
ELIJAH - THE PROPHET
INTRO
- BAAL, THE PAGAN GOD
1) The history of Baal. When first meet Baal in Numbers 22:41 when Balak the king of Moab takes Balaam up to the high places of Baal to see the people of Israel. Later Israel worshipped Baal of Peor (25:3). During the period of the judges, Israel was continually turning to Baal (Judg. 2:13; 3:7; 6:25; 8:33; 10:6).
2) The popularity of Baal.
- a) Baal met the needs of an agricultural society.
- b) Baal met the lusts of sinful flesh. Pattern of worship was temple prostitution (Judg. 2:17; Jer. 7:9; Amos 2:7).
3) The violent side of Baal worship. The worship of Baal utilized child sacrifice (Jer. 19:5).
4) Baal worship became the state religion. Jezebel established 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah “who eat at Jezebel’s table” (18:19).
- ELIJAH, THE PROPHET OF GOD
1) Origin.
Tishbite –
Gilead -
2) Outward appearance. 2 Kings 1:8 - And they answered him, “He was a hairy man with a leather girdle bound about his loins.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
3) Zealous for God.
- a) Loner.
- b) Zealous.
- ELIJAH’S MESSAGE TO AHAB (17:1)
1) A bold affirmation of Yahweh’s existence.
2) A bold affirmation of his commitment to Yahweh. “before whom I stand”
3) A bold announcement of Baal’s impotence.
Israel normally had a dry season of several months duration, but though no rain fell then, very heavy dews descended at night which greatly refreshed the vegetation. For neither dew nor rain to fall for a period of years would be a terrible judgment indeed.
4) A bold affirmation that he is God’s human agent in this calamity. “except by my word”
- ELIJAH’S COURAGE
1) It took incredible courage to go and confront Ahab.
2) He is willing to stand alone.