The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 438

The order, viz., in eats of four three times repeated, was that of the stones in the high priest's breastplate, upon which were engre.ven the namee of the tr:iLes. (3) Could this sign be intended to show the.t a plentiful rain would shortly come upon aJl Israel? And further, that it should come through the repentance of the people for whose sin it he.d been withholden? That it should come thl'ough the return of the people from the altar of Be.al to that of J ehove.h? li so, then in this sign the gospel also ie preached to us, We too must be saved from spiritual drought aud death thl'ough repentance towards God and faith in Christ.-J. A. M. Vera. 86-40.-The Triwmph. While Elijah completed his preparations for offering up his sacrifice, the prophets of Re.al, who had failed to vindicate their religion, were hoping that the servant of J ehove.h likewise might fail. It was matter of history that Jehovah he.d answered by fire. (See Gen. iv. 5; Levi!.. ix. 24; Judg. vi 21; 1 Chron. xxi. 26.) About a century before this that fire came from heaven which was etill kept burning upon the altar at Jerusalem (2 Chron. vii. 1). But Carmel is not J eruse.lem; and J ehove.h he.s not promised to record His name here. And, should Elijah fail, then would they fall upon him and destroy him. Yet, on the other hand, he ie an extraordinary servant of Jehovah; his word con- cerning the rain and dew has come true; so me.y his confidence respecting this answer of fire be honoured. Such thoughts flashed through their minds ; but the moment has arrived; the preparations e.re complete. Now observe- I. THE PRAYER, 1. It is offered at the time of the evening sacrifice. (1) The stated evening s&.crifice is now on the temple altar. Elijah holds communion with that altar. He, too, though on Carmel, ie a true worshipper of the God of David. There are differences in religious worship sanctioned by God which must not be ac.::ounted schism. Protestant Nonconformists are not necessarily schismatics. (2) It is the "hour of prayer." Prayer should ascend with the sacrifice ; Christ should be in all our supplications. The hour of prayer was the "ninth hour" (Acts iii 1), that hour in which Jesus "cried with a. loud voice, and yielded up his spirit" (Matt. xxvii 50). So in submission must we yield up our spirits with his in prayer to God. 2. It pleads for the honour of God. (1) It reminds Him of His covenant. "Jehova.h Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel." ·with these patriarchs He he.d established His covenant. They knew nothing of Baa.I's co..-e- nants. (2) "Let it be known this day tho.t thou art God in Israel." Let those who will not acknowledge Thee be confounded. (See Josh. ii. 11.) Let those who repent be reconciled to Thy favour. (3) "Let it be known this day in Ismel thnt I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word." Els0 to have so acted would have been the height of presumption. But with the authority of God mistrust would ha.ve been presumption. We are bound to believe the promises of God. 8. It sues for mercy to the penitent. (1) ''Heo.r me, 0 Jehovo.h, hear me, that this people ma.y know that thou a.rt Jehovah Elohim;" tha.t Thou art the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. (2) "And that thou hast turned their heart be.ck ago.in." The blessings of the covena.nt are conditioned upon faith. Without repentance there is no true faith. (3) How few are the words of this prayer! No vain repetitions. How wide the contrast with the clamour of Bao.I's priests I II. THE RESPONSE. 1. Then the fire of the Lora fell. (1) There was no mis- take about it. It was indeed the "fire of Jehovah "-miraculous fire ; for it worked downwards, contrary to the ordinary operation of fire, which works upwards. 'fhe sacrifice we.s soon consumed. Then the wood. The water was licked up. The very stones e.nd dust were vitrified e.nd volatilized. (2) The destruction of the altar pointed to the pleasure of God that patriarchal high places should be removed, and tha.t a.II Israel should henceforth worship a.t the Levitico.l altar of the ternpfo nt Jerusa.lem. This is the le.et in.stance on record in which God accepted a. sncrifice offered on a patriarchal altar. (8) But where now is Bo.al? Is not thnt celcstinl fire which was worshipped as 11, god completely in the hands of Jehovah? 2. The demonstration was irresistible. (1) '' When oJl the people sa.w it they fell upon tbeir faoes." Here we.a an aot oi reverence towards God, It we.a the sign o.lso of  448 THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. [ OH, xvm. 1-46