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1 Kings 18:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 18:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.
1 Kings 18:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
21And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
22Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, am left a prophet of Jehovah; but Baal`s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
23Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.
24And call ye on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Jehovah; and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.
25And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under.
26And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped about the altar which was made.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let them therefore give us two bullocks, etc.] Who, being so many, were better able to be at the expense of them, and having the king on their party too; though perhaps no more is meant than that two bullocks should be brought thither, and presented before them: and let them choose one bullock for themselves; which of the two they would, if they thought one was any ways preferable to the other, it was at their option to take it: and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood; as sacrifices usually were: and put no fire under; which was wont to be done for burnt offerings, as this was designed to be: and I will dress the other bullock; by slaying and cutting it in pieces; and lay it on wood: as for…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let then, &c. - To put this controversy to a short issue. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:24”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:23-24 The Lord’s presence was attested by fire (Exod 9:23; 19:18; 40:38; Deut 4:24; 2 Chr 7:1; Isa 66:15; Amos 7:4), which could have been lightning (cp. Ps 18:12-13; Ezek 1:13-14; Zech 9:14). The contest would demonstrate whether the Canaanite storm-god Baal or the God of Israel was the true God; only the true God could set fire to the wood (cp. Lev 9:24).”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification