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1 Kings 18:38

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 18:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then the fire of Jehovah fell, and consumed the burnt-offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then the fire of Jehovah fell, and consumed the burnt-offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
1 Kings 18:38 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.
36And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the [evening] oblation, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.
37Hear me, O Jehovah, hear me, that this people may know that thou, Jehovah, art God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again.
38Then the fire of Jehovah fell, and consumed the burnt-offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Jehovah, he is God; Jehovah, he is God.
40and Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
41And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.
← 1 Kings 18:371 Kings 18:39 →
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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
“Then the fire of the Lord fell, etc.] An extraordinary fire from God out of heaven, as the effects of it show: and consumed the burnt sacrifice; as it had done in former instances, (<030924>Leviticus 9:24 <070621>Judges 6:21 <132126>1 Chronicles 21:26 <140701>2 Chronicles 7:1,3), and besides this, which is still more extraordinary, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust; of the altar, thereby signifying that even such were not to be used any more: and licked up the water that was in the trench; around the altar, (see <111832>1 Kings 18:32).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The fire of the Lord fell - This cannot have been a flash of lightning. It was altogether, in its nature as well as in its opportuneness, miraculous. Compare the marginal references for the conduct of the people. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“Consumed - Solomon's altar was consecrated by fire from heaven; but this was destroyed, because no more to be used. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:39”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:38-39 Whether by lightning strike or more supernatural means, the Lord sent fire to consume everything, including all the water in the trench. This was convincing proof that the Lord is God. The continuing story demonstrates conclusively that the Lord, not Baal, has control over fire, water, and the weather.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Then the: Gen 15:17; Lev 9:24; Jdg 6:21; Ch1 21:26; Ch2 7:1 fire: Kg1 18:24; Lev 10:2; Kg2 1:12; Job 1:16; Isa 31:9 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:39”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification