1 Kings 18:34: “‘Do it again,’ he said, and they did it again. ‘Do it a third time,’ he ordered, and they did it the third time.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Elijah instructs the people to pour water on the altar and the offering a total of three times. By doing this, Elijah makes it even more impossible for the sacrifice to be consumed by fire through any natural means. The water-soaked wood and the trench surrounding the altar, now filled with water, ensure that only a miraculous act of God could set the sacrifice ablaze. Elijah’s actions emphasize his faith in God’s power and make it clear that when fire comes, it will be an undeniable demonstration of God’s intervention.

Historical Context

This event takes place during Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. At this point in Israel’s history, the people had largely turned away from the worship of the Lord and were worshiping Baal, influenced by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal was meant to show the people which god was real and worthy of worship. By asking for the sacrifice to be drenched in water three times, Elijah is showing that God’s power far exceeds that of Baal, who had failed to respond to the prophets’ cries. The added water symbolizes that humanly speaking, it was impossible for the offering to catch fire, heightening the impact of the miracle that was about to occur.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse underscores the theme of God’s ability to do the impossible. Elijah deliberately makes the task harder by soaking the altar with water, ensuring that no one could attribute the coming miracle to human effort or natural causes. This act is a declaration of total dependence on God, reflecting a trust that God can act powerfully, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. It teaches us that faith in God often involves trusting Him to work in ways that go beyond human expectations or abilities. Elijah’s faith in this moment serves as a model for believers to trust in God’s power, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Literary Analysis

The repetition of “do it again” and “do it a third time” creates a sense of escalation and builds tension in the story. Each time the water is poured over the sacrifice, the likelihood of it catching fire diminishes—at least from a human perspective. This repetition emphasizes the certainty that when fire does come, it can only be the work of God. The deliberate buildup through Elijah’s instructions makes the coming miracle even more dramatic, highlighting the contrast between the futility of Baal’s prophets and the power of the Lord.

Biblical Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This passage emphasizes that God can do what seems impossible, much like Elijah’s confidence that God can consume a water-soaked offering.
  • Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
  • Luke 18:27: Jesus says, “What is impossible with man is possible with God,” which echoes Elijah’s trust that God can do the impossible.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, this verse is a powerful reminder that no situation is too difficult for God to handle. Elijah’s deliberate soaking of the altar shows that he wasn’t afraid of making things more challenging because he knew that God’s power is not limited by natural circumstances. In our lives, we often face situations that seem impossible, but this verse encourages us to have faith that God can work in miraculous ways. It also challenges us to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God can intervene, even when things seem stacked against us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His willingness to demonstrate His power to His people. Even though Israel had turned away from Him and followed false gods, God was still willing to reveal Himself in a miraculous way to draw them back. Elijah’s act of soaking the altar was a setup for God to show His power and remind the people that He had not abandoned them. God’s love is patient and persistent, always calling His people back to a relationship with Him. This verse reflects how God goes to great lengths to show His love and faithfulness, even when His people have strayed.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Elijah’s dramatic preparation for God’s miraculous fire points forward to the ultimate miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. Just as Elijah made it impossible for the altar to catch fire naturally, Jesus’ death on the cross seemed like the ultimate defeat, an impossible situation. But just as God sent fire to consume the offering on Mount Carmel, He raised Jesus from the dead, proving that God’s power overcomes even death. Elijah’s confidence in God’s ability to act foreshadows the trust we can have in Jesus, who overcame the impossible to offer salvation to all who believe (Romans 8:11).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. Are there areas in your life where you feel like the circumstances are impossible? How can Elijah’s example of faith challenge you to trust in God’s ability to do the impossible?
  2. Elijah’s actions were bold and deliberate, showing his complete trust in God’s power. How can you take bold steps of faith, trusting that God can work even when the odds seem against you?
  3. How does this story remind you of God’s love and faithfulness, even when His people have turned away from Him? How can you apply that truth to your own walk with God?