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If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.&#8221 But the people said nothing. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. <a href="/esv/1_kings/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long are you going to struggle with the two choices? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him so much as a word. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Elijah came near to all the people and said, &#8220How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.&#8221 But the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you be limping between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/amp/1_kings/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people [of Israel] did not answer him [so much as] a word. <a href="/csb/1_kings/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, &#8220How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.&#8221 But the people didn&#8217t answer him a word. <a href="/asv/1_kings/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And 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. <a href="/cev/1_kings/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you try to have things both ways? If the LORD is God, worship him! But if Baal is God, worship him!" The people did not say a word. <a href="/erv/1_kings/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elijah stood up in front of all the people and asked them, "How long will you try to have it both ways? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal is God, follow him." The people didn't say a word. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Elijah went up to the people and said, "How much longer will it take you to make up your minds? If the LORD is God, worship him; but if Baal is God, worship him!" But the people didn't say a word. <a href="/isv/1_kings/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> where Elijah approached all the people and asked them, "How long will you keep hesitating between both sides? If the LORD is God, go after him. If Baal, go after him." But the people didn't say a word. <a href="/msb/1_kings/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, ?How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.? But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/net/1_kings/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Elijah approached all the people and said, "How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision? If the LORD is the true God, then follow him, but if Baal is, follow him!" But the people did not say a word. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Elijah came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you keep limping between two positions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." But the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD is God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. <a href="/web/1_kings/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Elijah came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you waver between the two sides? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people didn’t say a word. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Elijah comes near to all the people and says, “Until when are you leaping on the two branches? If YHWH [is] God, go after Him; and if Ba‘al, go after him”; and the people have not answered him a word. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Elijah cometh nigh unto all the people, and saith, 'Till when are ye leaping on the two branches? -- if Jehovah is God, go after Him; and if Baal, go after him;' and the people have not answered him a word. <a href="/slt/1_kings/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Elijah will draw near to all the people and say, How long halt ye upon two opinions? if Jehovah is God, go ye after him: and if Baal, go ye after him. And the people answered him not a word.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Elias coming to all the people, said: How long do you halt between two sides? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not answer him a word. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Elijah, drawing near to all the people, said: “How long will you waver between two sides? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal is, then follow him.” And the people did not respond a word to him. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you straddle the issue? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people did not answer him a word.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Elijah came near to all the people, and said, How long will you halt between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him, but if Baal is god, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Elyah came near to all the people and said: “How long are you divided into two divisions? If LORD JEHOVAH is God, go after him, and if Baala is, go after him!” And the people did not give him an answer.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said: 'How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' And the people answered him not a word. <a href="/sep/1_kings/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Eliu drew near to them all: and Eliu said to them, How long wilt ye halt on both feet? if the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, follow him. And the people answered not a word. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm">Elijah on Mount Carmel</a> …20So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21<a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">Then Elijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gaš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">“How long</a> <a href="/hebrew/4970.htm" title="4970: mā·ṯay (Interrog) -- When?. From an unused root meaning to extend; properly, extent; but used only adverbially, when."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">will you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6452.htm" title="6452: pō·sə·ḥîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to hop, i.e. skip over; by implication, to hesitate; also to limp, to dance.">waver</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·tê (Number-fdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/5587.htm" title="5587: has·sə·‘ip·pîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Divided, a sentiment. Or samiph; from ca'aph; divided, i.e. a sentiment.">opinions?</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">is God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">Him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1168.htm" title="1168: hab·ba·‘al (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Baal -- a heathen god. The same as ba'al; Baal, a Phoenician deity.">Baal is God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">him.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">But the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To answer, respond.">answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a word.</a> 22Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a> No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15-16</a> I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! / So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, / and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” <a href="/james/1-8.htm">James 1:8</a> He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-15</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Jeremiah 2:13</a> “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water. <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Ezekiel 20:39</a> And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols. <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a> No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” <a href="/hosea/10-2.htm">Hosea 10:2</a> Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars. <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, <a href="/psalms/119-113.htm">Psalm 119:113</a> The double-minded I despise, but Your law I love.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.How long<a href="/deuteronomy/4-35.htm">Deuteronomy 4:35</a> Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.<a href="/2_kings/17-41.htm">2 Kings 17:41</a> So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.<a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Zephaniah 1:5</a> And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;opinions.<a href="/1_kings/18-39.htm">1 Kings 18:39</a> And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.<a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Exodus 5:1,2</a> And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness… <a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15,23,24</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD… answered<a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50</a> Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.<a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16</a> And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.<a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4,5</a> Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/18-19.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-19.htm">Ba'al</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Balancing</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-2.htm">Different</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-10.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Halt</a> <a href="/judges/18-9.htm">Hesitate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-19.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Waver</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-20.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-12.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-25.htm">Ba'al</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Balancing</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">Different</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-20.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Halt</a> <a href="/job/30-10.htm">Hesitate</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-1.htm">Waver</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-31.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-46.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 18</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah</a> 9. <a href="/1_kings/18-9.htm">Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah</a> 17. <a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets</a> 41. <a href="/1_kings/18-41.htm">Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Elijah approached all the people and said, Elijah, a prophet of God, takes a bold step in confronting the Israelites. This event occurs on Mount Carmel, a significant location for both religious and historical reasons. Elijah's approach signifies a direct challenge to the prevailing idolatry in Israel, where the worship of Baal had become widespread under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel's influence. Elijah's role as a prophet is to call the people back to the covenant with Yahweh, emphasizing the need for decisive action.“How long will you waver between two opinions? This question highlights the spiritual indecision and syncretism among the Israelites. The term "waver" suggests a limping or hesitating movement, indicating a lack of commitment. The Israelites were attempting to serve both Yahweh and Baal, which was contrary to the first commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>). This indecision is a recurring theme in Israel's history, where the people often struggled with faithfulness to God amidst surrounding pagan influences.If the LORD is God, follow Him. Elijah presents a clear choice, urging the people to follow Yahweh if they recognize Him as the true God. This echoes the covenantal language found throughout the Old Testament, where God calls His people to exclusive worship and obedience (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>). The call to "follow" implies a total commitment and lifestyle change, aligning with the Shema's command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.But if Baal is God, follow him.” Elijah sets up a direct comparison between Yahweh and Baal, challenging the people to choose whom they will serve. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, and his worship included various rituals that were abominable to the God of Israel. This statement underscores the futility of serving false gods and the need for discernment in recognizing the true source of life and blessing.But the people did not answer a word. The silence of the people indicates their spiritual paralysis and fear. This moment of silence can be seen as a reflection of their guilt and confusion, as they are confronted with the truth of their unfaithfulness. It also sets the stage for the dramatic demonstration of God's power that follows, where Elijah calls down fire from heaven to prove Yahweh's supremacy. This silence is reminiscent of other biblical moments where God's people are called to choose whom they will serve, such as Joshua's challenge in <a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a> A prophet of the LORD, Elijah is a central figure in this passage, challenging the Israelites to choose between God and Baal. His role is pivotal in demonstrating God's power and calling the people back to faithfulness. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The Israelites are the audience of Elijah's challenge. They are caught in a state of indecision, wavering between worshiping the LORD and Baal. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_carmel.htm">Mount Carmel</a> The location where this confrontation takes place. It is significant as a high place often associated with worship, making it a fitting setting for this spiritual showdown. 4. <a href="/topical/b/baal.htm">Baal</a> A Canaanite deity, representing the false gods that the Israelites were tempted to follow. Baal worship was prevalent and a major source of spiritual conflict for Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_decision.htm">The Event of Decision</a> This moment is a call to decision, where Elijah challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, setting the stage for the dramatic demonstration of God's power that follows.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_decision.htm">The Necessity of Decision</a> Elijah's challenge underscores the importance of making a clear decision in our faith. We cannot serve both God and the world; we must choose whom we will follow. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_indecision.htm">The Danger of Indecision</a> The Israelites' silence in response to Elijah's question highlights the peril of indecision. Indecision can lead to spiritual stagnation and compromise. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_faithfulness.htm">The Call to Faithfulness</a> Just as Elijah called the Israelites to return to the LORD, we are called to remain faithful to God, rejecting the idols of our time, whether they be materialism, power, or other distractions. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god.htm">The Power of God</a> The subsequent events on Mount Carmel demonstrate God's power and faithfulness. Trusting in God means believing in His ability to act and intervene in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_prophet.htm">The Role of the Prophet</a> Elijah's boldness in confronting the people and the prophets of Baal serves as a model for standing firm in our convictions and speaking truth in a culture that may be hostile to it.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 18</a> <a href="/q/are_you_wavering_between_two_opinions.htm">Are you wavering between two opinions?</a> <a href="/q/does_elijah's_challenge_align_with_monotheism.htm">How does Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:21–24 align or conflict with other biblical teachings on monotheism? </a> <a href="/q/can_miracles_exist_if_they_defy_nature.htm">How can miracles be real if they defy natural laws?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_double-minded_mean.htm">What is the meaning of being double-minded?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) How long halt ye between two opinions?--In this exclamation is expressed the very motto of Elijah's life. It is that of righteous impatience of the "halting" (i.e., limping to and fro) "between two opinions--at all times more dangerous, because more easy, than open apostasy--which was evidently characteristic of Ahab, and probably of the mass of the people. It might have suited well the accommodating genius of such polytheism as had been brought into Israel since the days of Solomon himself, but was utterly incompatible with the sole absolute claim of the worship of Jehovah. Perhaps Jezebel would have scorned it equally for Baal. Compare the indignant expostulation of Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/20-31.htm" title="For when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, you pollute yourselves with all your idols, even to this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, said the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.">Ezekiel 20:31</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm" title="As for you, O house of Israel, thus said the Lord GOD; Go you, serve you every one his idols, and hereafter also, if you will not listen to me: but pollute you my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.">Ezekiel 20:39</a>). The question, once clearly understood, is always unanswerable, and is listened to here in awestruck silence.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - And Elijah came unto all the people [He is concerned not so much with the king as the people of the Lord. His object was not "to prove that Ahab and not he had troubled Israel," but to prove that Jehovah and not Baal was God. There is abundant room on the plateau, or "wide upland sweep" (Stanley), above referred to, to accommodate a large concourse of people], and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? [This is a faithful and felicitous rendering. But it must be remembered that "halt" is used in the sense of "limp." Vulg. Usquequo claudicatis in duas partes. The same word is used in ver. 26 of the swaying, tottering dance of the Baal prophets.] If the Lord be God [Heb. if Jehovah the God], follow him [Heb. go (i.e., walk straight) after him]: but if Baal, then follow him And the people answered him not a word. [Not only were they awed by the presence of the king and the priests of Baal on the one side, and of Elijah on the other, but they were "convicted by their own consciences," and so were speechless (<a href="/matthew/22-12.htm">Matthew 22:12</a>).] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Elijah אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites approached וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ (way·yig·gaš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and said, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “How long עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while will you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you waver פֹּסְחִים֮ (pō·sə·ḥîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6452.htm">Strong's 6452: </a> To hop, skip over, to hesitate, to limp, to dance between עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against two שְׁתֵּ֣י (šə·tê) Number - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) opinions? הַסְּעִפִּים֒ (has·sə·‘ip·pîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5587.htm">Strong's 5587: </a> Divided, a sentiment If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel is God, הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative follow לְכ֣וּ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk Him. אַחֲרָ֔יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part But if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not Baal [is], הַבַּ֖עַל (hab·ba·‘al) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1168.htm">Strong's 1168: </a> Baal -- a heathen god follow לְכ֣וּ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk him.” אַחֲרָ֑יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part But the people הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no answer עָנ֥וּ (‘ā·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond a word. דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 18:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>