1 Kings 18:29
And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
1 Kings 18:29 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 1 Kings 18:29 depicts a crucial moment in the story of the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The prophets of Baal had been calling on their god to send fire to consume their sacrifice, but to no avail. Despite their fervent pleas and actions, there was no response from their deity. In contrast, Elijah had just finished preparing his altar and sacrifice to the one true God, Yahweh. As the time for the evening sacrifice approached, Elijah confidently prayed to God, knowing that He would answer. This verse highlights the stark difference between the false prophets who received no response and the true prophet of God who was answered with fire from heaven. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel, who alone deserves our worship and devotion.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the prophet Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove the power of their respective gods. As the prophets of Baal cried out to their god for hours with no response, Elijah mocked them, suggesting that perhaps their god was asleep or away on a journey. The verse highlights the silence and lack of response from the false gods that the prophets of Baal served. The theological interpretation of this passage emphasizes the contrast between the idols of the nations and the one true God of Israel. The word "prophesied" in this verse can also be understood as frantic and frenzied actions as the prophets of Baal desperately tried to evoke a response from their deity. The silence and lack of response serve to highlight the powerlessness of false gods and the supremacy of the Lord God who ultimately answers Elijah's prayer and demonstrates His authority.
1 Kings 18:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the [evening] oblation; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. [
World English Bible
It was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the offering; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any who regarded.
Douay-Rheims
And after midday was past, and while they were prophesying, the time was come of offering sacrifice, and there was no voice heard, nor did any one answer, nor regard them as they prayed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when midday was passed, and they had prophecied vntil the offring of the euening sacrifice, there was neither voyce, nor one to answere, nor any that regarded.