1 Kings 18:34
And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.
1 Kings 18:34 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see a demonstration of persistence and determination by a prophet of God. The prophet instructs his servants to pour water on an altar three times, even though it may seem unnecessary or repetitive. This act symbolizes the prophet's unwavering faith in God's power and his commitment to following God's instructions completely. By repeating the action three times, the prophet emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and obedience in carrying out God's will. This verse serves as a reminder for us to trust in God's guidance and to be diligent in fulfilling His plans, even when it may seem unconventional or difficult. Through this act of faith and obedience, the prophet demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of fully committing to God's commands.
Theological Overview
Some theological interpretations suggest that the repetition of the instructions to pour water on the altar three times in 1 Kings 18:34 symbolizes the completeness and perfection of God's work. The number three often represents divine perfection in the Bible, and this passage may serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power. The act of pouring water on the altar multiple times also demonstrates the faith and obedience of the people in carrying out Elijah's instructions, despite the seemingly illogical nature of the task. Additionally, this verse can be viewed as a foreshadowing of the miraculous fire that comes down from heaven to consume the offering, highlighting the supernatural power and intervention of God in response to sincere worship and obedience.
1 Kings 18:34 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said, Do it the second time; and they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time; and they did it the third time.
World English Bible
He said, “Do it a second time”; and they did it the second time. He said, “Do it a third time”; and they did it the third time.
Douay-Rheims
And he said: Fill four buckets with water, and pour it upon the burnt offering, and upon the wood. And again he said: Do the same the second time. And when they had done it the second time, he said: Do the same also the third time. And they did so the third time.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And said, Fill foure barrels with water, and powre it on the burnt offring and on the wood. Againe he said, Doe so againe. And they did so the second time. And he sayde, Doe it the third time. And they did it the third time.