Reading for September 10th

 Read 1 Kings 18.30-46. In verses 30-32: Elijah's repair and use of an altar away from Jerusalem would not have been approved by the deuteronomistic historian and is one indication that the stories in chs. 17-19 are a later insertion. In verse 32: Two measures (Heb., two "se'ahs") of seed was about three pecks or seven gallons, though this seems too small for the amount indicated in the story. Some have suggested that it refers to the amount of land that could be planted by two measures of seed. But this seems inappropriately large. In verses 33-35: The point of drenching the sacrifice is to make clear that the fire is not accidental and does not origin at on the earth. It also makes the test all the more difficult in order to impress the audience with the Lord's power, especially during a drought. In verses 36-39: The Lord answers by sending lightening onto the altar, and the people recognize that Yahweh is the true God, who controls the storm and fertility. In verse 40: The slaughter of the prophets of Baal counters Jezebel's slaughter of the Lord's prophets. In verse 41: Elijah tells Ahab to eat and drink. Ahab may have been fasting for ritual purposes before and during the contest. In verses 42-45: Elijah's calls for the end of the drought is yet one  more sign of the Lord's control over the elements and of Elijah's prowess as a man of God. In verse 46: Jezreel was about 17 miles away! Elijah was able to out run Ahab's chariot because the hand of the Lord was on [hand] often signifies power. Comments or Questions..