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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
apostate leader is overawed, and he tremblingly follows the direction
of the stern prophet of God.
The people assemble upon Mount Carmel, a place of beauty when
the dew and rain fall upon it causing it to flourish; but now its beauty is
languishing under the curse of God. Upon this mount, which was the
excellency of groves and flowers, Baal’s prophets had erected altars for
their pagan worship. This mountain was conspicuous; it overlooked
the surrounding countries and was in sight of a large portion of the
kingdom. As God had been signally dishonored by the idolatrous
worship carried on here, Elijah chose this as the most conspicuous
place for the display of God’s power and to vindicate His honor.
Jezebel’s prophets, eight hundred and fifty in number, like a regi-
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ment of soldiers prepared for battle, march out in a body with instru-
mental music and imposing display. But there is trembling in their
hearts as they consider that at the word of this prophet of Jehovah the
land of Israel has been destitute of dew and rain three years. They feel
that some fearful crisis is at hand. They had trusted in their gods, but
could not unsay the words of Elijah and prove him false. Their gods
were indifferent to their frantic cries, prayers, and sacrifices.
Elijah, early in the morning, stands upon Mount Carmel, sur-
rounded by apostate Israel and the prophets of Baal. A lone man in
that vast multitude, he stands undaunted. He whom the whole king-
dom has charged with its weight of woe is before them, unterrified and
unattended by visible armies and imposing display. He stands, clad
in his coarse garment, with awful solemnity in his countenance, as
though fully aware of his sacred commission as the servant of God to
execute His commands. Elijah fastens his eyes upon the highest ridge
of mountains where had stood the altar of Jehovah when the mountain
was covered with flourishing trees and flowers. The blight of God is
now upon it; all the desolation of Israel is in full view of the neglected,
torn-down altar of Jehovah, and in sight are the altars of Baal. Ahab
stands at the head of the priests of Baal, and all wait in anxious, fearful
expectation for the words of Elijah.
In the full light of the sun, surrounded by thousands,—men of war,
prophets of Baal, and the monarch of Israel,—stands the defenseless
man, Elijah, apparently alone, yet not alone. The most powerful host
of heaven surrounds him. Angels who excel in strength have come
from heaven to shield the faithful and righteous prophet. With stern