Angels From David’s Time to the Babylonian Captivity
93
to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He whom the whole kingdom
has charged with its weight of woe, is now before them, apparently
defenseless in the presence of the monarch of Israel, the prophets of
Baal, the men of war, and the surrounding thousands. But Elijah is
not alone. Above and around him are the protecting hosts of heaven—
angels that excel in strength.—
Prophets and Kings, 147
.
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
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and commanding voice Elijah cries: “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.”—
Testimonies for the
Church 3:280
.
While Israel on Carmel doubt and hesitate, the voice of Elijah
again breaks the silence: “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord;
but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore
give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves,
and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I
will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood and put no fire under:
and call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the
Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.”—
Prophets
and Kings, 148, 149
.
How gladly would Satan, who fell like lightning from heaven, come
to the help of those whom he had deceived, and whose minds he had
controlled, and who were fully devoted to his service. Gladly would
he have sent the lightning and kindled their sacrifices; but Jehovah had
set Satan’s bounds. He had restrained his power, and all his devices
could not convey one spark to Baal’s altars.—
The Review and Herald,
September 30, 1873
.
Did God forsake Elijah in his hour of trial? Oh, no! He loved His
servant no less when Elijah felt himself forsaken of God and man, than
when, in answer to his prayer, fire flashed from heaven and illuminated
the mountain top. And now, as Elijah slept, a soft touch and a pleasant
voice awoke him. He started up in terror, as if to flee, fearing that the
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enemy had discovered him. But the pitying face bending over him
was not the face of an enemy, but of a friend. God had sent an angel