1 Reis 18
Thomas Constable · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 18
Constable points out that "the Phoenicians regarded Carmel as a sacred dwelling place of Baal. Storms with lightning and thunder were common on Mount Carmel, and Baal worshippers viewed them as manifestations of their deity. The name “Carmel” means “the garden land,” and it was famous for its fertility. In the minds of many, Baal had the advantage in this contest. Warren
1 Reis 18
Constable: Yahweh’s altar at that site (one of the high places?) had fallen into disrepair (v. 30). Elijah rebuilt it, as the Mosaic Covenant specified, with 12 uncut stones symbolic of Israel’s 12 tribes. There was still only one Lord, one covenant, and one nation with one destiny in the plans and purposes of God, even though the nation had split into two parts. 1 Kings 18:31 Elijah took twelve stones according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” twelve stones: Ex 24:4 Jos 4:3,4,20 Ezr 6:17 Jer 31:1 Eze 37:16-22 47:13 Eph 2:20 4:4-6 Rev 7:4-8 21:12 saying: Ge 32:28 33:20 35:10 2Ki 17:34 Isa 48:1 CONSECRATION OF THE ALTAR Elijah took twelve stones according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob - Yes they were divided but the 12 stones symbolized their unity which was God's intent.