In Semitic languages, such as Hebrew, the word “Baal” means ruler, owner, lord, master, head, and in Modern Hebrew it also means husband.

Therefore, we can understand that Elijah’s challenge was not just with a false god, or an idol among others, because Baal was the ruler of the gods, the head, the dominant alpha to whom the greatest sacrifices were offered. Baal was considered the most powerful of all the idols of the time.

From this point of view, Elijah’s challenge becomes even more relevant, since there was an entire organized worship with priestesses to Baal.

But Elijah, being only one, challenged the “ruler” (Baal), saying: “If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” (1 Kings 18.21)

The answer then came from the lack of response from an idol that was not a god, but the Lord answered with fire (an element present in all sacrifices, because when fire appeared out of nowhere without man igniting it, it was because something supernatural was happening), proving that He is God – the True Ruler.

Today, the Israel Challenge in the faith of Elijah is a similar challenge, the Great God of Israel will descend fire upon the lives of those who reject the Baalim (rulers) of this world to entrust their lives to the Lord of all things.

God bless you!

Collaborated by: Bishop Aroldo Martins