Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 46, 47.
Analysis of Lesson 46: A Test on Mount Carmel
What was the trial on Mount Carmel?
The test consisted of preparing two offerings: one by the 450 prophets of Baal and the other by Elijah. Each group had to invoke their god, and the god who responded by sending fire from heaven to consume the offering would be the true God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The test on Mount Carmel consisted of the 450 prophets of Baal preparing an offering and calling upon their god. Elijah would also prepare an offering and call upon Jehovah. The god who answered by sending fire to consume the offering would be the true God.
The test on Mount Carmel was a simple yet decisive demonstration, allowing the people to clearly distinguish the true God. The prophets of Baal and Elijah each prepared an offering, without lighting any fire. Afterward, each side would invoke their god, and the one who responded with fire from heaven would be recognized as the true God.
This test was of great value because it was public, clear, and easy to understand. It left no room for doubt, deception, or human interpretation. The people were able to witness firsthand who had the real power to act. Thus, Jehovah let the facts speak for themselves and let each person decide whom they should worship.
How did Jehovah answer Elijah's prayer?
After Elijah prayed, “O Lord, let the people see that you are the true God,” the Lord immediately responded by sending fire from heaven that consumed the offering. In this way, he made it clear to all the people that he is the true God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah answered Elijah's prayer immediately and clearly by sending fire from heaven, which completely consumed the offering. Even though it was soaked with water, nothing remained unburned, making it clear that the event had no human explanation. This visible and direct answer eliminated all doubt about who the true God was.
The most remarkable aspect is that Jehovah responded to a humble and sincere plea. Elijah did not request that sign to exalt himself or demonstrate his own power, but so that the people would recognize Jehovah and return to true worship. This shows that Jehovah listens to and supports prayers made with pure motives, and acts when the purpose is to honor his name and strengthen the faith of others.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is the only true God, who listens to sincere prayers, upholds pure worship, and acts justly. Furthermore, it shows that he does not tolerate idolatry and blesses those who trust in him completely.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account teaches us that Jehovah is not indifferent to idolatry or injustice, but acts at the opportune time to defend his pure worship.
It teaches us that Jehovah listens to and answers sincere prayers, keeps his promises, and has complete control over nature. Furthermore, it shows that he supports and strengthens those who are faithful to him, even when they are in the minority.
This account confirms that Jehovah is the only true God and that his power is real, not symbolic or imaginary. While the false gods remained silent, Jehovah acted clearly and visibly, showing that he listens, responds, and exercises authority even over nature. No complex explanations were needed; his actions spoke for themselves.
This account strengthens our confidence, reminding us that we do not follow human ideas or traditions, but rather serve a God who acts and fulfills his promises. Seeing how Jehovah responded at the right time assures us that he remains the same today: reliable, powerful, and fully worthy of all our worship.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn the importance of making a firm decision for Jehovah and not wavering between true and false worship. It also teaches us to trust in Jehovah's power, even when we are in the minority, and to remember that obedience and sincere faith always receive his support and blessing.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn to trust fully in Jehovah, even when we face opposition or difficult circumstances. He also encourages us to be courageous in defending our faith, to obey Jehovah loyally, and to remember that, with his help, we can overcome any trial.
This account teaches us that worshipping Jehovah does not allow for indecision. Elijah helped the people understand that it was no longer possible to waver between Jehovah and Baal; a firm decision was necessary. That teaching remains highly relevant today, for Jehovah expects his servants to serve him with complete devotion, not half-heartedly.
In everyday life, this reminds us that we cannot try to please both the world and Jehovah at the same time. Our decisions, attitudes, and actions reveal whom we give priority to.
We learn that being steadfast does not mean being perfect, but rather maintaining consistency and loyalty. When we demonstrate through our actions that Jehovah takes first place in our lives, our faith is strengthened, and we give clear testimony of whom we truly worship.
Analysis of Lesson 47: Jehovah Strengthens Elijah
Why did Elijah flee?
Elijah fled because he was afraid of Jezebel, who threatened to kill him after learning what had happened to the prophets of Baal. The prophet was very tired and discouraged, so, feeling alone and powerless, he escaped to the desert and even wished for death.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Elijah fled because Jezebel was furious when she learned what had happened to the prophets of Baal and, through a messenger, threatened him with death. Filled with fear, Elijah escaped to the desert, where he prayed, saying, “Jehovah, I can’t take it anymore. I want to die.”
Elijah fled because he had reached an extreme level of exhaustion, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. After the immense stress he experienced on Mount Carmel, Jezebel's direct threat was the decisive factor that overwhelmed him. Fear, combined with accumulated fatigue, led him to believe he no longer had the strength to continue. His flight did not reflect cowardice, but rather the profound depletion of a faithful servant who had given everything in service to Jehovah.
When Elijah realized that the opposition persisted, he began to believe that his efforts had been in vain. He even wished he could die, revealing how despondent he felt. This account helps us understand that even loyal servants can reach their limit and that Jehovah understands and takes into account such moments of weakness.
What did Jehovah say to Elijah?
Jehovah spoke to him in a calm, gentle voice and assured him that he was not alone, for there were still 7,000 people in Israel who continued to worship Him. Furthermore, He gave him new instructions: to tell Elisha that he was the chosen one to be a prophet after Elijah, thus reminding him that he still had His support.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah asked him, “What are you doing here?” Elijah replied that the Israelites had not kept their promise to him, had destroyed his altars and killed his prophets, and now they wanted to kill him too.
Jehovah told Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain. Then a very strong wind blew, then there was an earthquake, and after that, a fire.
Jehovah, in a calm and gentle voice, asked Elijah why he had fled. Elijah replied that he was the only prophet left. But Jehovah told him that he was not alone and that there were still 7,000 people in Israel who worshipped him. He also instructed him to go and tell Elisha that he was the one chosen to be a prophet after him.
Jehovah helped Elijah understand that his viewpoint was clouded by weariness and discouragement and did not reflect the whole picture. He let him know that he was not alone, for there were still 7,000 faithful servants who had not bowed down to Baal. In this way, Jehovah corrected Elijah’s notion that he was the only one serving him and enabled him to realize that his work had not been in vain.
Jehovah restored Elijah’s spirits by giving him a new purpose. Instead of dismissing him for running away, he kept him involved in his plans and entrusted him with an important assignment: to anoint Elisha as his successor. This shows that Jehovah does not abandon his servants when they face difficult times; on the contrary, he strengthens them, encourages them, and continues to trust them.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is compassionate, patient, and very considerate toward his servants. He understands when we are tired, discouraged, or afraid, and he does not rebuke us harshly, but rather strengthens us with tenderness.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account teaches us that Jehovah cares for the physical and emotional needs of his servants, listens to them attentively, and speaks to them in a calm and gentle voice. Furthermore, it reminds us that we are never alone, for there are always other faithful servants who serve him.
This account shows us that Jehovah is a God who sees beyond our personal impressions and gently corrects us. Elijah was convinced that he was the only one who remained faithful, but Jehovah patiently showed him that there were still 7,000 servants who continued to worship him. He did not ridicule or shame him; he simply helped him broaden his perspective.
This account reminds us that Jehovah sees the whole picture, while we perceive only a part. When we feel alone, like failures, or worthless, Jehovah knows that this is not the reality, and through his Word, our meetings, and our brothers and sisters, he helps us to see the circumstances from his perspective.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that when we feel exhausted or discouraged, we can confidently turn to Jehovah and express our feelings to him. Furthermore, this account encourages us not to think of ourselves as alone, but to accept his guidance and obey his instructions, confident that he will give us the support we need to keep going.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One practical lesson is that even a loyal servant can reach their limit and need support, without this signifying a lack of faith or spiritual weakness. Elijah had worked intensely for true worship, but there came a time when weariness, fear, and a sense of loneliness affected him. Jehovah did not demand perfection from him; He understood his feelings.
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