Old Testament Bible Study Template
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Liberty University *
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Feb 20, 2024
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BIBL 105
O
LD
T
ESTAMENT
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
T
EMPLATE
I
NSTRUCTIONS
For this assignment in three parts, you will be studying the Old Testament story of “Elijah and the Prophets of Baal” found in 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1–46. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have learned through your reading in Everyday Bible Study (
EBS
). You will complete this template in three parts and submit the same document each time, incorporating feedback from the instructor for each submission.
I. Observation
A. I have read 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1–46 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You can find various Bible translations by searching for them online (
EBS
ch. 16).
o
Yes
o
No
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying (
EBS
chs. 15 & 33).
1. Main characters: (List them)
Elijah
Ahab
Jezebel
Obadiah
Prophets of Baal
The Israelites
2. Plot: (50–100 words)
A prophet from the Lord named Elijah approaches King Ahab and tells him that the drought is ending. Ahab is given the order by Elijah to assemble the Israelites and the Baal prophets atop Mount Carmel.
Elijah challenges the Baal prophets to a competition to
find the real God. Each side is supposed to be ready to make a sacrifice and ask their gods to send fire to consume it. The genuine God will be acknowledged as the one who responds with fire.
The prophets of Baal make a valiant effort to invoke their god, but they receive no response. Elijah mocks them, implying that maybe Baal isn't awake or is elsewhere. In their desperation, the prophets even go so far as to slash themselves, yet nothing helps.
Elijah is ready to offer his sacrifice and fixes the Lord's broken altar. Then,
in a prayer, he asks God to make Himself known. Without delay, fire descends from heaven, devouring not just the offering but also the surrounding wood, stone, and water in the trench surrounding the altar.
The people confess that the Lord is God as they fall flat on their faces in awe of this amazing demonstration of God's power. Elijah takes advantage of the chance to lead the people in the capture and killing of Baal's false prophets.
Elijah instructs Ahab to go eat and drink since he can hear a lot of rain falling. Page 1 of 5
BIBL 105
After ascending to the summit of Mount Carmel, Elijah passionately prays for rain, and a cloud forms, ending the protracted drought.
3. Story structure: (50–100 words)
Inciting Incident:
The extreme drought that has hit Israel is the catalyst for 1 Kings Chapter 18 events. People are in great pain and despair as a result of this drought. The prophet Elijah is prompted by the circumstances to approach King Ahab and suggest a contest to determine the true God on
Mount Carmel.
Rising Action:
As Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a competition on Mount Carmel, the event picks
up steam. Both parties get ready to offer sacrifices, and the genuine God will be acknowledged as the one who responds with fire. The prophets of Baal demonstrate the futility of false deities by making earnest but futile attempts to invoke their god. Tension rises as the crowd observes the show while Elijah taunts them.
Climax:
Elijah's call to the God of Israel following his repair of the Lord's altar and preparation of his
sacrifice sets up the climax. God answers with a powerful display of fire that consumes not just the sacrifice but also the wood, stones, and water in the trench surrounding the altar. This story's climax is this amazing manifestation of divine power.
Falling Action:
The culminating moment is followed by the falling activity. The people fall on their faces and profess that the Lord is God after seeing the Lord's unmistakable might. Elijah takes advantage of the situation and orders the people to seize the prophets of Baal, which results in their imprisonment and eventual execution. Elijah also orders King Ahab to go eat as a sign that the severe drought is about to end—hears big rain.
C. List basic observations about this passage using the Key Questions from EBS
ch. 17.
1.
Who: The Israelites, Elijah's attendant, Obadiah, Ahab (Jezebel), the prophets of Baal.
2.
What: Under the dishonest guidance of Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal, the Israelites deviated from God. Obadiah was fearful of Jezebel while being obedient to God, as she had slaughtered all of God's prophets save for the one hundred he had concealed. Elijah responded to God's summons to take action. He defied the Baal prophets and ordered no rain. Page 2 of 5
BIBL 105
Elijah consented to be used in order to reveal to the Israelites who the real God was and win them over to Him again. He put an end to the Baal prophets. Even though his servant was blind, he declared that rain was imminent. God gave Elijah the power to run ahead of Ahab’s chariot and return to Jezreel before him.
3.
Where: The Northern Kingdom of Israel is where this happened. Mount Carmel is located in the northwest region of the kingdom, close to the Mediterranean Sea.
4.
When: The events in this passage took place between 874 and 853 BC, during Ahab's rule.
5.
Why: Elijah desires to restore the Israelites' devotion to God .
6.
How: Elijah defied Ahab and Jezebel to achieve this. Elijah demonstrated via the power of the Lord that God was who He claimed to be and that He possessed greater strength than Baal. He showed his faith by racing ahead of Ahab and his entourage, proving that the rain would eventually fall, even though the fire would first arrive.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1–2 paragraphs (100–400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember, the Old Testament narratives frequently communicate truth by showing it to us in story form instead of telling it to us by way of teaching or sermon. See EBS
ch. 28.
The main point of 1 Kings chapter 18 is to highlight the power and superiority of the God
of Israel over the false gods worshipped by the people. The author emphasizes this through the story of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal and the miraculous display of God's fire consuming the sacrifice.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able to express this principle in 1–3 sentences. See EBS
ch. 33.
This story serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's sovereignty.
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length. See EBS
chs. 1–2.
The narrative of 1 Kings 18 fits seamlessly within the metanarrative of the Bible as it highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil. It showcases God's power and faithfulness, contrasting it with the idolatry and wickedness of the people. This narrative serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of staying faithful to Him.
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BIBL 105
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length. See EBS
ch. 29.
The principle of good vs evil is indeed reflected throughout the Scriptures. It can be seen in various Old Testament narratives, such as the struggle between Cain and Abel, the battle of David against Goliath, and the constant conflict between the Israelites and their enemies. This principle is consistently emphasized in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the ongoing battle between righteousness and wickedness.
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length. See EBS
ch. 30.
In 1 Kings 18, we witness the prophet Elijah's unwavering faith and courage as he confronts the false prophets of Baal. This mirrors the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fearlessly stood against the religious hypocrisy of his time, ultimately sacrificing himself on the cross to save humanity. Both exemplify the principle of unwavering faith and dedication to the truth.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application (
EBS ch. 31)? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation
for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100–200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
Elijah was compelled to correct the people of Israel. It says that
the people of Israel were swaying between two options which were Baal, a false God and God of Abraham. What should I do question came into play when Elijah told Ahab to meet him at Mt. Carmel and all the Israelites to finally determine who’s god is the true God. There was absolutely no reason for Ahab to agree to do this and for all we know, Ahab could have killed Elijah and continued to worship Baal, but Elijah had a command from God and through the power of God. Ahab agreed, protecting
B. The question of character
Page 4 of 5
BIBL 105
Elijah was a dedicated servant of the Lord in a time when it was very dangerous to even believe in or
worship the true God. There are many strengths in his life that we can learn from.
Faith
- There were several times in his life when Elijah demonstrated great faith in God. He confronted Ahab at the very beginning of the account, and God used him to bring a drought onto
the land. Soon after that he pleaded with God to raise up the dead boy and God listened to him.
Obedience- God issued incredibly challenging instructions to Elijah on multiple occasions. He
instructed him to wait beside a river, where the ravens would take care of him. It was Elijah. God
told him to go and rely on the support of a destitute widow. It was Elijah. God gave him
instructions to go face Ahab, the king who despised and intended to murder him. It was
Elijah.
Courage- On numerous occasions
Courage- Elijah showed great courage by risking his life in order to make a stand for God in
front of the people or in front of Ahab, hoping to encourage them to choose to serve God rather
than Baal.
B. The question of goals
The goals learned from Elijah's story in 1 Kings 18 are truly inspiring. His unwavering faith, courage, and determination teach us to trust in God's power, even in the face of seemingly impossible situations. Elijah's story convinces us that with God on our side, we can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.
C. The question of discernment
The story of Elijah's discernment in 1 Kings 18 teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God. Elijah's unwavering faith and ability to discern the truth amidst deception is truly inspiring. Let us learn from his example and cultivate discernment in our own lives, trusting in God's guidance.
V. Teaching
Create an opportunity to teach this passage in a Bible-study setting of your choosing. Examples
could include a church setting, a family Bible study, or discussing the passage with a friend or roommate. Use the interpretive method learned above to study the passage (Observe), derive a principle (Interpretation), compare with other Scriptures (Correlation), and apply to everyday living (Application). Write a report below of at least 250 words. Comment on what went well, what was challenging, and what you learned overall through this experience. Page 5 of 5