¹⁸ He said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because ^(A)you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and ^(B)you have followed the Baals. ¹⁹ Now then send and gather to me all Israel at ^(C)Mount Carmel, ^(D)together with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of ^(E)the Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

God or Baal on Mount Carmel

²⁰ So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel. ²¹ Elijah came near to all the people and said, “^(F)How long will you ^[a]hesitate between two opinions? ^(G)If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.

³² Behold, I am against those who have prophesied ^(A)false dreams,” declares the Lord, “and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and ^(B)reckless boasting; yet ^(C)I did not send them or command them, nor do they ^(D)furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares the Lord.