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

God or Baal on Mount Carmel

²⁰ So Ahab sent orders among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel. ²¹ Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “^(F)How long are you going to ^[b]struggle with the two choices? ^(G)If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him so much as a word.

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