Fewer Words Version: Elijah went to Ahab and said to him, "Gather everyone in Israel on mount Carmel, along with 450 of Baal's prophets, and 400 prophets of the groves."
So Ahab gathered everyone in Israel to mount Carmel, along with the 850 prophets that Elijah requested. When everyone was assembled, Elijah said, "I am only one person, but here are 450 of Baal's prophets. So give us two bullocks. Let them choose one, cut in pieces, and lay it on wood. I'll do likewise with the other one. They can call on their gods, and I'll call on mine. Whichever god answers with fire, is God."
And all the people said, "Amen".
So the prophets of Baal did that with their bullock. They called out Baal's name all morning, saying, "Baal, hear us." But nothing happened. So they jumped up and down on the altar.
Then it was Elijah's turn. He told the people to gather around, while he prepared the altar. He built an altar, piled the wood, cut the bullock in pieces, dug a trench around the altar, and said, "Pour four barrels of water on the sacrifice and the wood."
He said to pour more water a second and a third time, until water filled the trench surrounding the altar. Finally, Elijah was ready. He said to God, "Let everyone know today that you're God and I'm your servant."
Then fire from God fell from heaven and burned the burnt sacrifice, and the stones, dust, and even the water.
Elijah said to the people, "Capture the prophets of Baal. Don't let any escape."
The people caught them, and Elijah killed them. 1 Kings 18:1-40
