Old Testament Bible Study Assignment #1
Observation Assignment
Passage: 1 Kings 18:16-46
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of “Elijah and the Contest”
found in 1 Kings 18:16-46. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this
passage. In this assignment, you will use the skill of Observation that you have become familiar
with through your reading in . As you practice this skill you will be Everyday Bible Study
answering the observation question, “What do I see?”
I. Observation
A. I have read 1 Kings 18:16-46 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or
CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer.
oYes
oNo
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
Similarity: Both translations say Elijah is the last prophet of God (18:22)
Similarity: Both translations say 450 was the total number of prophets of Baal that were
called to Mount Carmel (18:19)
Difference: The NIV refer to the sacrifice as “bulls” while the NASB refers to them as
“oxen” (18:23)
Difference: The NIV says Elijah “taunted” them. The NASB says he “mocked” them
(18:27)
Difference: The NIV says the prophets of Baal “danced” around the alter and the NASB
says they “leaped” (18:26)
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
Obadiah
Elijah
Ahab
Prophets of Baal
Israelites
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Obadiah told Ahab, and he went to meet Elijah. Ahab called Elijah the trouble of Israel, but
Elijah rebutted saying he and his fathers were. He then told him to gather the people of Israel at
Mount Carmel. He also told him to gather 450 prophets of Baal and 400 Prophets of Asherah. He
had them get 2 oxen and have them and he prepare them to be sacrificed to their god and his
God. The way the challenge worked was they would both prepare their sacrifice and have their
gods call down fire on the sacrifice. The prophets of Baal failed to do so and even began cutting
themselves. Then Elijah prepared his and called upon the Lord God and he cast fire on the
sacrifice. The people of Israel bowed down and slaughtered the false prophets.
3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Narrative Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: Ahad and Elijah meet
Inciting Incident: Elijah tells Ahab to call upon the false prophets to make a sacrifice and have
the Israelites choose who they will worship
Rising action: The prophets of Baal are failing to have their God accept their sacrifice.
Climax: Elijah’s true God accepts the sacrifice and calls fire upon the altar
Falling Action: The Israelites bow down to the Lord God as the one true God and have the false
prophets slaughtered.
The Resolution: Elijah tells Ahab to leave to Jezreel where he is going.
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to review chapters 17 and 33 in . This will help you be Everyday Bible Study
more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
Please be detailed and specific as you answer these six key questions.
1. Who:
God
Elijah
Ahab
People of Israel
Prophets of Baal
Unknown Author
2. What:
Elijah challenges Ahab to gather the prophets of Baal and show the people of Israel who is the
true God.
The Prophets of Baal fail to have their oxen sacrificed lit by Baal after a full day of worship and
ceremony even cutting themselves and making their blood gush over the alter. Then Elijah says
one prayer and the Lord God answers and turns everything around and on the alter to dust.
The false prophets are then slaughtered, and Ahab is told to go to Jezreel
3. Where:
Mount Carmel
Northwestern Israel
4. When:
During the reign of King Ahab
Ministry of Elijah 874
5. Why:
Why does Elijah make the people watch this challenge? The people of Israel have been wavering
between the Lord God and the false god Baal.
Why do the people of Israel bow down to the Lord God? Because Elijah showed them his power
and made them see he is the true God.
6. How:
How does Elijah show the people of Israel God is the true God? He calls upon the Lord’s power
with one prayer and it completely engulfs the sacrifice
How do the prophets of Baal attempt to get Baal’s attention? They make the alter and place the
sacrifice, dance and leap around it praying to him, then even go so far as to cut and slash
themselves with swords and lances.
