1 Kings 18:28

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Et ils crièrent à haute voix, et ils se firent, selon leur coutume, des incisions avec des épées et avec des lances, jusqu'à ce que le sang coulât sur eux.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes the priests of Baal cutting themselves with knives and lancets as part of their failed attempt to get a response from their god. They are so frustrated and desperate that they injure themselves, causing blood to flow. This highlights their futile practices compared to the true God.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your friends were so upset they started cutting themselves because their favorite toy wouldn't work. That's what happened here. These people were trying to get their pretend god to listen, but they were hurting themselves instead of finding the real God who could help them.

Historical Background

1 Kings 18:28 is part of the historical narrative written by the author of 1 Kings, likely a scribe during the Babylonian exile, around 560-540 BCE. It describes an encounter between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal, showing the Israelites that Baal was not a real god.

Living It Out Today

Today, people sometimes go to extremes to fix problems or find comfort, often turning to things that can hurt them instead of seeking help from a loving God. This verse reminds us to seek solutions in faith and truth rather than destructive practices.

Topics

• worship
• idolatry
• faith
• spiritual practices
• self-harm
• desperation

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 18:39
• 2 Kings 3:27
• 1 Samuel 18:25
• Jeremiah 19:5
• Acts 14:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the priests of Baal cut themselves?

The priests of Baal cut themselves as part of their ritualistic practices to invoke their god. They believed that self-inflicted pain could make their god respond.

What does this show about the nature of Baal worship?

This shows that Baal worship involved extreme and harmful practices, revealing it to be a false and dangerous religion that leads people to harm themselves.

How does this relate to modern practices of self-harm?

This verse can be seen as a cautionary tale against self-destructive behaviors, encouraging people to seek help and support from a source of genuine healing and comfort, like God.

What is the main lesson of this verse?

The main lesson is to avoid false gods and practices that lead to harm and instead seek the true God who offers genuine help and salvation.