The Prophet Elijah Vs. 450 Prophets of Baal 1 Kings 18:1-46

Introduction:

We will be studying 1 Kings 18 using a learning style called the Interpretive Learning Method. There are four aspects to the Interpretive Learning Method. Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application. By using this learning method you will be able to dive deep into the Word and further your understanding of how the Bible applies to you.

Answer the following questions regarding 1 Kings 18:1-46, doing your best not to copy directly from the lesson handout!

Observation:

As you read the Bible you naturally observe many things without even noticing. However, by intentionally observing what you are reading, you are better able to comprehend what you are reading. Observation consists of six questions you need

to ask about what you are reading. They are

Who is involved in this story?

Who is involved includes not only the people in the story, but also the author and the audience. Often just knowing who wrote it and who they wrote it to helps tremendously in interpreting Scripture.

How many “characters” can you name that are involved in this story in some manner?

What is happening?

When you ask this question, pay attention to everything that is going on, and make note of it for later. The Bible has proven to be one of the most historically and scientifically accurate ancient document in the world, so you just might learn something by paying attention to what’s going on!

How many events are occuring, or subjects are present in this story?

When is this story happening?

Contrary to what you may think, there are more “whens” present in a reading than just the date the story took place. Think about all aspects of time. For example, the day Jesus was crucified wasn’t just nearly 2000 years ago. It was also two days before the Sabbath, 3 years into Jesus’ ministry, 33 years after the birth of Jesus, and at the third hour of the day (9 a.m.). Each of these times are critical to understand in studying your Bible.

What sort of time frames do you see playing out in this story?

Why are the events of this story taking place?

What are the reasons behind the “what” subjects of this story? Furthermore, why did the author write this story, poem, prayer, or psalm? Asking why as you are reading Scripture will help pull back the layers of whatever you’re reading to understand the reason behind the events you are reading about.

Why are these events taking place, or subjects present at this time? Why did the author write this story?

How are these events happening?

This question might seem redundant at first, because it is similar to the question of why. However, when you look closely you’ll realize that why and how are very different. For instance, why did Jesus die on the cross? To redeem us to the grace of God. How did His crucifixion redeem us to the grace of God? Well, the wages of sin is death, and because of our sin our own lives were on the bill to be paid. However, because He loved the world God sent Jesus to die on the cross. The similarity of these two questions actually works to dig deeper into the Word!

How are all of these things possible? How did the characters get into their current predicaments?

Interpretation