The command was issued by one who seemed to stand in the very presence of Jehovah; and Ahab obeyed at once, as if the prophet were monarch, and the king a subject. Swift messengers were sent throughout the kingdom with the summons to meet Elijah and the prophets of Baal and Ashtoreth. In every town and village the people prepared to assemble at the appointed time. As they journeyed toward the place, the hearts of many were filled with strange forebodings. Something unusual was about to happen; else why this summons to gather at Carmel? What 144 new calamity was about to fall upon the people and the land?

Denne befaling blev givet af en person, som syntes at stå i Guds umiddelbare nærhed. Akab adlød øjeblikkelig, som om det var profeten, der var konge, og kongen, der var undersåt. Der blev sendt ilbud rundt i hele riget for at samle folket til mødet med Elias og Baals og Astartes profeter. I hver eneste by og landsby gjorde folket sig rede for at møde frem på det fastsatte tidspunkt. Under rejsen var manges hjerte fyldt med bange anelser. Der var ved at ske noget usædvanligt hvorfor skulle de ellers samles på Karmel? Hvilken ulykke ventede nu folket og landet?