Alas, how had the glory of Israel departed! Never before had the chosen people of God fallen so low in apostasy. Of "the prophets of Baal" there were "four hundred and fifty," besides four hundred "prophets of the groves." 1 Kings 18:19. Nothing short of the miracle-working power of God could preserve the nation from utter destruction. Israel had voluntarily separated herself from Jehovah, yet the Lord in compassion still yearned after those who had been led into sin, and He was about to send to them one of the mightiest of His prophets, through whom many were to be led back to allegiance to the God of their fathers. 117

Ak, hvor var nu Israels herlighed ! Guds ejendomsfolk havde aldrig før været ude for et sådant frafald. Der var "450 baalsprofeter" og tillige "400 asjeraprofeter". 1Kong. 18,19. Intet mindre end Guds mirakuløse kraft kunne redde nationen fra fuldstændig undergang. Israel havde med vilje forkastet Gud, men i sin barmhjertighed elskede Herren stadig de mennesker, der var blevet ledet i synd, og nu ville han sende folket en af sine største profeter. Ved dennes hjælp ville mange blive ført tilbage til deres fædres Gud.