Worshipping God and Ba'al

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1. Eliyahu on Mount Carmel (Part 2)

   Eliyahu Faces the Nation

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   Eliyahu’s words imply that the nation had not abandoned the service of God, but did not serve Him exclusively. Rather, they attached elements of Ba'al worship to their worship of God. On the account of the nation’s acceptance of the challenge between him and the prophets of Ba’al, Eliyahu’s opponents are forced to accept. Eliyahu is attempting now to come close to the nation and therefore does not mention the drought as its harsh results are a sore point for the nation.

2. Eliyahu on Mount Carmel (Part 3)

   Eliyahu Addresses the Prophets of Ba'al

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The way the challenge is presented to the nation differs from the way it is presented to prophets of Ba’al, in order to facilitate each side offering their sacrifice separately. The prophets of Ba’al pray and partake in their rites to no avail, but Eliyahu does not proceed, and instead gives them more time. 

3. Eliyahu on Mount Carmel (Part 3)

   Eliyahu addresses the prophets of Ba'al (Part 2)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   Eliyahu encourages the prophets of Ba’al to call out louder. Some commentators believe that Eliyahu was explicitly mocking them, but it seems unlikely that they would continue and certainly they would not adhere to his suggestion. Rather Eliyahu is saying something that appears to them as reasonable in order to achieve his goal of prolonging their attempt.

4. Eliyahu on Mount Carmel (Part 3)

   Eliyahu addresses the prophets of Ba'al (Part 3)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The failure of the prophets of Ba’al is described in two stages: Prayer and action with no response, followed by intensified prayer and action, but still with no response. This allows the nation to reach an unequivocal conclusion regarding Ba’al. A Midrash about the refusal of the ox to go with Ba’al’s prophets teaches that God's Name is sanctified equally through the failure of the false prophets and the success of Eliyahu.

5. Eliyahu on Mount Carmel (Part 4)

   Eliyahu's Preparations for the Descent of God's Fire (part 1)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The preparations of the prophets of Ba’al for the sacrifice are described briefly, while the description of their attempt to bring down the fire is lengthy. In contrast, Eliyahu’s preparations are described in great detail, while the description of his attempt to bring down the fire is brief. It would be a severe psychological mistake to allow the miraculous descent of fire to take place immediately after the failure of the false prophets. Hence, Eliyahu prolongs his physical preparations. The lengthening of the stage of preparations also demonstrates Eliyahu complete faith that God will answer him. 

6. The Pernicious Cycle of the Book of Shoftim

   Rabbi Michael Hattin

   The messenger sent from Gilgal to the nation in Bokhim with tidings of defeat and setback is contrasted with the angel who appeared to Yehoshua carring a sword of fire with tidings of conquest. The 5 part cycle of the Book of Shoftim described in the 2nd chapter is the result of the failure of the people to drive out the indigenous Canaanites described in the 1st chapter. The worship of Ba'al and Ashtoret - central to Caananites - frequently included less than savory rituals. The Judge in the book of Shoftim is typically a combination of an inspired leader, military strategist, and religious figure, who is, however, defined primarily by his accomplishments on the battlefield.    

7. Haftarat Bemidbar: Two Terms for "Husband"

   Rabbi David Silverberg