1 tn Heb “and they took the bull which he allowed them.”
2 tn Heb “limped” (the same verb is used in v. 21).
3 tc The MT has “which he made,” but some medieval Hebrew
4 sn Elijah’s sarcastic proposals would have been especially offensive and irritating to Baal’s prophets, for they believed Baal was imprisoned in the underworld as death’s captive during this time of drought. Elijah’s apparent ignorance of their theology is probably designed for dramatic effect; indeed the suggestion that Baal is away on a trip or deep in sleep comes precariously close to the truth as viewed by the prophets.
5 tn Or “as was their custom.”
6 tn Heb “until blood poured out on them.”
7 tn Heb “when noon passed they prophesied until the offering up of the offering.”
8 tc The Old Greek translation and Syriac Peshitta include the following words here: “When it was time to offer the sacrifice, Elijah the Tishbite spoke to the prophets of the abominations: ‘Stand aside for the time being, and I will offer my burnt offering.’ So they stood aside and departed.”