1 Kings 18:19-22

18:19 Now send out messengers ¹  and assemble all Israel before me at Mount Carmel, as well as the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah whom Jezebel supports. ² 

18:20 Ahab sent messengers to all the Israelites and had the prophets assemble at Mount Carmel. 18:21 Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision? ³  If the Lord is the true God, ⁴  then follow him, but if Baal is, follow him!” But the people did not say a word. 18:22 Elijah said to them: ⁵  “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but there are 450 prophets of Baal.

[18:19]  ¹ tn The word “messengers” is supplied in the translation both here and in v. 20 for clarification.

[18:19]  ² tn Heb “who eat at the table of Jezebel.”

[18:21]  ³ tn Heb “How long are you going to limp around on two crutches?” (see HALOT 762 s.v. סְעִפִּים). In context this idiomatic expression refers to indecision rather than physical disability.

[18:21]  ⁴ tn Heb “the God.”

[18:22]  ⁵ tn Heb “to the people.”