Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 18:23
Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:
23. Let them therefore give us ] i.e. Let there be given unto us. Let there be provided, for the trial which I am about to propose.
and let them choose one ] Elijah yields place to them because of their greater number. So 1Ki 18:25 ‘for ye are many.’
cut it in pieces ] This was a part of the duty of the offerer of a burnt-offering. See Lev 1:6; ‘he shall flay the burnt offering and cut it into his pieces.’
and I will dress the other bullock ] The Hebrew uses for ‘dress’ the verb = to make, which, in connexions like this, = ‘to make ready’ a victim for sacrifice. The same word is used Psa 66:15 ‘I will offer bullocks with goats,’ also Exo 29:36; Exo 29:38-39; Exo 29:41. The LXX. translates by , a sentence from which we may see in what way came to be used of sacrifice. But by itself can no more mean ‘to sacrifice’ than could the English verb ‘make.’ The object, the victim, must always be expressed. The same word is employed again in 1Ki 18:25-26.
and lay it on wood ] The LXX. omits these words.
no fire under ] Deceit was largely practised in the heathen temples and sacrifices represented as miraculously consumed, for the accomplishment of which preparation was made in the ground beneath the altar.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
He attempts the decision of this controversy, not by Gods word, which was either rejected, or despised, or grossly neglected by the generality of that people; but by a miracle, to which all that had common sense must needs submit.
Let them choose one bullock for themselves, which they judge best and fittest for their purpose.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Let them therefore give us two bullocks,…. Who, being so many, were better able to be at the expense of them, and having the king on their party too; though perhaps no more is meant than that two bullocks should be brought thither, and presented before them:
and let them choose one bullock for themselves; which of the two they would, if they thought one was any ways preferable to the other, it was at their option to take it:
and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood; as sacrifices usually were:
and put no fire under; which was wont to be done for burnt offerings, as this was designed to be:
and I will dress the other bullock; by slaying and cutting it in pieces;
and lay it on wood: as for a burnt offering:
and put no fire under; to consume it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
1Ki 18:23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:
Ver. 23. And cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood. ] After the manner of sacrifices. And thus should Abraham have done by Isaac, if he had not been hindered from heaven: a very great trial.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Reciprocal: Lev 1:8 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ki 18:23. Let them therefore give us two bullocks He proposes to decide the controversy, not by Gods word, because that was either despised and rejected, or grossly neglected, and therefore unknown and of no authority with the king or people; but by a miracle, to the evidence of which all that had common sense must needs submit.