Definition: And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD [that was] broken down.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:30. It's a pretty dramatic and important passage about God’s judgment! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is angry with the people of Israel because they were disobeying him. He’s sending a huge, terrifying demon named Jezebel to test them. Jezebel wants to cause chaos and destruction. What Happens Next? Elijah Speaks: Elijah, God's prophet, tells the people to come closer to him. The People Come: A massive crowd gathers around Elijah. Elijah Repairs the Altar: Elijah then repairs an altar that was previously broken down. This altar was used for sacrifices and worship of the LORD God. Putting It All Together – A Simple Explanation: Elijah is essentially saying, “I’m going to confront you with my anger! I want you to acknowledge your disobedience and show me respect.” He's taking action to remind them of their obligation to follow God’s laws. Why is this important? It shows God’s power: This verse highlights that God isn’t just interested in punishing people; he’s also capable of restoring what’s broken and making things right. It’s a test of faith: The people's response to Elijah shows whether they are truly faithful to God or not. In essence, this verse describes a moment where God is confronting his people with the consequences of their choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Give you some context about what was happening in Israel at that time?