The latter passage relates the ‘god contest’ on Mount Carmel, Yahweh versus Baal. Fire was the burning issue of the day: the God who answered by fire would show himself to be the real God (1 Kings ...

The first commandment forbids the worship of other gods. Israel had been rescued from slavery by its God, who therefore claims Israel’s sole allegiance: “I am Yahweh, your God, Who brought you ...

He has published two books, including the bestseller "A Brief History of Yahweh". His new book, "When We Became Jews", questions some fundamental facts about the birth of religions.

Even after Yahweh showed Dagon’s impotence, the Philistines still didn’t get the message, so God ravaged them with tumors. They then were convinced God would kill them, which is exactly the message ...

sing to Yahweh, all the earth. Sing to Yahweh, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (vv. 1–3) ...

When the Baal prophets arrived, the challenge began. Elijah reminded everyone that he was the only prophet of Yahweh left, while there were 450 Baal prophets. “Get two bulls for us. Let them choose ...

Jehoiada made a Covenant between Yahweh and the king and the people so they would be the people of Yahweh. All the citizens went to the temple of Baal and destroyed it. They broke the altars and the ...

Then Elijah addressed the people and asked, “How long will you follow two ways at the same time? If Yahweh is God, follow him; but if Baal is God then follow him.” The people remained silent. So ...

Each side prayed to their god to send fire from the sky to prove which was most powerful. After hours of begging, the prophets of Baal gave up with no sign of their god. Elijah poured water over his ...