Elijah and the Prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel - Bible Lessons for Kids
The dramatic story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal is a powerful way to show kids that God is the One True God who listens and answers prayer. Found in 1 Kings 18, this exciting showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal captures children's attention with fire, bold faith, and God's miraculous power. Keep reading to find creative and kid-friendly ways to bring this story to life—including engaging videos, hands-on activities and crafts, and printable lesson plans that help make the message memorable and meaningful for young learners.
WHO WAS ELIJAH?
Elijah was a prophet of God. A prophet was a chosen messenger who would deliver God’s messages to the people of Israel. God often used prophets to guide, warn, or encourage His people, especially when they were not following His ways. Elijah’s job was to speak boldly for God, even when it was hard or dangerous.
THE STORY of elijah on mount carmel
King Ahab and Queen Jezebel did not love God. Queen Jezebel hated the prophets of God and had many of them killed. There were still some Israelites who loved and followed God, but many were turning to the false gods of Jezebel and Ahab.
Elijah confronted Ahab. Elijah told Ahab to gather all Israel at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. Elijah had everyone come to the mountain to see if God or Baal was the true God.
The prophets of Baal took a turn. They built an altar, prepared an offering, and called upon Baal, but nothing happened.
Elijah took a turn; he repaired the altar of God that had been torn down, prepared an offering, and dug a trench around the altar. Then he poured buckets of water onto the offering and the altar. The trench was full of water. After all that, he prayed, and God sent fire from heaven that burned up the offering, the wood, the stones, the water, and even the dust.
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal - Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ELIJAH AND THE FIRE FROM HEAVEN
Elijah’s prayer was only 32 words in Hebrew! God showed His power by sending fire from heaven. The fire was so powerful that it burned up the water and the altar. This story helps to show that we do not need to have many words when we pray; God is not impressed by a long prayer or one with fancy words. He wants to know our hearts. We serve a powerful God!
BUILD AN ALTAR CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL
Fire mesmerizes anyone who looks at it. Imagine what it would have been like to have the entire sacrifice, altar, and water consumed by a fire from heaven! This would have been a fear-inducing, spectacular sight.
To help kids visualize this craft, create a simple altar and fire craft using the printable altar from Elijah and the Prophets of Baal for Preschool and some colored tissue paper. Glue red, orange, and yellow tissue paper to the altar template. Be sure to use long strips of tissue paper to better depict the fire coming from heaven.
PAINTING FIRE FROM HEAVEN FOR OLDER KIDS
Older kids will enjoy the challenge of painting fire on and around the altar scene in Elijah and the Prophets of Baal for Older Kids. Have kids color the mountain scene and glue on Elijah and the altar.
Then have kids use paints to add fire. Be sure to give them creative license to paint the fire using their imagination. Who knows what they might come up with?
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament: There are several versions of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Pick the version you like, and have everyone pair off. Have each pair play three times, and the person who wins twice will move on to the next round. Continue doing this until there is one winner. Be sure to help kids make the connection that the scenario on Mount Carmel was a challenge to see who would be the champion: God or Baal.
“The Lord—He is God.” Banners: At the end of the Mount Carmel showdown, the people saw God as the One True God. Make a banner saying “The Lord- He is God!” and have kids decorate it using paints, stickers, coloring materials, and anything else you can think of. This is a great way to celebrate God's greatness.
Water Relay Race: Create a simple relay race where kids have to race to add water to the altar! Have kids run back and forth to fill the “altar” (a bucket or tub) with water. Be sure to talk about how only God would have been able to make water catch fire, like in the story. Or check out some other water relay race ideas from The Barefoot Mom.
“Light the Altar” Flashlight Game: Using real fire when retelling this story might not be the safest option, but using flashlights can bring the story to life! Give each kid a flashlight (or take turns if you don’t have enough). Set a chair up as a pretend altar and turn out the lights. Read the story, and when it comes to the part where fire comes down from heaven, have kids turn on their flashlights and light up the chair.
Sing Songs to Worship God: There are some fabulous songs about the greatness of God. Take some time to sing them with your kids. Here are a few suggestions:
YouTube videos about Elijah and the prophets of Baal
Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about this story. Please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elisha and Jars of Oil, Naaman is Healed, Esther the Brave Queen, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah.
These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.
Kids will enjoy learning about Elijah and the Prophets of Baal with these engaging activities, crafts, and lesson ideas. They will also remember that the Lord is the One True God who hears and answers prayer.