Today's first reading describes the rise of the most evil king in Jewish history (a dubious distinction, indeed), Ahab. Even more despised is Ahab's wife, Jezebel, who popularizes the worship of Baal in Israel.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how the prophet Elijah stands up to King Ahab and advocates the worship of the true God. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest, calling down fire from their God to light a sacrifice. After the prophets of Baal fail, Elijah has people water his sacrifice before praying to God, who sends fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice.
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If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 14-18 today.
