Definition: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:21 together. It's a really important and complex passage about faith and obedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to choose between two things – the LORD God, who is seen as all-powerful and just, and Baal, a false god worshipped by people in that era. It's asking us to decide whether to follow the Lord or not. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Elijah came unto all the people…” - This means Elijah is traveling around and speaking to everyone. “…and said, How long halt ye between two opinions?” – "Halt ye" means "stop." He's asking people to pause and think about a decision. “Two opinions” refers to two conflicting ideas or beliefs. “If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him.” - This is the core of the message. It’s saying that if the Lord is true and real, we must obey Him. But if people are worshipping a false god – Baal – then we must disobey it. “And the people answered him not a word.” - This is the crucial part. The people didn’t respond to Elijah's words. They were stubborn and unwilling to agree with him. What does this mean about faith? This verse speaks powerfully about the importance of: Trusting in God: It's not about what we believe, but who we believe in. Rejecting false idols: Baal is a symbol of a deceptive and ultimately powerless god. Choosing to follow the Lord means rejecting anything that isn’t based on truth and righteousness. Context & Significance: This story happened during a time when people were experiencing widespread religious divisions and idolatry in Israel. Elijah was a prophet who challenged these practices, and this verse is a testament to his power – he wasn't just speaking; he was forcing people to make a choice. It’s a foundational moment in the Old Testament that highlights the importance of obedience to God's will. In short: This verse warns against worshiating false gods and encourages us to choose faith in the true God, regardless of what others are doing. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore a related concept (like the importance of obedience)? Just let me know!