Note 888 — Chapter V · THE MAGICAL CONTROL OF THE WEATHER
Reading edition
1 Kings xviii. 28. From the whole tenour of the narrative it appears that the real contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal was as to which of them should make rain in a time of drought. The prophets of Baal wrought magic by cutting themselves with knives; Elijah wrought magic by pouring water on the altar. Both ceremonies alike were rain-charms. Compare my note on the passage in Passages of the Bible chosen for their Literary Beauty and Interest, Second Edition (London, 1909), pp. 476 sq.