Israel is at one of its lowest points spiritually. Old places of victory, like Jericho, are now

places where idolatry reigns. Israel is steeped in Baal worship and consequently civility has left the building, no one trusts anyone, there is no moral leadership to guide the nation as it spirals even into practices like child sacrifice. It is into this setting that Elijah bursts onto the scene. He is a prophet trusting only God and at times it seems the only one trusting God.