Among the most evil kings was Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, who brought the worship of Baal to new heights in Israel. Elijah tried to turn the Israelites back to the worship of Jehovah, even challenging the idolatrous priests of Baal to a showdown with God on Mount Carmel. Of course God won.
Kutokana na haya, taifa lilipotoshwa mbali na Mungu na hata mahubiri ya Elija hayangeweza kuwarejesha kwa Mungu. Miongoni mwa wafalme waovu zaidi ni Ahabu na malkia wake, Yezabeli, ambaye alileta ibada ya Baali kwa kiwango kikubwa katika Israeli. Elija alijaribu kuwarudisha waisraeli kwa ibada ya Yehova, hata kwa luwapa changamoto makuhani walioabudu sanamu ya Baali kwa kutangaza nguvu za Mungu katika mlima wa Karmeli. Bila shaka Mungu alishinda.