Healing Relationships – The Kings’ Tale

Week 3: Restored Altars

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: 1 Kings 17 – 22

Pilot text

1 Kings –

17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”

18:30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.

18:38-39 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”

18:41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.”

18:45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel.

19:14 And he [Elijah] said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

19:18 [The Lord said] Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Introduction:
These chapters reveal God’s response to relational and spiritual collapse. Through Elijah and Elisha, God restores true worship by rebuilding what has been neglected. Renewal begins with repaired relationships before there is a visible manifestation of restoration. In these narratives, God patiently confronts idolatry, heals fractured communities, and raises up leaders who embody His heart rather than their own fears. The journey from drought to renewal and from despair to hope shows that God’s restorative work often starts quietly, reshaping hearts long before circumstances change.

Discussion Point

• Where do we see Christ? Elijah’s ministry points directly to the role of John the Baptist in presenting Christ as the restorer of hearts (Mal 4:5-6; Luke 1:16–17). Looking at 2 Cor 5:17-21, can you see how Christ has fulfilled this mission?
• Where do we see salvation? The miracles of resurrection and renewal recorded here point forward to salvation in Christ (Rom 8:11; John 11:25).
• Where do we see ourselves? Elijah was a prophet who spoke truth to Kings and played the role of a priest when he offered a sacrifice on Mount Carmel. Against this backdrop, what is our New Covenant calling in Christ?

Closing thoughts:

Through the ministry of Elijah, God reveals that His priority is to restore Israel’s relationship with Himself. During the confrontation with the prophets of Baal, the rebuilding of the altar on Mount Carmel showed that renewal begins with repentance and return. Christ fulfils this restoration perfectly. He does not merely repair the altar; He becomes the sacrifice, reconciling us fully to the Father (2 Cor 5:18-21). Salvation is no longer symbolic but complete and eternal.
The miracles in these chapters foreshadow resurrection life. What appears dead is restored, and what is broken is renewed. This points forward to Christ, who declares Himself the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
Many people today experience spiritual dryness, relational distance, or loss of hope. This study reminds us that restoration begins with returning to God. As worship is restored, life flows again. God remains faithful to rebuild what has been neglected and restore what feels lost.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

• A believer friend confides in you that, even though she remains active in her church, she avoids prayer due to the repeated disappointment of unanswered prayers. As a result, her faith feels routine and dead, rather than alive. How can you speak to her situation using the rebuilt altar as an analogy?
• A married couple who are both your friends coexist peacefully, but without spiritual intimacy after unresolved conflict. You happen to have an opportunity to counsel them. What does this passage suggest about where healing begins?