The Prophets of Baal Cry Out and Cut Themselves Until Blood Gushes

On Mount Carmel, 450 prophets of Baal contest Elijah. They call on Baal from morning until noon with no answer. Elijah mocks them: 'Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he has gone aside, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.' They cry louder and cut themselves with swords and lances until blood gushes over them — a frenzy of self-laceration in service of a deity who does not answer. Evening comes. There is no voice, no answer, no one who paid attention.