Location
ENS 245
Document Type
Paper
Start Date
29-6-2017 6:50 PM
End Date
29-6-2017 7:30 PM
Abstract
The fire miracle on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18 is one of the most spectacular in the Bible. Elijah called fire down from heaven which consumed not only a bull on an altar but also the altar itself made of twelve stones and twelve pots of water poured on the offering. The bull was probably one year old (Lev. 9:3) and likely weighed approximately 250 kg assuming it was similar to the breeds currently common in Palestine. The stones were likely made of limestone because Mount Carmel is in a limestone ridge and were probably the size that could be handled by one or two men. Typical larger Israelite pots held approximately 32 liters of water while smaller pots held about half that amount. From this information a reasonable estimated range can be calculated for the minimum amount of energy required for this miracle.
While many theories have been offered to explain this miracle, the two most common are that God sent either lightning or literal fire. There is a specific Hebrew word for lightning that was used elsewhere in the Old Testament before 1 Kings was believed to have been written but was not used in this passage. Therefore, it seems more likely it was some type of literal fire and not lightning.
Cremation calculations can be used to estimate the minimum energy needed to incinerate the bull. In a modern technology called thermal spallation, flames are used to drill through rocks. Research from this technology can be used to estimate the heat flux necessary to destroy the altar rocks. Using archaeological research on typical altar sizes, the approximate minimum cross-sectional area of the fire can be estimated. Combining that area with the minimum energy requirement and a presumed fuel such as a type typically used in thermal spallation, the approximate minimum duration of this heavenly pyrotechnic can be estimated.
The purpose of this paper is to apply engineering principles to analyze a biblical miracle. While not enough information is given in the biblical text for a precise analysis, it is possible to make calculations based on reasonable guestimates. Much has been written about this miracle by theologians, but no scientific analysis of the fire has been found. Engineers can offer a unique perspective on such supernatural events that display God’s omnipotence and glory.
Engineering Analysis of the Fire Miracle on Mount Carmel
ENS 245
The fire miracle on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18 is one of the most spectacular in the Bible. Elijah called fire down from heaven which consumed not only a bull on an altar but also the altar itself made of twelve stones and twelve pots of water poured on the offering. The bull was probably one year old (Lev. 9:3) and likely weighed approximately 250 kg assuming it was similar to the breeds currently common in Palestine. The stones were likely made of limestone because Mount Carmel is in a limestone ridge and were probably the size that could be handled by one or two men. Typical larger Israelite pots held approximately 32 liters of water while smaller pots held about half that amount. From this information a reasonable estimated range can be calculated for the minimum amount of energy required for this miracle.
While many theories have been offered to explain this miracle, the two most common are that God sent either lightning or literal fire. There is a specific Hebrew word for lightning that was used elsewhere in the Old Testament before 1 Kings was believed to have been written but was not used in this passage. Therefore, it seems more likely it was some type of literal fire and not lightning.
Cremation calculations can be used to estimate the minimum energy needed to incinerate the bull. In a modern technology called thermal spallation, flames are used to drill through rocks. Research from this technology can be used to estimate the heat flux necessary to destroy the altar rocks. Using archaeological research on typical altar sizes, the approximate minimum cross-sectional area of the fire can be estimated. Combining that area with the minimum energy requirement and a presumed fuel such as a type typically used in thermal spallation, the approximate minimum duration of this heavenly pyrotechnic can be estimated.
The purpose of this paper is to apply engineering principles to analyze a biblical miracle. While not enough information is given in the biblical text for a precise analysis, it is possible to make calculations based on reasonable guestimates. Much has been written about this miracle by theologians, but no scientific analysis of the fire has been found. Engineers can offer a unique perspective on such supernatural events that display God’s omnipotence and glory.