The Baal prophets began “limping around the altar that they had made.” All morning they cried out: “O Baal, answer us!” But Baal did not answer. (1 Kings 18:26) Then Elijah began taunting them: “Call at the top of your voice, for he is a god.” (1 Kings 18:27) The Baal prophets even began cutting themselves with daggers and lances—a practice often employed by pagans to arouse the pity of their gods.b—1 Kings 18:28.