Wasn’t killing too severe a punishment for the prophets of Baal? 1 Kings 18:40

PROBLEM: Doesn't this seem like an example of religious intolerance? Further, wasn’t it contrary to Jewish law to kill the prophets of Baal because of their beliefs?

VOICE
Elijah: Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one of them escape! So everyone grabbed hold of the prophets of Baal, and Elijah gave instruction for them to be taken to the Kishon Valley and killed immediately—no exceptions.

1 Kings 18:40

ESV - ⁴⁰ And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked April 28 2020 • Jack Gutknecht