It might seem that Elijah is tempting providence here. The dramatic contrast is made between the hectic but useless efforts by the followers of the false god and the quiet confidence of Elijah because he knows in whom he trusts.

Just as did the prophets, the Law was also pointing towards its fulfilment in Christ. It is thus that He can claim that He is not abolishing the Law but completing it. Being the fulfilment of the Jewish Law and having a universal mission, He can re-interpret the Law or break through its barriers as the needs of His mission demand. Christianity is not a throwing off of all law, but neither is it a matter of legalism; it is a question of relationship with the One who has transcended the Law in being its completion.