Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Kings 18:20-21

"So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." — 1 Kings 18:20-21 (ASV)

So undecided were they – perhaps so cowed by the presence of that brave man who feared none, but only feared God.