Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Elijah, whose name means "My God is Yahweh," is one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament. He is known for his zealous commitment to God and his role in challenging the idolatry of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah's ministry is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Historical Context: Elijah's prophetic ministry took place during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, around the 9th century BC. The nation was divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Elijah ministered in the northern kingdom during the reign of Ahab, a king who "did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, led to the promotion of Baal worship, which Elijah vehemently opposed. Key Events in Elijah's Life: 1. Drought Prediction: Elijah first appears in 1 Kings 17:1, where he declares to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word" . This pronouncement of drought was a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite god of rain and fertility. 2. Miracles at Zarephath: During the drought, God sent Elijah to Zarephath, where he performed miracles for a widow and her son. He ensured that her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run dry (1 Kings 17:14-16) and later raised her son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22). 3. Mount Carmel Confrontation: One of the most dramatic events in Elijah's life was the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah challenged them to a contest to prove whose deity was the true God. After the prophets of Baal failed, Elijah prayed, and God sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice (1 Kings 18:38). This event led the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). 4. Flight to Horeb: After Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled to Mount Horeb. There, God revealed Himself to Elijah not in a powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). God reassured Elijah and instructed him to anoint Elisha as his successor. 5. Ascension to Heaven: Elijah's earthly ministry concluded with his ascension to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11). This miraculous departure signified God's approval of Elijah's ministry and left a lasting impression on Israel. Theological Significance: Elijah's life and ministry underscore the sovereignty of God over creation and the futility of idolatry. His unwavering faith and boldness in confronting sin serve as a model for believers. Elijah's role as a forerunner to the Messiah is highlighted in Malachi 4:5-6, where it is prophesied that Elijah would return before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" . This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified as the one who comes in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Legacy: Elijah's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as he is mentioned in the New Testament during the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he appears alongside Moses (Matthew 17:3). His life continues to inspire faithfulness and courage in the face of opposition, reminding believers of the power and presence of God in their lives. Library Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube Elijah's Mantle. 2Ki 51:11-14 Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed Elijah's Prayer. 1Ki 18 Gentleness Succeeding Strength He that Hath an Ear Elijah, the Praying Prophet The Trial by Fire Elijah --Passionate in Prayer Thesaurus Elijah's (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Elijah's (4 Occurrences). Luke 4:25 and of a truth I say to you, Many widows were in the days of Elijah... /e/elijah's.htm - 7k Ahab (85 Occurrences) Mantle (35 Occurrences) Elijah (104 Occurrences) Elisha (70 Occurrences) Dropped (52 Occurrences) Intercession (12 Occurrences) Robe (142 Occurrences) Zedekiah (63 Occurrences) Kishon (6 Occurrences) Resources Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram, if Elijah had already been taken to heaven? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Elijah's (4 Occurrences)Luke 4:25 1 Kings 19:13 2 Kings 2:13 2 Kings 2:14 Subtopics Select Readings: Elijah's Miraculous Preserv Ation Related Terms |