Topical Bible: Decision: Elijah

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Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, is a central figure in the Old Testament known for his unwavering commitment to God and his decisive actions in the face of idolatry and apostasy in Israel. His life and ministry are primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a man of great faith and boldness, often standing alone against the prevailing tide of Baal worship.

Confrontation on Mount Carmel

One of the most significant moments of decision in Elijah's life occurred on Mount Carmel, as recorded in 1 Kings 18. During the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Israel had largely turned away from the worship of Yahweh to follow Baal. Elijah, in obedience to God's command, called for a confrontation to demonstrate the power of the true God. He challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to see whose deity would answer by fire. Elijah's decision to stand alone against 450 prophets of Baal was a bold declaration of his faith in the Lord.

In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah addressed the people of Israel, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This call to decision was a pivotal moment, urging the Israelites to choose whom they would serve. Elijah's prayer and the subsequent divine response, where fire from heaven consumed his sacrifice, led the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39).

Flight to Horeb

Following the victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah faced a crisis of faith and decision when Jezebel threatened his life. In fear, he fled to the wilderness and eventually to Mount Horeb. There, in a moment of despair, Elijah expressed his feelings of isolation and failure to God. The Lord's response was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, reaffirming His presence and purpose for Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-12).

God's instruction to Elijah at Horeb was a call to action and decision. He was to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his prophetic successor (1 Kings 19:15-16). This decision to continue in his prophetic mission, despite personal discouragement, demonstrated Elijah's obedience and trust in God's plan.

Legacy and Influence

Elijah's decisions had a profound impact on the spiritual direction of Israel. His confrontation with idolatry and his role in anointing future leaders were pivotal in the preservation of the worship of Yahweh. Elijah's life exemplifies the power of decisive faith and obedience to God's call, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

In the New Testament, Elijah's legacy is further highlighted during the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he appears alongside Moses, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Christ (Matthew 17:3). Elijah's decisive actions and unwavering faith continue to serve as an inspiration for believers to stand firm in their commitment to God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 18:22
Then said Elijah to the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
... by water let him be God; we want rain badly enough." "No," said Elijah," if rain ...
You that are decided for God will want no decision; you that are decided for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/elijahs appeal to the undecided.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... THE GREAT COMMISSION - THE GREAT INSTRUCTION - THE GREAT TEMPTATION - THE GREAT
DECISION. ... nay, from all ordinary men: like the Baptist, or Elijah, or as if He ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... These youth had heard of Elijah's ascension, and they made this solemn event the ...
In every family, firmness, decision, positive requirements, are essential. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

What Doest Thou Here?
... was sitting, walked up to him, and said, 'What doest thou here, Elijah?' It was ... question
is, do I grasp the aim of life with clearness and decision as being to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/what doest thou here.htm

The Descent from the Mount
... But I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have also done unto him whatsoever
they ... And the experience of all the Church has justified that decision. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 9-13 the descent from.htm

The Transfiguration
... make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. ... passed
since He bade Satan get behind Him, to complete and perfect His decision. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 2-8 the transfiguration.htm

On the Morrow of the Transfiguration
... contrast between the scene below and that vision of Moses and Elijah, when they ... to
us also - unexpectedly, most opportunely, and for the real decision of the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii on the morrow.htm

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... God in His providence controlled the decision of Festus, that the life of the ... He
knew that, like the prophet Elijah, he would be safer among the heathen than ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

Things which Defile
... that He was driven to betake Himself, for the only time, and like Elijah in his ... into
a man can defile him," here is the germ of all the decision about idol ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 7 14-23 things which defile.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... with us; by the ideal we seek to apprehend; by the decision and choice ... Some two or
three centuries before, Malachi had foretold that Elijah, the prophet, would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm