Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Elijah

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Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, is a quintessential example of holy boldness. His life and ministry, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, demonstrate a profound courage rooted in unwavering faith in God. Elijah's boldness is not merely human bravery but a divine empowerment that enables him to confront idolatry, challenge kings, and call the people of Israel back to the worship of Yahweh.

Confrontation with Ahab and the Prophets of Baal

Elijah's holy boldness is vividly displayed in his confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the people of Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal, declaring, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him" (1 Kings 18:21). This bold proclamation sets the stage for a dramatic showdown, where Elijah, standing alone against 450 prophets of Baal, calls upon the name of the LORD. His faith is rewarded when God answers with fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice and proving His supremacy. Elijah's courage to stand alone for truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, exemplifies holy boldness.

Rebuke of King Ahab

Elijah's boldness is further demonstrated in his interactions with King Ahab. In 1 Kings 21, after Ahab and Jezebel orchestrate the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard, Elijah confronts Ahab with a fearless rebuke. He declares, "Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?" and pronounces God's judgment upon Ahab and his house (1 Kings 21:19). Elijah's willingness to speak truth to power, regardless of personal risk, underscores his commitment to God's justice and righteousness.

Dependence on God

Elijah's boldness is not rooted in self-confidence but in his deep dependence on God. Throughout his ministry, Elijah relies on God's provision and guidance. In 1 Kings 17, during a time of drought, God directs Elijah to the brook Cherith and later to the widow of Zarephath, where he is miraculously sustained. This dependence on God fortifies Elijah's boldness, as he knows that his strength and success come from the LORD.

Encounter with God at Mount Horeb

After his victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah experiences fear and discouragement, fleeing to Mount Horeb. There, God reveals Himself to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12). This encounter renews Elijah's strength and resolve, reminding him that true boldness is found in intimacy with God and obedience to His voice.

Legacy of Boldness

Elijah's legacy of holy boldness extends beyond his earthly ministry. In the New Testament, he is referenced as a model of fervent prayer and faith (James 5:17-18). His life inspires believers to stand firm in their faith, confront sin, and trust in God's power and provision. Elijah's boldness, fueled by his relationship with God, serves as a timeless example of how divine courage can transform individuals and nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:15,18
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him to day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... Elijah had learned the lesson of prayer, and had graduated in that divine ... Well assured
and with holy boldness does he declare before the astonished, cowering ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

Jeroboam
... He gives His chosen messengers a holy boldness, that those ... The Lord gave His servant
boldness, that an abiding ... the rending of the kingdom, Elijah and Elisha ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
... Like Moses, Phinehas, and Elijah, "his spirit was stirred within him when he saw
the city ... And he did what he did with holy wisdom as well as holy boldness. ...
/.../chapter ix acts 17 16-17 athens.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... Without Elijah's praying the Jordan would never have yielded to the stroke of ... doors
of access, gives holy aptness to enter, and holy boldness, firmness, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

Prevailing Prayer.
... pitch of importunity and such a holy boldness, that afterwards ... they resist and quench
the Holy Ghost they ... Elijah the prophet mourned over the declensions of the ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iv prevailing prayer.htm

Pleading
... Elijah is confident that it will come upon his sacrifice, but he is also sternly ...
art of wrestling is to plead with God, and say with holy boldness, "Let it be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/pleading.htm

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
... 5. Another result of the baptism with the Holy Spirit will be boldness
in testimony and service. We read in Acts 4:31, "And when ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xx the baptism with.htm

Putting God to Work
... We see deep humility, but holy boldness as well, perseverance, and advances ... Thus
saith the Lord, the Holy One of ... Elijah had foretold to Ahab the coming of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... was a critical time in Israel when Elijah prayed earnestly ... They were all filled with
the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." A gracious ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

Preparing to Depart
... Elijah used to be the head of the college, and there took up Elijah's work ... but as
we draw near to God we become confident in him, and filled with holy boldness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm