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 Appeal to the Undecided.... I am of one opinion; I believe them both to be
God." "No, no," saidElijah, "it can not be so; they are two, and must be two....
Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGSELIJAH'S WEAKNESS, AND ITS CUBE. 'And Ahab told Jezebel
all thatElijah had done, and withal how he had slain...
Elijah's Mantle. 2Ki 51:11-14
... HYMNS before annual Sermons to young people, on new-years evenings. Hymn 19ELIJAH's
mantle. 2Ki 51:11-14. John Newton 8,8,8,8.ELIJAH's mantle. 2Ki 51:11-14....
Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGSELIJAH'S TRANSLATION AND ELISHA'S DEATHBED. And Elisha
saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot...
Elijah's Prayer. 1Ki 18
... HYMNS before annual Sermons to young people, on new-years evenings. Hymn 14ELIJAH's
prayer. 1Ki 18. John Newton 8,8,8,8.ELIJAH's prayer. 1Ki 18....
Gentleness Succeeding Strength
... 'He took up also the mantle ofElijah that fell from him, and went back,
and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14. And he took the mantle...
He that Hath an Ear
...Elijah's presence on the holy mount characterises the scene there as representing
the power and coming of that kingdom (Matthew 16:28.2 Peter 1:16,17,18...
Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... V.ELIJAH, THE PRAYING PROPHET.... Alexander WhyteElijah is preeminently the elder
of the prophets. The crown, the throne and the scepter are his....
The Trial by Fire
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS THE TRIAL BY FIRE. 'AndElijah said unto... AndElijah said
unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him....
Elijah --Passionate in Prayer
... PART II. SOME BIBLE TYPES OF PRAYER VI.ELIJAH"PASSIONATE IN PRAYER....ELIJAH
towers up like a mountain above all the other prophets....
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...Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... Baal. He was severely admonished byElijah (qv) for his wickedness.... done.
Like an accusing conscience,Elijah appeared before Ahab....
Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... (1.) Hebrews `addereth, a large over-garment. This word is used ofElijah's mantle
(1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 2:8, 13, etc.), which was probably a sheepskin....
Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... During this period the widow's son died, and was restored to life byElijah (1 Kings
17:2-24). During all these two years a famine prevailed in the land....
Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary God his salvation, the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah,
who became the attendant and disciple ofElijah (1 Kings 19:16-19)....
Dropped (52 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 2 Kings 2:13 Then he took upElijah's robe, which had been dropped from
him, and went back till he came to the edge of Jordan. (BBE)....
Intercession (12 Occurrences)
... at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:12-61); Jeroboam's appeal to the man
of God to pray for the healing of his hand (1 Kings 13:6);Elijah's prayer for...
Robe (142 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 19:13 AndElijah, hearing it, went out, covering his face with
his robe, and took his place in the opening of the hole....
Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... There Zedekiah is represented as arguing that since Micaiah contradictsElijah's
prediction as to the place of Ahab's death, he must be regarded as a false...
Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... This was the scene of the defeat of Sisera (Judges 4:7, 13), and of the
destruction of the prophets of Baal byElijah (1 Kings 18:40)....
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.orgWho was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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