Elijah(eliah, elias)
“My God is Yahweh, or Yahweh is God”
Summary
One of the greatest prophets of Israel, whose sudden appearances, undaunted courage, fiery zeal, dramatic miracles, and glorious translation to heaven mark him as unequaled among his peers in the sacred narrative.
☩Origin and Character
Elijah is introduced abruptly in Scripture as 'Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead,' with no mention of parentage or genealogy—appearing like Melchizedek without recorded beginning. His exact birthplace is unknown, though some identify it with a town called Tishbeh in Gilead. His rugged character was nurtured in the wild highlands of Gilead, a region of chase and pasture inhabited by a people of wandering, irregular habits. His appearance marked him as a prophet: his chief characteristic was his long, thick hair, and he wore a rough garment of sheepskin with a leather girdle about his loins. This 'hairy' attire and leather belt became the pattern for prophets afterward. His burning zeal, blunt speech, and fearlessness of man were formed in lonely communion with God amid his native wilds.
☩The Drought and Divine Provision
Elijah suddenly appeared before King Ahab to announce a drought in judgment for Israel's apostasy to Baal worship: there would be no rain or dew for years except by his word. This demonstrated that Baal, though worshipped as god of the sky, had no power over nature—Jehovah alone is Lord. The prophet's effectual fervent prayer, mentioned in James, shut heaven for three years and six months. He then fled to the brook Cherith east of Jordan, where ravens brought him bread and flesh morning and evening. When the brook dried up, God sent him to Zarephath in Phoenician territory—Jezebel's native region—where least expected. There a poor widow sustained him, and her meal and oil miraculously lasted throughout the famine, while Elijah raised her son from death.
☩The Contest on Carmel
After three years, God commanded Elijah to show himself to Ahab as herald of rain. On Mount Carmel, before all Israel, the lone prophet challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a contest: each would prepare a sacrifice, and the God who answered by fire would be acknowledged as true God. From morning till noon the prophets of Baal cried out, leaping upon their altar and cutting themselves, while Elijah mocked them mercilessly. At evening, Elijah repaired Jehovah's broken altar with twelve stones representing all Israel, drenched the sacrifice with water, and prayed simply to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Fire from heaven consumed the sacrifice, altar, stones, and even the water in the trench. The people fell on their faces crying, 'Jehovah, He is the God!' and at Elijah's command slew the prophets of Baal. Then Elijah prayed for rain, and the heavens grew black with clouds.
☩Flight and Encounter at Horeb
Despite his triumph, when Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled to the wilderness in despair, asking to die. An angel fed him, and in the strength of that food he journeyed forty days to Horeb, the mount of God. There God spoke to him, not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice. When Elijah complained that he alone remained faithful and his enemies sought his life, God revealed that seven thousand in Israel had not bowed to Baal. Paul later cited this to show that even when apostasy seemed complete, God preserved a faithful remnant. Elijah was commissioned to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place—instruments of coming judgment.
☩Later Ministry and Translation
Elijah confronted Ahab after Naboth's judicial murder, pronouncing doom on the king and Jezebel—prophecies fulfilled when dogs licked Ahab's blood and devoured Jezebel. He prophesied death to Ahaziah for consulting Baal-zebub, and called fire from heaven on two companies of soldiers sent to arrest him. His earthly ministry ended gloriously: as he walked with Elisha, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Fifty sons of the prophets witnessed from afar. Unlike all other men except Enoch, he did not taste death—a testimony to his unique prophetic stature.
☩New Testament Significance
Elijah appeared with Moses at Christ's Transfiguration, speaking with Jesus about His departure. The prophet Malachi foretold that Elijah would come before the great and terrible day of the Lord to turn hearts of fathers to children. Jesus identified John the Baptist as fulfilling this prophecy in the spirit and power of Elijah, though John himself denied being literally Elijah. The Jewish expectation that Elijah would appear as Messiah's forerunner led some to mistake Jesus Himself for the returning prophet. James reminded believers that Elijah, despite his greatness, was 'a man of like passions' with us, encouraging ordinary mortals that their prayers too can avail much.
Related Verses106 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Elijah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Elijah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Elijah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Elijah," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.George Morrish, "Elijah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).