Topical Bible: Death: Exemption From: Elijah

◄ Death: Exemption From: Elijah ►

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Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, is a significant figure when discussing exemption from death. His life and ministry are recorded primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Elijah's exemption from death is a unique event that underscores his special role as a prophet and servant of God.

Biblical Account

The account of Elijah's exemption from death is found in 2 Kings 2:1-11. Elijah, having completed his prophetic ministry, is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire. This extraordinary event is described as follows:

"When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, 'Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.' But Elisha replied, 'As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.' So they went down to Bethel." (2 Kings 2:1-2)

As the narrative continues, Elijah and Elisha travel together, and Elijah repeatedly tests Elisha's commitment to stay with him. Finally, they reach the Jordan River, where Elijah performs a miracle by striking the water with his cloak, allowing them to cross on dry ground. After crossing, Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him before he is taken away. Elisha requests a double portion of Elijah's spirit, to which Elijah responds:

"'You have requested a difficult thing,' said Elijah. 'Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.'" (2 Kings 2:10)

As they continue walking and talking, the moment of Elijah's departure arrives:

"As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." (2 Kings 2:11)

Theological Significance

Elijah's exemption from death is a profound testament to his unique relationship with God. Throughout his ministry, Elijah demonstrated unwavering faith and obedience, confronting idolatry and apostasy in Israel. His life was marked by miraculous events, such as the defeat of the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) and the provision of food during a drought (1 Kings 17).

Elijah's ascension into heaven prefigures the ascension of Jesus Christ, who also was taken up into heaven after His resurrection (Acts 1:9). Elijah's departure serves as a powerful symbol of God's victory over death and His ability to grant eternal life.

Elijah in the New Testament

Elijah's significance extends into the New Testament, where he is mentioned in various contexts. He appears alongside Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 17:1-3). This event highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Furthermore, Elijah is referenced in discussions about John the Baptist, who came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17) to prepare the way for the Lord. This connection emphasizes Elijah's role as a forerunner and a model of prophetic ministry.

Conclusion

Elijah's exemption from death is a remarkable event that underscores his pivotal role in biblical history. His life and ascension serve as a testament to God's power and faithfulness, offering a glimpse of the eternal life promised to believers.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xxxvi. (AD 396. )
... it were wholly unlawful, neither Moses nor Elijah, nor our ... that God commanded them
to stone to death a man ... by this I am persuaded that exemption from fasting ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxvi a d 396.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... An exemption from all taxes was also promised to persons engaged in the ... It was the
sentence of death. ... What to Elijah on the solemn mount was the sweep of the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... or a single stroke, will certainly make no exemption in your ... of you have heard coming
up from the death beds of ... both your hands, and there is no Elijah to say ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius.
... but that which constitutes rest"namely, exemption from weariness in ... buried with Him
by baptism into death," he adds ... of Moses [1819] and of Elijah, [1820] and ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lv replies to questions.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... from Sinai, the passage of Jordan, the ascension of Elijah, and the ... is the dissolution
of life, indissoluble {30} life means exemption from death, and is ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

part viii.
... was afraid at the sight [1741] of Elijah, but this ... from which they suffered torments
worse than death [1758 ... for the sake of the miserable exemption [1786] from ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... Obadiah honoured the prophet Elijah.1 Kings 18: 7. Why ... God has nowhere given a charter
of exemption to free ... being condemned to be starved to death, who gave ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... in his heart; he ventured to hope for exemption from deserved ... never sought it, until
I found that death was on ... When the Lord reminded them that Elijah was sent ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

Rom. Iii. 18-Sep
... or a thief, or, after all these are avoided, death. ... consider what loving caring the
Lord of Elijah will display ... the easy nature of youth full exemption from fear ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii rom iii 18-sep.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... among the dreary ruins of sin and death, from a ... to the contrary, and his absolute
exemption from every ... the lawgiver of the Jewish theocracy; Elijah among the ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm