Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Elijah, known as "The Tishbite," is one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament. His ministry is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Elijah's life and works are characterized by his fervent zeal for the worship of Yahweh and his opposition to the idolatry that plagued Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Background: Elijah's designation as "The Tishbite" indicates his origin from Tishbe in Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. His sudden appearance in the biblical narrative underscores the urgency and divine commissioning of his prophetic mission. Elijah's name means "My God is Yahweh," reflecting his life's purpose to turn Israel back to the worship of the one true God. Ministry and Miracles: Elijah's ministry begins with a bold proclamation to King 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" (1 Kings 17:1). This declaration of drought was a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite storm god whom Ahab and Jezebel promoted. During the drought, Elijah is miraculously sustained by God. He is fed by ravens at the Brook Cherith and later by a widow in Zarephath, where he performs the miracle of the endless supply of flour and oil (1 Kings 17:2-16). Elijah also raises the widow's son from the dead, demonstrating God's power over life and death (1 Kings 17:17-24). Confrontation on Mount Carmel: One of the most dramatic events in Elijah's ministry is the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah challenges the people of Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal, setting up a contest to call down fire from heaven. After the prophets of Baal fail, Elijah prays, and God answers by sending fire to consume the sacrifice, the altar, and even the water in the trench (1 Kings 18:20-39). This event leads to the people acknowledging Yahweh as the true God. Elijah's Flight and Encounter with God: Following the victory at Carmel, Elijah flees from Jezebel's wrath into the wilderness. In his despair, he encounters God at Mount Horeb, where he experiences a theophany. God reveals Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, reaffirming Elijah's mission and instructing him to anoint new leaders for Israel (1 Kings 19:1-18). Legacy and Ascension: Elijah's ministry concludes with the anointing of Elisha as his successor. Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot of fire, a unique departure that signifies his special role as a prophet (2 Kings 2:1-12). Elijah's legacy endures in Jewish and Christian traditions, symbolizing the prophetic spirit and the call to faithfulness. New Testament References: Elijah is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. He appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus, representing the prophets (Matthew 17:1-3). John the Baptist is likened to Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy of one who would prepare the way for the Lord (Matthew 11:14). Elijah's fervor and miraculous works continue to inspire believers to uphold the truth of God's word amidst opposition. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 2:11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Nave's Topical Index Library Elijah the Tishbite The Fall of the House of Ahab Elijah --Passionate in Prayer "The Spirit and Power of Elijah" --Not the Soul --Were in the ... Elijah Fed by Ravens. Elijah Come Again A Prophet's Strange Providers Elijah Standing Before the Lord Heracleon's view of the Voice, and of John the Baptist. Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ... Resources Who was Elijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram, if Elijah had already been taken to heaven? | GotQuestions.org Why must Elijah return before the end times (Malachi 4:5-6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Derisively Challenges the Priests of Baal to offer Sacrifices Elijah the Tishbite, a Gileadite and Prophet, Called Elias Elijah: Also Called Eliah: A Benjamite Chief Elijah: Antitype of John the Baptist Elijah: Appears to Jesus at his Transfiguration Elijah: Despondency and Complaints of Elijah: Flees to the Wilderness of Damascus Elijah: Kills the Prophets of Baal Elijah: Miracles of Calls Fire Down Upon the Soldiers of Ahaziah Elijah: Miracles of Causes Fire to Consume the Sacrifice Elijah: Miracles of Causes Rain After Seven Years of Drought Elijah: Miracles of Increases the Oil of the Widow of Zarephath Elijah: Miracles of Raises the Son of the Woman of Zarephath from the Dead Elijah: Prophecies of Foretells a Drought Elijah: Prophecies of The Death of Ahaziah Elijah: Prophecies of The Destruction of Ahab and his House Elijah: Returns, and Sends a Message to Ahab Escapes to the Wilderness from the Fierceness of Jezebel Escapes to the Wilderness, where he is Miraculously Fed by Ravens Irony: Elijah to the Priests of Baal Meets Ahab and Directs Him to Assemble the Prophets of Baal Sarcasm: Elijah to the Priests of Baal Related Terms |
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