Topical Bible: God: Elijah's Trials

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Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, is renowned for his unwavering faith and the trials he faced as a servant of God. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he emerges as a pivotal figure during a time of rampant idolatry in Israel.

Confrontation with Ahab and the Prophets of Baal

Elijah's trials began with his confrontation against King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into idolatry, provoking the Lord's anger. Elijah, in obedience to God's command, declared a drought over the land: "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 pronouncement set the stage for a series of trials that would test Elijah's faith and resolve.

The most dramatic of these trials occurred on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God. Elijah's faith was vindicated when God answered his prayer by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, leading the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). This victory, however, was followed by a renewed threat from Jezebel, forcing Elijah to flee for his life.

Despair and Renewal at Horeb

Elijah's flight into the wilderness marked a period of deep despair. Despite his triumph on Mount Carmel, he felt isolated and overwhelmed, expressing his desolation to God: "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers" (1 Kings 19:4). In this moment of vulnerability, God provided for Elijah's physical needs through an angel and led him to Mount Horeb.

At Horeb, God revealed Himself to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, demonstrating that His presence and power are not always manifested in dramatic displays. God reassured Elijah of His sovereignty and instructed him to anoint new leaders, including Elisha as his successor, thus renewing Elijah's mission and purpose (1 Kings 19:11-16).

Confrontation with Ahaziah

Elijah's trials continued with his confrontation with King Ahaziah, Ahab's successor, who sought guidance from Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, after an injury. Elijah intercepted the king's messengers, delivering a message of judgment: "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore, you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die" (2 Kings 1:3-4). This bold proclamation led to further conflict, as Ahaziah sent troops to capture Elijah, only for them to be consumed by fire from heaven at Elijah's word.

Legacy and Ascension

Elijah's trials culminated in his miraculous ascension into heaven, a testament to his faithfulness and God's favor. As he and Elisha walked 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). This extraordinary event not only marked the end of Elijah's earthly trials but also established his enduring legacy as a prophet who stood resolutely for God amidst adversity.

Elijah's life serves as a powerful example of faith, obedience, and perseverance through trials, illustrating the profound truth that God remains faithful to His servants, providing strength and guidance in times of need.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 19:1
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and with how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
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Library

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... he was ordered to Sarepta, where God had commanded ... the woman than the woman's
hospitality did for Elijah. Great trials awaited the widow and great sorrows too. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

Stumbling-Stones, or Stepping-Stones?
... What our trials are to us depends on what we are to them. This is well illustrated
in Elijah's experience. ... But the time came when God spoke to him, and as he ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-seven stumbling-stones or stepping-stones.htm

The Call of Elisha
... Elisha's life after uniting with Elijah was not without temptations. Trials
he had in abundance; but in every emergency he relied on God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... He who was Elijah's strength is strong to uphold every struggling ... are now mysterious
you may solve by continued trust in God. ... Trials will come, but go forward. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... We know not what fiery trials we may meet with, but to them that love God ... But where
we see love to God increasing and growing larger, as Elijah's cloud, we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Index.
... Elijah's removal, 220; his faith, 263; his sudden appearances, 6; defiled by ... Sonship
of Christ, defined, 28; a revelation of God, 12 ... Special trials of Christ, 76 ...
/.../edwards/the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/index 2.htm

Elijah
... a grand thing, no doubt, to be like Elijah, a stern ... halt between two opinions: but
if God be God, to follow ... that, we shall be sure to have our trials: but we ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... to go on through all her trials rejoicingly conscious of ... that the prophet Elisha,
whose prayers God heard in ... dearth at Gilgal, was made Elijah's successor when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

My Call to the Ministry
... received in my soul that night were like Elijah's meal, in ... I believe I honored him
as much as God required ... under the influence of the enemy, the trials were so ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vii my call to.htm

The Revelation in a Son.
... of prophecy resembles the suddenness of Elijah's appearances and ... Let the peaceful
spirits of the dead rest in God! They had their trials and sorrows on earth. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter i the revelation in.htm