Topical Bible: Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Elijah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Elijah, a prominent prophet in the Old Testament, is a central figure in the narrative of Israel's history and a significant character in the study of biblical prophecy. His life and ministry are primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he emerges as a powerful voice for God during a time of widespread idolatry and apostasy in the northern kingdom of Israel.

Historical Context and Ministry

Elijah's prophetic ministry took place during the reign of King Ahab (circa 874–853 BC) and his infamous wife, Jezebel. Ahab's reign was marked by the promotion of Baal worship, which was vehemently opposed by Elijah. The prophet's name, meaning "My God is Yahweh," reflects his mission to call Israel back to the worship of the one true God.

Key Events and Prophecies

1. Drought Prediction: Elijah's first major prophetic act was to declare a drought upon the land of Israel as a judgment for their idolatry. In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah proclaims, "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."

2. Miracles and Provision: During the drought, Elijah experienced God's miraculous provision. He was fed by ravens at the Brook Cherith and later sustained by a widow in Zarephath, where he performed the miracle of the endless supply of flour and oil (1 Kings 17:8-16).

3. Mount Carmel Confrontation: One of the most dramatic episodes in Elijah's ministry was the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets to a contest to demonstrate whose deity is the true God. The LORD answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice and proving His supremacy.

4. Prophecy of Ahab's Downfall: Elijah also prophesied the downfall of Ahab and Jezebel due to their wickedness, particularly after the incident of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21:17-24). These prophecies were fulfilled as recorded in 2 Kings 9.

5. Elijah's Departure: Elijah's earthly ministry concluded with his ascension into heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). This event underscores his unique role as a prophet and his close relationship with God.

Elijah in Later Scripture

Elijah's influence extends beyond his lifetime. He is mentioned in the New Testament as a precursor to John the Baptist, who came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). Furthermore, Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 17:1-3).

Theological Significance

Elijah's life and ministry highlight several key themes in biblical prophecy:

- Covenant Faithfulness: Elijah's call for Israel to return to Yahweh emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of idolatry.
- Divine Power and Provision: The miracles associated with Elijah demonstrate God's power and His ability to provide for His servants.
- Judgment and Mercy: Elijah's prophecies often contain elements of both judgment and mercy, reflecting God's justice and His desire for repentance.

Elijah remains a model of prophetic zeal and faithfulness, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the call to uphold His truth in the face of opposition. His life continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and to trust in God's ultimate plan and provision.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 17:8
And the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 21:17,28
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Mystery
... Respecting the great city, then, the meaning is plain ... of things predicted is a
commentary on the prophecy. ... to be found, singly of individuals, unless twice only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... delivered orally to the individuals concerned, or to ... and simultaneous continuation
of Isaian prophecy. ... interesting critical inquiries respecting the component ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Mystery
... we must not understand this of individuals, (many of ... observed, in order to connect
the prophecy of the ... passage from the same prophet, respecting the cherubim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... For if private individuals are permitted, in a grave ... consummated until the fulfilment
of the prophecy of Isaiah ... except those restless men, does not see what the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... whatever might happen by the act of the individuals is sought for ... The argument from
prophecy. ... in the twenty-third book of the Exegetics, respecting those that ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... but of the tortures and murders of individuals. ... the existence of great disputes
respecting the second ... Prophecy is not yet silenced, though greatly diminished ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... 2. From an expression of Jeremiah respecting Moses and ... 2:28; 11:13), but according
to the number of individuals. ... See the depth to which miserable men fall when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... another inquiry concerning a promise, prophecy, or assertion of ... of the nation and
of the individuals of which ... upon an abstruse question respecting the humanity ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... prove a mere rope of sand"a prophecy which subsequent ... in an illness (he was always
delicate), 'to see a man ... It is impossible to help respecting a lady whose ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... that time consisted of these two individuals, it is ... Of the same import is the prophecy
in Revelation ... We are farther informed respecting Noah's preaching, which ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm