Living in Israel, his ministry as a prophet was to oppose the worship of Baal in Israel, and the sin, injustices and idolatry of Ahab, Jezebel and Ahaziah. He came, probably, from Tishbe in Gilead, but his parentage is not certain. His name means "the LORD is God".

Elijah's special standing as a prophet

1 Kings 17:1,7; 18:1-6

His prophecies and prayers were fulfilled and attested by miracles

James 5:17

Drought prophesied and experienced:

1 Kings 17:14
1 Kings 18:41,44-45

provision of flour and oil prophesied

1 Kings 17:17-24

Rain prophesied:

1 Kings 18:36-38

The widow's son is restored to life.

2 Kings 1:10,12

Fire falls from heaven at Elijah's prayer:

1 Kings 21:20-24; 22:37-38
2 Kings 9:30-37

The death of Ahab and Jezebel, and of Ahab's line prophesied and fulfilled:

1 Kings 19:9-18

See also

The word of the LORD came to him

1 Kings 17:8; 18:1; 21:17,23,28; 22:38
1 Kings 18:16-18

Elijah's ministry to Israel

See also

He confronts Ahab, king of Israel

1 Kings 21:20-22
1 Kings 18:21

He challenges the people of Israel

1 Kings 18:20-29,36-38

He challenges Baal and his prophets

See also

1 Kings 18:40

The prophets of Baal are sentenced to death and executed

2 Kings 1:1-14

Elijah calls down fire on Ahaziah's messengers

2 Kings 1:16-17

He predicts Ahaziah's death

1 Kings 19:15-17

See also

He appoints successors to continue the fight against Baal worshippers

1 Kings 19:19-21
2 Kings 8:13-15; 9:1-13

Elisha is called

Jehu is anointed by one of Elisha's assistants.

2 Kings 2:11-12

He does not die, but is taken up to heaven

See also

Elijah's lifestyle and character

1 Kings 17:2-6; 19:4-5

It was one of simplicity

2 Kings 1:8
1 Kings 17:1,3,9

He was a man of action and physical endurance

2 Kings 2:8

Parallels between Elijah and Moses

See also

Exodus 14:21-22
Joshua 3:14-17
2 Kings 2:14
Luke 1:17

Elijah's return is awaited by Israel

See also

Some Jews believed John the Baptist was Elijah returned

Malachi 4:5-6
Matthew 11:14; 17:9-13

Jesus Christ recognises John as Elijah:

John 1:21

pp Mk 9:9-13

2 Kings 1:8

John the Baptist denies being Elijah.

Matthew 3:4

Similarities of lifestyle and dress between Elijah and John:

pp Mk 1:6

Matthew 17:1-8

Elijah appears at the transfiguration of Jesus Christ

See also

pp Mk 9:2-8

1432 prophecy in NT
2580 Jesus Christ, transfiguration of
4815 drought
5098 John the Baptist
5101 Moses
5582 tiredness
5831 depression
7312 Baal
7773 prophets, role
7778 school of prophets
8752 false worship
8768 idolatry