Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5070 Individuals in OT and NT  »  5092 Elijah

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

His prophecies and prayers were fulfilled and attested by miracles

Drought prophesied and experienced:

1 Kings 17:1,7; Kings 18:1-6; James 5:17 1 Kings 17:14 provision of flour and oil prophesied

Rain prophesied:

1 Kings 18:41,44-45 1 Kings 17:17-24 The widow's son is restored to life.

Fire falls from heaven at Elijah's prayer:

1 Kings 18:36-38; 2 Kings 1:10,12

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

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

The word of the LORD came to him

1 Kings 19:9-18 See also 1 Kings 17:8; Kings 18:1; Kings 21:17,23,28; Kings 22:38

Elijah's ministry to Israel

He confronts Ahab, king of Israel

1 Kings 18:16-18 See also 1 Kings 21:20-22

He challenges the people of Israel

1 Kings 18:21

He challenges Baal and his prophets

1 Kings 18:20-29,36-38

The prophets of Baal are sentenced to death and executed

See also 1 Kings 18:40

Elijah calls down fire on Ahaziah's messengers

2 Kings 1:1-14

He predicts Ahaziah's death

2 Kings 1:16-17

He appoints successors to continue the fight against Baal worshippers

1 Kings 19:15-17 See also 1 Kings 19:19-21 Elisha is called; 2 Kings 8:13-15; Kings 9:1-13 Jehu is anointed by one of Elisha's assistants.

He does not die, but is taken up to heaven

2 Kings 2:11-12

Elijah's lifestyle and character

It was one of simplicity

See also 1 Kings 17:2-6; Kings 19:4-5; 2 Kings 1:8

He was a man of action and physical endurance

1 Kings 17:1,3,9

Parallels between Elijah and Moses

2 Kings 2:8 See also Exodus 14:21-22; Joshua 3:14-17; 2 Kings 2:14

Elijah's return is awaited by Israel

Some Jews believed John the Baptist was Elijah returned

Luke 1:17 See also Malachi 4:5-6

Jesus Christ recognises John as Elijah:

Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:9-13 pp Mark 9:9-13 John 1:21 John the Baptist denies being Elijah.

Similarities of lifestyle and dress between Elijah and John:

2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4 pp Mark 1:6

Elijah appears at the transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Matthew 17:1-8 pp Mark 9:2-8

See also

1431  prophecy, OT methods
2580  Christ, transfiguration
4815  drought
5098  John the Baptist
5101  Moses
5582  tiredness
5831  depression
7312  Baal
7773  prophets, role
7775  prophets, lives
8752  false worship
8768  idolatry