Topical Encyclopedia Elijah, the Tishbite from Tishbe in Gilead, stands as one of the most formidable prophets in the Old Testament, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the worship of Yahweh amidst rampant idolatry in Israel. His prophetic ministry is marked by a series of confrontations with King Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, and his infamous wife, Jezebel. Ahab's reign is characterized by the promotion of Baal worship, which Elijah vehemently opposed, leading to a series of divine judgments pronounced by the prophet.Prophecy Against Ahab: The narrative of Elijah's prophecy against Ahab is primarily found in 1 Kings 21. After Ahab's acquisition of Naboth's vineyard through Jezebel's treachery, the word of the LORD came to Elijah, instructing him to confront Ahab. Elijah delivered a dire prophecy, declaring the impending doom of Ahab's dynasty due to his grievous sins and the murder of Naboth. The prophet proclaimed, "This is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the LORD says: In the place where the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, they will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’" (1 Kings 21:19). Elijah further prophesied the complete eradication of Ahab's lineage, stating, "I will bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, slave or free" (1 Kings 21:21). This prophecy underscores the severity of divine judgment against the house of Ahab, reflecting the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy for idolatry and injustice. Prophecy Against Jezebel: Elijah's prophecy extended to Jezebel, Ahab's queen, who was instrumental in leading Israel into Baal worship and orchestrating Naboth's death. Elijah declared, "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel’" (1 Kings 21:23). This vivid imagery of Jezebel's demise serves as a stark warning against the consequences of leading God's people astray and engaging in egregious acts of wickedness. Fulfillment of Prophecies: The fulfillment of Elijah's prophecies is recorded in subsequent chapters of 1 and 2 Kings. Ahab's death occurs in battle at Ramoth-gilead, where he is struck by an arrow and bleeds to death in his chariot. As prophesied, dogs lick up his blood at the pool of Samaria (1 Kings 22:38). The destruction of Ahab's house is completed under the reign of Jehu, who is anointed king and tasked with executing divine judgment on Ahab's descendants (2 Kings 9-10). Jezebel meets her end when she is thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy with chilling precision (2 Kings 9:30-37). Elijah's prophecies against Ahab and his house highlight the seriousness with which God regards idolatry, injustice, and the corruption of leadership. They serve as a testament to the faithfulness of God's word and the certainty of divine justice, reinforcing the call to covenant fidelity and righteousness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 21:17-29And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:25-37 Library The Antiquities of the Jews The Prophet Hosea. The Sovereignty of God in Operation Book 9 Footnotes John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John The Greater Prophets. Walking with God The Barren Fig-Tree; CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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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