Elijah, a prophet of the Lord in the Old Testament, is a prominent figure known for his fervent zeal in confronting and punishing evil, particularly in the context of idolatry and apostasy in Israel. His ministry is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he emerges as a staunch defender of the worship of Yahweh amidst a nation that had largely turned to the worship of Baal under the influence of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Confrontation with Ahab and the Prophets of Baal

Elijah's zeal is vividly demonstrated in his confrontation with King Ahab, whom he boldly accuses of leading Israel into sin. In 1 Kings 18:18 , Elijah declares, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals." This confrontation sets the stage for the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove the true God of Israel.

On Mount Carmel, Elijah's zeal reaches its peak as he repairs the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down, and calls upon God to send fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. His prayer is answered, and the fire of the Lord falls, consuming the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and even the dust, as recorded in 1 Kings 18:38 . This miraculous event leads to the people acknowledging the Lord as the true God, and Elijah commands the people to seize the prophets of Baal. In a decisive act of judgment, Elijah executes them at the Kishon Valley, as stated in 1 Kings 18:40 : "Then Elijah said to them, 'Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape!' So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there."

Zeal Against King Ahaziah

Elijah's zeal is further exemplified in his dealings with King Ahaziah, the son of Ahab. When Ahaziah seeks counsel from Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, after injuring himself, Elijah intercepts the king's messengers and delivers a message of judgment from the Lord. In 2 Kings 1:3 , Elijah asks, "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?" Elijah's unwavering commitment to the Lord's honor leads to a prophecy of Ahaziah's death, which is fulfilled as foretold.

Legacy of Zeal

Elijah's life and ministry are marked by a profound zeal for the purity of Israel's worship and an uncompromising stance against idolatry. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the seriousness with which God views the worship of false gods and the lengths to which He will go to restore His people to Himself. Elijah's zeal is not merely a personal trait but a reflection of divine justice and holiness, as he acts as an instrument of God's judgment against those who lead His people astray.

Elijah's legacy of zeal is further underscored by his role in the New Testament, where he is seen as a forerunner to John the Baptist and a symbol of prophetic authority and fervor. His life continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and to confront evil with courage and conviction, trusting in the power and righteousness of God.1 Kings 18:40
And Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
Nave's Topical Index

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... And many who had a real zeal for God have ... in the above-mentioned words, I mean religious
fasting. ... have largely insisted on; namely, the punishing themselves for ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Emulation, in religious practice, [962]370, [963]379; in ... Evil speaking, mischief
of, [1008]359, [1009]370 ... 1065]477, n.; most such, in punishing their children ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... comprehends single individuals, who by a religious profession are ... What depraved zeal
thus assumes to itself is proud ... Did David, who was daily punishing it in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... We live in days when there is a mighty zeal for education in ... [16] As to the age when
the religious instruction of a ... [18] As to the best way of punishing a child ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

part ii
... with feeling, with great reverence and zeal, reading the ... children, forgive their
wicked, capricious, and evil-natured ones ... at the prayer for the people of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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