The Book of Malachi prophesies Elijah's return 'before the coming of the great and terrible day of the L ORD,' making him a harbinger of the Messiah and of the eschaton in various faiths that revere the Hebrew Bible. God also performed many miracles through Elijah, including resurrection, bringing fire down from the sky, and entering heaven alive 'by fire.' He is also portrayed as leading a school of prophets known as 'the sons of the prophets.' Following his ascension, Elisha, his disciple and most devoted assistant, took over his role as leader of this school. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah defended the worship of the Hebrew God over that of the Canaanite deity Baal. Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of AkkaĮlijah ( / ɪ ˈ l aɪ dʒ ə/ il- EYE-jə Hebrew: אֵלִיָּהוּ, romanized: ʾĒlīyyāhū, meaning 'My God is Yahweh / YHWH' Greek form: Elias / ɪ ˈ l aɪ ə s/ il- EYE-əs) was, according to the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible, a prophet and a miracle worker who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab (9th century BC).An Israelite induced to put away his foreign wife. A Benjamite and son of Jeroham, resident at Jerusalem ( 1 Chron. A son of Harim who married a foreign wife during the exile ( Ezra 10:21).ģ. “Many of the children of Israel did they turn to the Lord their God.”Ģ. Their continued influence after death through disciples. Their exposure of the wrath of a wicked king. Their intrepid fidelity in calling all classes to repentance.

Their strong reproof of prevailing evils. Their familiarity with the deserts and solitude. The overwrought prophet suffered a lapse of confidence, but was quickly restored.Įlijah, the rugged prophet, suggests John the Baptist, who came in the same spirit and power of the prophet. Here we see the power of a fully surrendered man. Elijah was miraculously fed on three occasions-by ravens ( 1 Kings 17:6) by a widow ( 1 Kings 17:9) by an angel ( 1 Kings 19:5-8). Faith moves on, trusting that when the first step is taken the next will be revealed.Īt Zarephath ( 1 Kings 17:10, 24).

When God commands us to speak, no thought of peril need make us dumb.īy Cherith ( 1 Kings 17:2-7). His history in 1 Kings can be appropriately studied under five prepositions:īefore Ahab ( 1 Kings 17:1). 17:3).Īs a performer of miracles ( 1 Kings 19:8).Īs a God-inspired prophet ready to obey and trust God ( 1 Kings 17:1 21:9-24 2 Kings 1:2-17).Īs a saint whose end was glorious ( 2 Kings 2:1).īoth mystery and majesty are associated with Elijah, the mightiest of the prophets.

5:17).Īs a man prone to discouragement ( 1 Kings 19:4).Īs one capable of fallible judgment ( 1 Kings 19:4, 18).Īs a prophet divinely honored ( 2 Kings 2:11 Matt. This man of iron is presented in many ways:Īs a fearless, bold and dauntless reformer ( 1 Kings 18:17-46).Īs a rebuker of kings ( 1 Kings 21:20 2 Kings 1:16).Īs a mighty intercessor, praying with faith and intensity ( 1 Kings 17:20, 22 18:36-38 Jas. Suddenly and with abrupt impetuosity the figure of the prophet bursts upon the scene to rebuke the godless and to reawaken and restore the nation of which he was a part. Scripture is silent about his past history. All we know of him before his dramatic appearance can be summed up in the words: “Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead” ( 1 Kings 17:1).

The New Testament attests to his greatness and reveals what an indelible impression he made upon the mind of his nation. No career in the Old Testament is more vividly portrayed, or has as much fascination as that of the unique character of Elijah. Elijah the Tishbite is the grandest and most romantic character Israel ever produced ( 1 Kings 17 18 19). Elias is the Greek form of Elijah ( Matt. Elias, Elijah - god is jehovah or god himself.ġ.

Character study of elijah in the bible