One of the great Old Testament prophets was Elijah. It was he who appeared with Moses on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. It was he to whom John the Baptizer was likened in spirit and power. In his ministry, Elijah performed many miracles. Like Enoch of old, Elijah did not die as men normally do, but was taken by God into heaven. His influence lived on in his disciple Elisha, who took up his mantle and demonstrated the same spirit and power.
"I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts" -Elijah (1Kg 19:14)
The story of Elijah’s visit to the widow of Zarephath shows the tenderness and love in Elijah’s heart. The story of his confronting the prophets of Baal shows his faith and courage.
Elijah the Tishbite prophesied in a hostile environment where false religion was rife. He had to deal with kings who generally were not faithful to God. However, he did what he had to do, and said what he had to say. But God was with him, and Elijah believed this, even though God sometimes spoke with a still, small voice.
The Main Point
Behind this story is the outstanding spirit and power of Elijah, which he had by virtue of his great faith and zeal for God. At times he was afraid, and had to flee. At times he got discouraged and thought he was alone. But he never let God down, and bravely spoke up for God -nor did God let him down. Elisha took up the mantle, and the spirit and power of Elijah. In a way, so can we, by taking Elijah’s attitude toward God into our own hearts.
Bible Summary (1Kings 17-22, 2Kings 1-2)
1st Kings
Elijah has power to control the weather (17)
He is fed by ravens (17)
Elijah visits the widow of Zarephath (17)
Her flour and oil miraculously do not run out (17)
Her son is brought back to life (17)
Elijah meets Obadiah, sends him reassured to Ahab (18)
Ahab goes to Elijah. Elijah challenges him (18)
Elijah confronts and kills the prophets of Baal (18)
Elijah causes a drought-breaking downpour of rain (18)
Jezebel (Ahab’s wife) threatens Elijah (19)
Elijah flees, and again eats miraculous food (19)
Elijah goes to Horeb (Mount Sinai), talks to God (19)
Elisha becomes Elijah’s disciple and follows him (19)
God helps Ahab to defeat Ben-hadad king of Syria (20)
A prophet condemns Ahab for letting Ben-hadad go (20)
Jezebel plots against Naboth to get his vineyard for Ahab (21)
Elijah condemns Ahab and Jezebel (21)
Ahab humbles himself and God spares him (21)
Jehoshaphat good king of Judah visits Ahab king of Israel (22)
Micaiah the prophet speaks against Ahab (22)
Ahab dies in an ill-advised battle (22)
After Ahab, Ahaziah becomes king of Israel (22)
After Jehoshaphat, Jehoram becomes king of Judah (22)
[Some similar information is given in 2nd Chronicles 18-20]
2nd Kings
Ahaziah consults Baal-Zebub. Elijah condemns him (1)
After Ahaziah, Jehoram becomes king of Israel (1)
[Note: At this point the kings of Israel and Judah have the same name --Jehoram]
Elijah is taken up into heaven by a whirlwind (2)
Elisha takes up the mantle and work of Elijah (2)
A Few Facts About Elijah
A prophet in Israel after the kingdom divided
Named Elias in the King James New Testament
Contemporary with the kings of Judah named
Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram
Contemporary with the kings of Israel named
Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram
Dealt with Israel’s king Ahab and his wife Jezebel
Exposed and killed the prophets of Baal
Meets with God on Horeb (Mount Sinai)
Called upon Elisha to follow him
Brought death upon Ahaziah king of Israel (2Kg 1)
And upon Jehoram king of Judah (2Ch 21)
Taken up into heaven in a whirlwind
Elijah experienced and performed many miracles
Paul uses him as an illustration (Rom 11:1-5)
James does too (Jas 5:16-18)
John the Baptiser likened to him
( Mal 4:5, Mtt 11:12-14, Lke 1:17)