The story of the prophet Elijah

Bibliaon Team

Created and reviewed by our editors

Elijah was a prophet of the Old Testament. His mission was to call the people of Israel to repentance and combat idolatry. He became known for challenging the prophets of Baal, during which God showed His power by sending fire from heaven. Elijah is also remembered for ascending to heaven without dying. The story of Elijah can be found in 1 Kings chapter 17, through 2 Kings 2. He is also mentioned in other books such as Malachi and in the New Testament.

Elijah lived in a time of spiritual decline in Israel, during the reign of Ahab, one of the most evil kings of the country. Ahab's wife, Jezebel, introduced the worship of the god Baal, leading the people to worship idols.

Elijah's mission was to restore faith in God by directly confronting the worship of Baal and calling the people to repentance. One of his first major accomplishments was announcing a three-and-a-half-year drought as a punishment from God upon the nation. During that time, Elijah experienced God's miraculous provision, being fed by ravens and later by a widow.

An illustrative image of Prophet Elijah

The most memorable moment of Elijah's life was the confrontation on Mount Carmel, where he challenged the 450 prophets of Baal. Elijah prayed, and God responded by sending fire from heaven, consuming his sacrifice and showing that He is the one true God. After that, Elijah prayed for rain, and the drought came to an end.

Elijah also faced persecution, especially from Jezebel. In a moment of weakness, he fled to the desert, where God comforted him. Elijah did not die in the ordinary way; he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind with chariots of fire.

Elijah's life teaches us about the importance of faith, sincere prayer, and courage when facing evil. He is an example of faithfulness to God in difficult times and of complete trust in the power of the Lord.

Important moments in the life of Elijah:

Prediction of the drought: Elijah told King Ahab that it would not rain in Israel for several years until he said so.
Refuge by the Cherith brook: During the drought, Elijah took refuge by the Cherith brook as commanded by the Lord. There, ravens fed him.
Miracle at the widow of Zarephath's house: God sent Elijah to Zarephath, where he performed the miracle of multiplying flour and oil to sustain a widow and her son during the famine.
Resurrection of the widow's son: Elijah prayed to God, and the son of the widow of Zarephath, who had died, was resurrected.
Challenge on Mount Carmel: Elijah confronted the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah on Mount Carmel. God responded with fire, proving Himself to be the true God, and the prophets of Baal were killed.
Prayer for rain: After the challenge, Elijah prayed, and God sent rain, ending the drought.
Flight to the desert: Jezebel, Ahab's wife, threatened to kill Elijah, and he fled to the desert, where, discouraged, he asked God for his death. God comforted him and fed him through an angel.
God's revelation on Mount Horeb: Elijah went to Mount Horeb, where God revealed Himself to him in a gentle whisper and gave him new instructions, including anointing Elisha as his successor.
Anointing of Elisha: Elijah found Elisha and anointed him as prophet in his place.
Prophecy against Ahab and Jezebel: Elijah pronounced God's judgment on Ahab and Jezebel for their sins, including the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard.
Elijah taken to heaven in a whirlwind: Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind with chariots and horses of fire in the presence of Elisha, who inherited his mantle and prophetic ministry.

Bible Study on Elijah

Elijah Announces a Great Drought

The prophet Elijah confronted King Ahab, one of the worst kings of Israel. He and his wife Jezebel had led the people into idol worship. As punishment for Ahab's sins and the sins of the people, Elijah warned that there would be no more rain or dew in Israel for several years, until he gave the word.

The drought announced by Elijah had a destructive impact. It caused famine and suffering throughout the kingdom. It forced the people of Israel to face the powerlessness of their false gods and recognize that the God of Elijah, the God of Israel, was the true Lord of creation. The drought lasted three and a half years, until Elijah, by God's command, prayed for rain, and the rain returned.

These events affirmed Elijah’s life and ministry, focused on defending faith in God and fighting against idolatry in Israel.

The Ravens That Fed Elijah

After announcing the drought in Israel, Elijah followed God's instructions and took refuge in a secluded place. That time was crucial for Elijah. He had to sustain and strengthen himself spiritually during the years of drought and famine that ravaged the kingdom. At the Cherith brook, Elijah experienced a miracle: the ravens, generally considered unclean, brought him bread and meat twice a day, while he drank water from the brook.

This miracle highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to provide in difficult situations. The choice of ravens signifies that God can use even the most unexpected means to fulfill His purpose. The period of isolation also served as a time of preparation for Elijah. His faith and trust in God were strengthened, which was crucial for facing other challenges, such as the confrontation with the prophets of Baal.

The provision Elijah received shows how God cares for those who serve Him, even in difficult times. He uses any situation to protect and help those who trust in Him.

The Miracle at the Widow's House and the Resurrection of Her Son

When the brook dried up, God told Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath, where a widow would care for him. When he arrived, Elijah saw the widow gathering firewood and asked for water and a piece of bread. The widow, who was very poor, said that she only had a little flour and oil, enough for one last meal for her and her son before they would die from hunger.

Elijah encouraged her to trust in God and assured her that the flour and oil would not run out until the drought ended. Miraculously, the widow's food never ran out, and she, her son, and Elijah were able to eat during the famine.

Later, the widow's son became seriously ill and died. The desperate mother questioned Elijah about the tragedy. Elijah took the child, prayed fervently to God, and lay on him three times. God heard Elijah's prayer, and the boy came back to life. This miracle confirmed the widow's faith in the God of Israel and reaffirmed God's power through Elijah.

These events demonstrate God's power over life and death, His ability to provide in the most desperate circumstances, and the importance of faith and obedience.

Elijah Faces the Prophets of Baal

The challenge on Mount Carmel is one of the most significant moments in Elijah's life, as it shows God's power. Elijah confronted King Ahab and summoned the people of Israel, as well as the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, to meet on Mount Carmel. The test was simple: each group was to prepare a sacrifice but not light a fire. The true God would be the one to send fire from heaven to consume the offering.

The prophets of Baal spent the day calling on their god, but nothing happened. They shouted loudly, danced, and even cut themselves, but Baal remained silent. Then Elijah built an altar to the Lord, placed his offering, and, to intensify the challenge, ordered that everything be drenched with water three times. When Elijah prayed, God immediately responded with fire, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the surrounding water.

The people, witnessing this miracle, fell to their knees and immediately recognized that “the LORD is God!” Elijah commanded the capture and execution of the prophets of Baal, eliminating the idolatrous leadership that had led Israel astray. This event reaffirmed God's absolute power and served as a call to repentance for the nation of Israel.

I See a Small Cloud: Elijah Prays for Rain

After defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain and prayed fervently for God to send rain and end the drought that had lasted three and a half years.

The prophet prayed seven times, demonstrating perseverance and faith. Finally, his servant saw a small cloud, “like the size of a man's hand,” forming on the horizon. Shortly afterward, the sky grew dark, and a heavy rain fell, bringing relief to Israel. This event confirmed that God, not Baal, controls all things and reaffirmed the effectiveness of faithful and persistent prayer.

Elijah Flees to the Desert Where He Receives Encouragement and Renewal

After the victory on Mount Carmel, Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was furious over the death of the prophets of Baal and threatened to kill Elijah. Fearing for his life, Elijah fled to the desert of Beersheba. There, exhausted and discouraged, he sat under a tree and asked God to take his life, feeling defeated and alone. He believed he was the only faithful prophet left alive.

Instead of rebuking him, God sent an angel to comfort him. The angel brought Elijah bread and water, allowing him to rest and regain his strength. With compassion, God took care of Elijah in his time of weakness, showing that He understands the discouragement of His servants and offers support and renewal. Renewed, Elijah embarked on a 40-day journey to Mount Horeb, where he would have an encounter with God that would renew his mission as a prophet.

Anointing of Elisha, Elijah's Successor

After meeting with God on Mount Horeb, Elijah was given the mission to anoint Elisha as his successor. Obeying God, Elijah went after Elisha and found him working in the field with twelve oxen. Elijah approached and placed his cloak over Elisha, a gesture that symbolized the transfer of his authority and Elisha’s calling to be a prophet.

Elisha immediately understood the meaning of the gesture and asked permission to say goodbye to his family before following Elijah. He sacrificed a pair of oxen and used his plowing equipment to start a fire, symbolizing that he was leaving his old life behind to fully dedicate himself to his new vocation. Then, Elisha followed Elijah and became his apprentice.

The anointing of Elisha is important because it ensures the continuity of the prophetic ministry in Israel. Elijah, who faced many challenges and strengthened his faith in God, was now passing his mission on to Elisha, who would also play a significant role in the history of Israel, performing miracles and proclaiming God’s word.

Elijah Prophesies the Death of Jezebel and Ahab

Elijah confronted King Ahab and his wife Jezebel after the murder of Naboth, an innocent man who owned a vineyard that Ahab desired (1 Kings 21). Jezebel, to fulfill Ahab's wish, orchestrated the death of Naboth, allowing the king to take possession of his vineyard. This act of cowardice and injustice provoked God's anger.

As a result, God sent Elijah to confront Ahab and pronounce divine judgment on him and Jezebel. Elijah prophesied that because of their sins, Ahab and his lineage would be destroyed. He also predicted that Jezebel would die violently, being eaten by dogs at the wall of Jezreel.

This prophecy highlights God's justice, which does not leave sin unpunished, even among the powerful. Although Ahab showed some repentance, which delayed the fulfillment of the sentence, the judgment on Jezebel and her house was inevitable and came to pass as Elijah had spoken.

Elijah is Taken to Heaven in a Whirlwind

Elijah's ascension to heaven is an important moment in the Bible because it marks the end of his mission and the passing of his work to Elisha. Knowing that his time as a prophet was coming to an end, Elijah embarked on a final journey with Elisha. Along the way, Elijah tried several times to convince Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha insisted on continuing with him.

When they reached the Jordan River, Elijah struck the waters with his cloak, and the river parted, allowing them both to cross on dry ground. On the other side, Elijah asked Elisha what he would like to receive before he left. Elisha asked for a "double portion" of Elijah’s spirit, desiring the same strength and power to continue the ministry.

Suddenly, a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire appeared and separated them. Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind, without dying, while Elisha watched. As he saw Elijah depart, Elisha tore his clothes in mourning, but he took Elijah's cloak, which symbolized the transfer of authority. Strengthened by the Spirit of God, Elisha continued the work of God.

What We Can Learn from Elijah’s Life

The life of Elijah teaches us valuable lessons about faith, obedience, courage, and the sovereignty of God. His story highlights the importance of trusting in God, even in the most difficult times.

Elijah faced great challenges, such as confronting kings and false prophets, and surviving periods of drought and famine. In all these situations, he placed his full trust in God, who always took care of him, whether by sending ravens to feed him or using a poor widow to help him.

Elijah's story also emphasizes the power of prayer. Elijah prayed fervently, and God responded powerfully, sending fire from heaven and bringing rain after years of drought. Additionally, his life reminds us that even God’s most faithful servants can experience discouragement and fear, but God is always there to comfort and renew their strength.

Elijah's ascension shows that there is hope for eternal life and that God’s mission continues from generation to generation, as seen with Elisha, and is not dependent on one person.

Practical Lessons from Elijah's Life

Trust in God: Elijah demonstrated unwavering trust in God, even in extremely adverse circumstances, such as during the prolonged drought in Israel. He relied on God for his daily provision, teaching us to trust in God in all situations.
Courage in the Face of Adversity: Elijah boldly confronted pagan kings and false prophets with courage and determination. His example motivates us to have the courage to defend truth and justice, even in the face of opposition or danger.
The Power of Fervent Prayer: Elijah’s life highlights the effectiveness of sincere prayer. His moments of intense and faith-filled prayer, such as when he called for fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, show that God responds to prayers that come from a sincere and determined heart.
God as a Source of Comfort and Renewal: In times of discouragement and weakness, such as when Elijah fled to the desert and asked for death, God did not abandon him. Instead, God comforted and strengthened Elijah, teaching us that God is always ready to renew our strength in times of need.
Resilience in the Face of Challenge: Elijah teaches us the importance of resilience. After facing threats of death from Jezebel, he was able to continue his ministry, illustrating that we can overcome our fears and continue our mission, trusting that God will guide and protect us.
Humility Before God: Although he was a powerful prophet, Elijah showed humility, acknowledging his complete dependence on God in everything. This attitude reminds us of the importance of maintaining humility in our spiritual journey.
Hope in Eternal Life: Elijah’s ascension to heaven is a powerful symbol of hope in eternal life. It shows that there is a divine promise of salvation and that earthly life is just a part of an eternal plan.
Legacy and Succession: The passing of Elijah’s mantle to Elisha symbolizes the importance of preparing and encouraging the next generation. Elijah not only completed his mission but also ensured that his work continued, teaching us about the importance of investing in others.

The life of Elijah teaches us how important it is to have complete and unwavering trust in God, to be people of prayer, and to have courage to face evil. His story reveals how God sustains and renews His servants, offering them hope and purpose. Let us follow his example, standing firm in faith and purpose.