Elijah
-Introduction
-Within the New Testament, there are several references to Elijah. Consider the
following along with parallel passages where applicable: comparisons between
Elijah and John the Baptizer (Luke 1:11-17); the people’s response when hearing
about the works of Jesus (Mark 6:15); ideas regarding the identity of Jesus
(Matthew 16:13-14); Elijah’s appearance at the transfiguration (Matt 17:3-4);
misunderstandings at the crucifixion (Mark 15:34-35).
-Paul referred to the time of Elijah in Rom 11 when making a point about God’s remnant.
-In James 5:16-17, James utilized Elijah as an example regarding the power of prayer.
-Also, Elijah is only one of two people who were translated by God as revealed in
His word.
-When we consider these things, we see that Elijah held a prominent position in the
minds of the people of the first century. We see that he still holds a prominent position
in God’s word.
-Yet, God’s word does not give us a full account of the life of Elijah. Instead, we see
glimpses/specific moments in his life.
-The I.S.B.E. contains a very good observation when it states that the purpose of the
information within God’s word pertaining to individuals is “not to give a complete
biography of any individual, whether prophet or king, but to display the working of
Yahweh upon and with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah through the prophets? Few
personal details are therefore to be found recorded concerning even such a prophet as
Elijah; and none at all, unless they have a direct bearing upon his message...any attempt
at a detailed representation of the prophet's inner life, one may seek, and prize, what
seems to lie upon the surface of the narrative: faith in Yahweh as God of Nature and as
covenant God of the patriarchs and their descendants; consuming ‘zeal’ against the false
religion which would displace Yahweh from the place which must be His alone; keen
vision to perceive hypocrisy and falsehood, and sharp wit to lash them, with the same
boldness and disregard of self that must needs mark the true prophet in any age”
(International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996,
2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
-1 Kings 17-21
-Elijah is introduced to us in a rather abrupt manner in 1 Kings 17.
-Here, he prophesies against Israel’s sinful king, Ahab, by announcing a drought.
-He then is sent into hiding on the east side of the Jordan at the brook Cherith where he
can utilize its water and where God had instructed ravens to feed him.
-Once the brook dried up due to the drought, Elijah was sent to the widow in
Zeraphath. She cared for Elijah and God provided for them.
-When the widow’s son died, Elijah raised him up.
-1 Kings 18 - In the third year of the drought (Luke 4:25 and James 5:17 tell us that the
drought lasted 3 years and 6 months.), Elijah spoke to Ahab again.
-vs 3-6 - Introduced to Obadiah, a man who feared God. Here we have an indication
of how severe the conditions were due to the drought.
-vs 7-16 - Here we have an indication of Ahab’s search for Elijah.
-vs 17-19 - Notice how Ahab refers to Elijah & Elijah’s response.
-Unfortunately, Ahab failed to realize that he was the one troubling Israel.
-All too often, we’re quick to look outwardly and slow to look inwardly.
-vs 21-40 - Here we have the famous scene of Elijah opposing the prophets of Baal,
the slaying of the false prophets and the return of the rain.
-1 Kings 19 - Upon hearing about the slaughter of the prophets of Baal, Jezebel - Ahab’s
wicked wife, sent a threat to Elijah.
-Elijah then fled . While in hiding, he thought that he was the only prophet left for God.
-Yet, God informed Elijah that He would preserve a remnant of 7,000.
-It was at this time that Elijah receives some add’l instructions from God: 1. anoint
Hazael king over Syria; 2. anoint Jehu as king over Israel; 3. appoint Elisha as his
own successor.
-The two kings to be anointed would be instrumental in the ongoing fight against Baal.
-Here, we find a significant circumstance in the life of Elijah. For that reason (and
for the sake of time) we won’t explore Elijah’s life beyond this point.
-The Historical Context of Elijah
-Other prophets had showed/would show great sincerity, zealousness and courage. Other
prophets had stood/would stand in difficult circumstances in difficult times and had
proclaimed/would proclaim God’s message to those who didn’t want to hear it and didn’t
like it. Other prophets had been/would be pursued and persecuted.
-Yet, the historical context of Elijah’s day presents a very bleak, dark and sinful surrounding-
perhaps unlike that faced by any of the other prophets.
-Kings of Israel:
-Jeroboam - 1 Kings 12:26-37 - changed God’s system as he devised in his own heart
-reigned 22 years - 1 Kings 14:20
-Nadab - 1 Kings 15:25-26 - reigned for two years
-slain by Baasha - 1 Kings 15:27-28
-Baasha - 1 Kings 15:33-34 - reigned for 24 years, walked in the ways of Jeroboam
-Elah - 1 Kings 16:6-8 - reigned for 2 years - killed by Zimri
-Zimri - 1 Kings 16:15 - reigned for only 7 days
-Omri - 1 Kings 16:23 - reigned for 12 years
-1 Kings 16:25 - did worse than all those before him
-Ahab - 1 Kings 16:29-31 - reigned a total of 22 years, “did evil...above all that were before
him”; marriage to Jezebel, an idolatrous woman, provoked God more than others
-Things started off badly in the northern kingdom of Israel with Jeroboams poor leadership.
From there, matters grew worse and worse. They seem to be at their lowest with the
influence of Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel.
-Obviously, for those trying to maintain some type of faithfulness to God and His law,
the atmosphere became more and more difficult.
-It seems that Israel was approaching the condition that the Amorites finally reached,
the fullness of their iniquity.
-In what seemed like complete darkness, Elijah provided a great glimmer of light.
-In such an environment, Elijah serves as an excellent example of a number of good qualities:
faithful obedience, sincerity, zealousness, courage...etc.
-Consider this: Think about how we are much more fortunate than Elijah; yet, in many cases
far too timid with the Gospel. Let us grow in our courage!