Elijah

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Washington Allston - Elijah in the Desert - Google Art Project

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Elijah is a prophet in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran, where he appears as a rugged and fiery prophet who fiercely defended the worship of Yahweh against the worship of Baal. He is known for his challenge to the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel, his miraculous acts, and his ascension to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah's story is primarily found in the Books of Kings.

Biography

Elijah, whose name means "My God is Yahweh," is introduced in 1 Kings 17:1 as being from Tishbe in Gilead. He suddenly appears before King Ahab to announce a drought as divine punishment for Israel's idolatry. Elijah is directed by God to hide by the Brook Cherith, where he is fed by ravens. After the brook dries up, he is sent to Zarephath, where he performs the miracle of the endless supply of oil and flour for a widow and raises her son from the dead.

The most famous episode in Elijah's career is the contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call upon their god to light a sacrifice on fire. After their failure, Elijah calls upon Yahweh, who sends fire from heaven to consume his offering. This event leads to the slaughter of the Baal prophets and a brief resurgence of Yahweh worship.

Elijah also prophesies the downfall of Ahab and his family for their sins, particularly the incident involving the vineyard of Naboth. Elijah's confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel, Ahab's wife, marks him as a fearless critic of royal authority in the name of divine justice.

Elijah's departure from earth is as dramatic as his ministry. In 2 Kings 2, he ascends to heaven in a chariot of fire, witnessed by his successor, Elisha. This miraculous event has made Elijah a figure of great interest in later Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Legacy

Elijah is revered in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In Judaism, he is remembered during the weekly Havdalah ceremony and the Passover Seder, where a cup of wine is left for him, symbolizing the hope for his return as a precursor to the Messiah. In Christianity, he is seen as a forerunner to Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of his appearance with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus. In Islam, Elijah (Ilyas) is considered a prophet who preached against the worship of Baal and is mentioned in the Quran.

In Popular Culture

Elijah's dramatic life and miracles have inspired various works of art, literature, and music throughout the centuries. His story has been the subject of paintings, oratorios, and novels, reflecting his enduring appeal as a prophet of faith, courage, and righteousness.

See Also

• Prophets of the Hebrew Bible
• Miracles of the Prophets
• Ascension to Heaven in Religious Traditions