Prophet Elijah: Fearless Prophet of Miracles & Monotheism

Born around 914 BC in Tishbe, he lived in the northern Kingdom of Israel during the wicked reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who forced the nation to worship the pagan deity Baal. God sent Elijah to confront the corrupt rulers and call the people back to the true faith. He is famous for initiating a three-year drought, calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel to defeat hundreds of false prophets, and performing miracles like multiplying food supplies and raising a widow's dead son. Instead of dying a natural death on Earth, Elijah was miraculously taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire around 852 BC, living an earthly ministry that lasted approximately 62 years.

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Elijah in Judaism

Revered as one of the greatest prophets, famous for defending monotheism against the worship of Baal. According to Jewish tradition, he never died and will return to announce the coming of the Messiah.

Elijah in Christianity

Celebrated as a major prophet of the Old Testament who appeared alongside Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus. He is also considered the spiritual patron of monastic traditions.

Elijah in Islam

Known in Arabic as Ilyas, he is revered in the Qur'an as an honored messenger who preached against the worship of idols and called people to monotheism.

The Environment

The Northern Kingdom of Israel, plagued by a severe, multi-year divine drought that dried up the landscape and compromised the agricultural economy.

The Society

A highly structured but spiritually apostate kingdom ruled by King Ahab and his Phoenician queen, Jezebel.

The Social Climate

Extremely hostile and oppressive for monotheists; state-sponsored paganism (Baal worship) was violently enforced, true prophets were systematically executed, and the general public shifted between fear and religious compromise.

1. To confront pagan idol worship God sent Elijah to fearlessly oppose King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who had abandoned the Creator to establish the worship of Baal in Israel. 1KINGS 18:18 QURAN 37:123
2. To prove God's supreme authority on Mount Carmel Elijah was sent to challenge the false prophets of Baal to a public trial by fire, dramatically proving that the Lord alone responds to prayer and controls creation. 1KINGS 18:36 QURAN 37:126
3. To declare divine judgment on corrupt rulers God used Elijah to rebuke the monarchy for their heinous abuse of power, notably condemning Ahab for the unlawful murder and theft of Naboth's vineyard. 1KINGS 21:19 QURAN 37:127
4. To perform life-giving miracles Elijah was granted supernatural power to demonstrate God's compassion, famously multiplying a poor widow's food supply and raising her deceased son back to life. 1KINGS 17:22 QURAN 6:85
5. To anoint and mentor Prophet Elisha God commanded Elijah to pass on his mantle to Elisha, establishing a clear line of spiritual succession to ensure prophetic guidance continued in Israel. 1KINGS 19:16
6. To turn the hearts of the people back to the covenant Elijah served as a fiery witness to call a straying nation to repentance, making a lasting impact that cemented his status as a righteous pioneer of faith. 1KINGS 18:37 QURAN 6:85

Stand with unyielding boldness for the one true God against cultural idolatry, calling for decisive personal choice rather than wavering between opinions.

ELIJAH - Year of Birth: 910 BC (The Tishbite prophet) | 910 BC

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ELIJAH 1 of 2 910 BC

ELIJAH - Year of Death: 849 BC (The year he was translated to heaven) | 849 BC

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ELIJAH 2 of 2 849 BC

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0 wife
No wife or family is mentioned for Elijah

The Clash at Mount Carmel (approx. 860 BC) - Elijah vs Prophets of Baal - 450 deaths

Declaring a complete drought upon Israel that lasted for three and a half years
Being supernaturally fed bread and meat twice a day by wild ravens while hiding at the Kerith Ravine
Commanding a widow's small jar of flour and jug of oil to never run empty during the years of drought
Raising the deceased son of the widow of Zarephath back to life
Calling down fire from heaven to consume his water-soaked altar on Mount Carmel
Praying to instantly end the three and a half year drought with a massive rainstorm
Running faster than King Ahab's chariot over a distance of roughly 15 miles through divine strength
Being supernaturally sustained for 40 days and nights on a single meal provided by an angel
Calling down fire from heaven to twice destroy groups of fifty soldiers sent to arrest him
Striking the Jordan River with his rolled-up cloak to part the waters so he could cross on dry ground
Escaping physical death by being caught up directly into heaven by a chariot of fire and horses of fire

A fearless prophet whose purpose was to challenge the wicked King Ahab and confront the idolatrous worship of Baal. He demonstrated the undeniable supremacy of God through miracles and aimed to turn the hearts of the Israelites back to the true faith.

Born In:

Tishbe in Gilead region, Jordan

Lived In:

Gilead region, Jordan
Samaria, West Bank, Palestine
Mount Carmel, Israel

Travelled To:

Cherith Brook valley, Jordan
Sarafand, Lebanon
Jezreel Valley, Israel
Beersheba, Negev Desert, Israel
Mount Sinai (Horeb), Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Jericho, West Bank, Palestine

Died In:

Jordan River Valley, Jordan (According to biblical tradition, he did not die but was taken to heaven in a whirlwind near the Jordan River)

ELIJAH Captains and men slain by fire (2 Kings 1:10)

ELIJAH Child restored to life (1 Kings 17:22)

ELIJAH Meal and oil multiplied (1 Kings 17:14)

ELIJAH Prayed for rain to stop and it did (1 Kings 17:1)

ELIJAH Rain brought (1 Kings 18:41)

ELIJAH Sacrifice consumed by fire (1 Kings 18:38)

ELIJAH Water of Jordan divided (2 Kings 2:8)

* FACTS can be interpreted as metaphorical, allegorical, or symbolic, rather than literal accounts. Historical narratives, particularly those of a religious nature can be understood to convey deeper spiritual or moral truths through symbolism and figurative language. Equally, you can choose to understand religious facts and details literally.

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Elijah: A Faithful Prophet in a Time of Adversity \| National Shrine - 24 Mar 2021
St Elijah monastery in Mosul, Iraq, oldest Christian monastery destroyed by ISIS \| BBC News - 20 Jan 2016
The Cave of Elijah the Prophet under Threat? \| Biblical Archaeology - 23 Sep 2015

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Elijah in the Torah

Torah is the first 5 books* of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

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Elijah in the Psalms

Psalms is the third section of the Hebrew Bible. Many of the Psalms are linked to David.

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Elijah in the Bible (Old Testament)

The Old Testament consists of 39 books* including the Jewish Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

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TOTAL: 63 VERSES

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

1 KINGS 17:1

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

1 KINGS 17:13

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

1 KINGS 17:15

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

1 KINGS 17:16

And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?

1 KINGS 17:18

And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

1 KINGS 17:22

And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

1 KINGS 17:23

And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

1 KINGS 17:24

And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

1 KINGS 18:1

And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

1 KINGS 18:2

And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

1 KINGS 18:7

And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

1 KINGS 18:8

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

1 KINGS 18:11

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.

1 KINGS 18:14

And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

1 KINGS 18:15

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

1 KINGS 18:16

And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?

1 KINGS 18:17

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

1 KINGS 18:21

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

1 KINGS 18:22

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

1 KINGS 18:25

And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

1 KINGS 18:27

And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

1 KINGS 18:30

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

1 KINGS 18:31

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

1 KINGS 18:36

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

1 KINGS 18:40

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

1 KINGS 18:41

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

1 KINGS 18:42

And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

1 KINGS 18:46

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

1 KINGS 19:1

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

1 KINGS 19:2

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 KINGS 19:9

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 KINGS 19:13

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

1 KINGS 19:19

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

1 KINGS 19:20

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

1 KINGS 19:21

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1 KINGS 21:17

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

1 KINGS 21:20

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1 KINGS 21:28

But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?

2 KINGS 1:3

Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

2 KINGS 1:4

And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

2 KINGS 1:8

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

2 KINGS 1:10

And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

2 KINGS 1:12

And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

2 KINGS 1:13

And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

2 KINGS 1:15

So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

2 KINGS 1:17

And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 KINGS 2:1

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2 KINGS 2:2

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

2 KINGS 2:4

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

2 KINGS 2:6

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2 KINGS 2:8

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

2 KINGS 2:9

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2 KINGS 2:11

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

2 KINGS 2:13

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

2 KINGS 2:14

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

2 KINGS 2:15

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 KINGS 3:11

Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

2 KINGS 9:36

Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah.

2 KINGS 10:10

And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.

2 KINGS 10:17

And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,

2 CHRONICLES 21:12

And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

EZRA 10:21

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

MALACHI 4:5

Elijah in the Bible (New Testament)

The New Testament (Christianity) consists of 66 books*. 39 books from the Old Testament, and 27 additional books including Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

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Elijah in the Quran

The Quran was revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabrial. It is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a direct revelation from God.

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Elijah in Hadith

Hadith are the "prophetic traditions" of Muhammad; his teachings, actions, deeds and sayings. Hadith were compiled from oral reports in circulation in society around the time of their compilation.

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Elijah in Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir (1300-1373) was an influential Muslim scholar/historian who wrote the reknowned 'Qisas Al-Anbiya' (Stories of the Prophets) book. An authorative and respected thesis on the many prophets of God

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Ibn Kathir is NOT Revealed Scripture. It appears here as it contains relevant information

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Story of Elijah

Elijah was a descendant from Aaron. He was appointed as a Prophet of Israel, following the death of Prophet Solomon. Solomon’s kingdom was divided when he died. The current king of Israel was Ahab, had reverted to materialism. The entire kingdom had fallen to a wave of evil and corruption. People who tried to teach the oneness of Allah we’re tortured and killed.

The Family History of Elijah

According to Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Qasim Ibn Asaker, Elisha was Ibn Adi, Ibn Shultam, Ibn Aphraem, Ibn Joseph, Ibn Isaac, Ibn Abraham. It was said that he was the cousin of Elijah. Other sources said also that he had been hiding with Elijah in a cave in Mount Qasium to escape from the King of Ba’alabak, and when Elijah died, he Elisha succeeded him as a prophet among his people.

Elijah' Mission

“And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing ) the remembrance of the home (in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter). And they are in Our Sight, verily, of the chosen and the best! And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, all are among the best. (Ch 38:45-48 Quran).

Ibn Ishaaq said that Elisha was sent to the children after Elijah . He lived among his people, calling them to Allah and abiding by the message and laws of Elijah until he passed away. Then dissension rose among them, and events took momentum. Sins increased everywhere, and the tyrants increased and killed the prophets.

Elijah Warns His People

Elijah had

been trying effortlessly to teach the people. He told them of the Punishment that would overtake the kingdom. He added that their false gods would be powerless to stop it. The people paid no heed to his warnings never changing their ways.

Ahab had his neighbor killed, even though he was a pious man and had never done any harm. Ahab took the land of his slain neighbor, as his own. It was a lush garden of fruit. Elijah scolded the king for his behavior and warned him that a punishment from Allah would come if he did not return the land back to the slain man’s orphan. Surly Allah will have Ahab slain in the same garden. Ahab told Elijah that he should hold his tongue, least he have him arrested and tortured, for making threats against the king.

The prophecy of Elijah came about. It began with the son of the Ahab becoming ill. Elijah frustrated by the behavior of the king asked the king “why did he not pray to his best idol for the recovery of his son.” Ahab was so insulted by the Elijah's words that he sent for his guards to take him, torture, and kill him.

Elijah Prays to Allah

Elijah fell into prostration praying to Allah for His help. As the palace guards entered his chamber they fell dead. The prophecy of Elijah continued the whole kingdom came under a drought. Famine swept the people of Ahab’s kingdom. Continuing for three years. Elijah pleaded to Allah “show mercy to the famine stricken people”. The people had felt the strength and authority of Allah. The people asked to be forgiven.

Allah sent rain down to the land ending the draught. Elijah was directed by god to inform Elisha that he was to be his successor. Elijah vanished in the protection of Allah.

It was shortly after that a monarch from a neighboring kingdom came and conquered the land. Ahab and his wife we’re slain in the garden, that they had stolen years before. May peace be upon Elijah.

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1. Ahaziah (2 Kings 1)	ELIJAH
2. Elijah and the prophets (1 Kings 18)	ELIJAH
3. Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-24)	ELIJAH
4. Elijah calls Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21)	ELIJAH
5. Elijah fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1-6)	ELIJAH
6. Elijah taken to heaven (2 Kings 2:1-11)	ELIJAH
7. God comforts Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)	ELIJAH

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Elijah & God vs Baal - Who Will Answer by Fire? | Bible Chronicles

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