Elijah was a prophet raised up during a time of great idolatry and apostasy in Israel, particularly under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. He appears suddenly in 1 Kings 17:1, declaring, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” His ministry began with bold confrontation against sin.
Elijah was a man of miracles. He was fed by ravens during a drought (1 Kings 17:6), multiplied flour and oil for a widow (1 Kings 17:14), and raised her son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22). His most dramatic moment came on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven to prove the Lord is God and to expose the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:38-39).
Despite great victories, Elijah also faced fear and discouragement. After Jezebel threatened his life, he fled into the wilderness and prayed to die. 1 Kings 19:4 records his words, “It is enough. Now, Lord, take my life.” Yet God met him there with provision and a still small voice, not with wrath or rebuke (1 Kings 19:12).
Elijah’s ministry continued with the anointing of Elisha as his successor. He was taken to heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot of fire, without tasting death (2 Kings 2:11), making him one of only two men in Scripture who did not die.
He later appeared with Moses at the transfiguration of Jesus, representing the prophets (Matthew 17:3). His life exemplifies courage, zeal, and the need for dependence on God, even in moments of weakness.
