Bible Character Explorer
Divided Monarchy • c. 875 to 850 BC
Elijah
The Prophet of FireThe prophet who stood alone against Baal and was taken to heaven without dying
"Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
James 5:17 (KJV)
Overview
Elijah appears in 1 Kings 17 without introduction, as if stepping fully formed into the narrative, and dominates the story through 2 Kings 2, where he is taken to heaven in a whirlwind. He ministered during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah, the most idolatrous period of the northern kingdom. He is the prophet of the drought, the fire at Carmel, the still small voice, and the fiery chariot. The New Testament associates him with John the Baptist and presents him as one of the two witnesses at the Transfiguration.
Gospel Connection
Elijah stood at the Transfiguration beside Moses, and together they spoke with Jesus about his departure, the word in Luke 9:31 is 'exodus,' his exodus that he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. The appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus is not coincidental. Moses represents the law and Elijah represents the prophets. Together they testify to the one of whom both law and prophets spoke. Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Elijah fought to preserve. Where Elijah called down fire that consumed a sacrifice, Jesus became the sacrifice consumed in the fire of God's judgment so that those who believe in him would never face that fire themselves.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.