Bible Figure
Elijah
Biblical prophet
Elijah was a ninth-century BC prophet who confronted the idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel, demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel, and was taken from earth in a whirlwind.
Biography
Elijah the Tishbite suddenly appears in 1 Kings 17 announcing drought to Ahab. God sustained him by ravens and later through a widow at Zarephath, whose son Elijah raised from death. On Mount Carmel Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, and God answered his prayer with fire, leading the people to confess the Lord as God. After Jezebel threatened him, Elijah fled in fear, but God met him at Horeb and recommissioned him. Elijah later condemned Ahab and Jezebel over Naboth's vineyard and confronted Ahaziah. He called Elisha as successor and was finally taken up in a whirlwind with chariots and horses of fire appearing between him and Elisha. The Old Testament closes with a promise concerning Elijah, and the New Testament repeatedly invokes him in connection with John the Baptist and Jesus.
Biblical Significance
Elijah is one of Scripture's defining prophetic figures, championing exclusive loyalty to the Lord against Baal worship. His later association with messianic expectation and his appearance with Moses at Jesus' Transfiguration give him exceptional significance across both Testaments.