His first appearance is telling King Ahab of Israel that because he has turned Israel to false gods, a drought will cover the land. Like most prophets mentioned in the Old Testament, Elijah’s job involved condemning sinful leaders and foretelling the punishments that God would bring if people didn’t repent. He first appears in 1 Kings 17:1 and is described as a “Tishbite in Gilead,” a region of Israel referenced earlier in places like Genesis 31:21–22 and Judges 10:4. Who Was Elijah in the Bible?Įlijah was a prophet of Israel during the Old Testament period. Here’s an overview of this fascinating man’s life. Despite the many powerful moments in Elijah’s life, he also had times of doubt and struggle, making him one of the more complex Old Testament figures. Elijah was a prophet who stood for God despite huge obstacles, performed dramatic miracles, and became a symbol of the role that John the Baptist would fill (“Elijah must come first…”).

There are many great prophets in the Old Testament, but one is considered the greatest. The Israelites lost faith in Ahab and followed Elijah's guidance in trusting and recognizing God's sovereignty. The fire was followed by rain ending the long drought, further showing God's grace. God then sent down a fire that completely engulfed the sacrament in flames and the people of Israel rejoiced with a newfound faith in God. Answer me, O Lord,Īnswer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God,Īnd that you are turning their hearts back again.” That you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and haveĭone all these things at your command. “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today When it is Elijah's turn he boldly drenches the sacrament with water to display his supreme trust in God to start a fire despite being wet. Ahab's prophets pray for hours to Baal but nothing happens. The challenge is to offer sacrifices to their respective deities and see which starts a fire to prove their divinity. Elijah challenges Ahab to a demonstration of his deity, Baal, versus the God of Elijah at Mount Carmel. The story continues as Elijah confronts the evil king, Ahab, about being the cause of problems for the people of Israel. When Elijah returned the boy to his mother, the woman could recognize that Elijah was a man of God and was amazed. In a miraculous event, God heard Elijah and answered his prayers, and brought the boy back to life. Though Elijah was blamed by the widow, he attempted to bring the boy back to life by praying to God.

The widow was very troubled, believing that Elijah was the reason for this tragedy. Sometime later, the widow's son became ill and passed away. The widow trusts in Elijah and their food lasted until it rained again.

Elijah assures her that God will not allow their food to diminish until the rain returns. She replies that she only has a small amount of flour and oil and is collecting sticks so she can cook this last portion of bread as the last meal for her son and herself. When Elijah comes to the town of Zarephath, he sees the widow and asks her to get him some water and bread. Eventually, the river also dries up and God instructs Elijah to go to the home of a widow who will provide him with food. Elijah had been residing out in the desert where there was a river with drinking water and God had sent ravens to bring him food. Before Elijah actually arrives in Israel, God sends a drought as he is so displeased with the people.

Elijah bible study workbook