Elijah - God's Prophet to Israel

This blog is an excerpt from my book, "The Plan" ; it is based on scriptural truth and also probes the spiritual side to show what is happening behind the physical. The book should be out soon. The blog is long, so take a few looks to get it all if you wish.

Elijah lived in Israel from about 874 to 847 BC. He was from a town called Tishbah in Gilead and was known as Elijah the Tishbite. He was called of God to be a Prophet to Israel in troublesome times.

We read about his life, ministry and miracles in the Bible from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2. He was a hairy man that lived in solitude and wore camel skin for his clothes with a leather belt with a bag attached.

Elijah means "God is Jehovah".

The times were evil in Israel. King Ahab and his witch of a wife, Jezebel ruled in Samaria of Israel. They worshiped the golden calves that Jeroboam, the servant of Solomon had set up when he became king and Israel was split into Judah, which followed the kings of David’s line along with Benjamin, and Israel which had the other 10 tribes. They worshiped false gods that had sexual perversion at their core. They sacrificed their children and had sex with male and female priests that were serving Baal, the evil entity of Satan that the people came to the groves for, to present their gross rituals.

God sent Elijah to rebuke Ahab and Jezebel for not following the LORD or His laws but they would not listen to the Word of the LORD from Elijah. So, Elijah told them, “It will not rain in Israel but according to my word.” and departed. 

Fed by Ravens

The LORD told him to wait by a brook and that there the ravens would come and feed him.

The ravens brought him meat twice a day just as the LORD had said they would.

Elijah stayed by the brook for a long time, but without rain there was famine through the land and the brook dried up.

Widow of Zidon

So the LORD told Elijah to go to Zidon; "I have commanded a widow there to feed you during this famine." So Elijah obeyed and went to Zidon, there he found the woman. When Elijah came to her she was gathering sticks and he said to her, “Will you fix me a morsel of bread?”

She replied, “I have enough meal and oil for one meal and I am collecting wood to cook it so my son and I can eat it and wait to die.”

Elijah said, “Fix me a small cake first, and by the Word of the LORD, you will have plenty to see you through this famine.”

Elijah knew that God would feed him as he had promised and that the seed that the woman would plant by this act to feed the LORD's  Prophet would be multiplied to feed her and her son.

So she did make Elijah a small cake of bread and for the duration of the famine, the oil and the meal she had continued to replace themselves so that they always had food.

Every time the woman went to the flour pot, it was full. And the jug of oil was full every time she needed it as well. There was enough to feed them all and they were thankful to the LORD.

In time the son of the woman became sick and finally died. The woman came to Elijah and said,

“What have I to do with you O man of God? Have you come to cause me to remember my sin and slay my son?”

Elijah said, “Give me your son”, and he took him up to the loft where he stayed and laid him on his own bed. He knew that the Spirit of the living God was upon him and thus upon the objects he touched. So, the Spirit of God was on his bed for he spent at least a third of his time there. 

He cried unto the LORD and said,

“O LORD my God, have you brought evil upon this widow with whom I stay by slaying her son?”

And he laid upon the child 3 times and prayed, “O LORD my God, let this child’s soul come into him again.”

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

Elijah gave the boy back to his mother and she said, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”

Prophets of Baal

Even though Ahab and Jezebel had led Israel into very dark times and deserved the famine that came about from their rebellion against God, the LORD in His mercy did not want the whole of life to perish. So, He came to Elijah and said, “Go again to Ahab and show yourself and I will bring rain upon the earth.”

It had been over 3 years since rain had fell in Israel. Ahab called his chief servant, Obadiah, and said, “We must go and search where there was water and springs and find grass to feed our horses and mules or they all will die.” So, they split and went out in the land and Obadiah met Elijah and recognized him and fell on his face before him. Elijah said, “Go tell your lord that Elijah is here.”

Obadiah replied, “If I leave you will disappear by the Spirit of the LORD will take you away and my lord will kill me. Do you not know that when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, that I hid 100 in caves and fed them bread and water?”

Elijah said, “As the LORD lives before Whom I stand, I will show myself to Ahab today.”

So Obadiah left to get Ahab. He remembered how they had searched and searched for Elijah at the beginning of the drought, but the LORD God had kept him hidden because of the evil that would befall him had he been found.

When Ahab saw Elijah, he said, “Are you he that troubles Israel?”

Elijah said, “Not me, but you and your father’s house. You have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed Baalim.” 

Elijah continued, “Now gather all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal 450, and the prophets of the groves 400 which all are supported by Jezebel.”

                                            Mt. Carmel in Israel in modern times.

And so it was done as Elijah said. Elijah stood on the mount and spoke to the people of Israel, “How long will you be stuck between two opinions? If the LORD is God, then follow Him: but if Baal, follow him.”

The people were speechless. Elijah continued, “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets number 450. Give us two bulls and let Baal’s prophets take their choice and dress it, lay it on wood, but not burn it. I will dress the remaining bull, lay it on wood, and not burn it. You call on your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; the one that answers by fire, let him be God.”

All of the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”

The prophets of the groves and their queen, Jezebel did not show up for this challenge. So, the prophets of Baal started to work and got their altar in order with the wood upon it and dressed the bull and laid it on the wood and started dancing around it and calling upon their god to start the fire. This went on till about noon and there was nothing happened, no answer no signs…nothing.

 So Elijah started to taunt them: that Elijah mocked them, “Cry louder! He is a god, right? Maybe he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is gone on a trip."

"He could be sleeping, cry louder, maybe he will awaken,” said Elijah.

So, the prophets started to shout and cut themselves and were dancing in a frenzy all covered with blood to arouse their god.

Today there are still cult groups that worship demon entities that do the same.

Mid-afternoon, Elijah took the stones from the altar of Yahvah that had been torn down and rebuilt the altar. He placed the wood on it, and dug a trench all the way around the altar.

 By this time the prophets of Baal were wearing down and the people were watching Elijah. He called them closer and told them to get 4 barrels of water from a nearby spring. He killed his bull and dressed it and laid it out on the wood on the altar of the LORD. He had the people pour the water over the whole thing 3 times until the water filled the trench and all was soaking wet.

Baal’s 450 prophets were now exhausted and quiet; as was Baal.

At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah stood before the LORD's altar and raised his hands toward heaven and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.  Hear me, O LORD, that this people may know that you are the LORD God and turn their hearts to You.”

Immediately the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. 

Not only the sacrifice but the wood, stones, water, and dirt; there was nothing left but a crater in the ground.

The people had seen the test, they had heard the terms of the contest and had seen how Baal was silent under the relentless frenzy of 450 of his prophets, but the LORD God of Elijah had answered with supernatural fire.

The people of Israel fell on their faces and cried over and over, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”

Elijah told the people, "Hold these prophets of Baal, let none escape!" So they caught them all and Elijah executed them all with the sword.

He then went to Ahab and told him that he should get up to his eating and drinking, for Elijah heard an abundance of rain.

Ahab left to his eating and drinking and Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel and fell on his face and prayed. Elijah sent his servant to look often over the sea. 

And finally he saw a small cloud forming over the sea, Elijah said, "That is it!" 

In a short time the storm clouds filled the sky and the drought was broken as heavy rain fell on Israel. Elijah got down off the mount and the people were rejoicing.

Ahab made haste to drive his chariot to Jezreel and Elijah out ran Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel.

Elijah goes to Mt. Sinai

When Ahab got to Jezreel, he told Jezebel that Elijah had killed her Baal prophets, the evil witch was furious and sent a message to Elijah that by the morrow, he would be with her prophets.

He ran fearing for his life and went into the wilderness, he prayed, "O LORD, take away my life; for I am the only prophet left and I am no better than my fathers.” He was exhausted and knew he had to make it to Mount Sinai. The desert was so desolate here; there was nothing much out here but sand and rock. He saw a tree in the distance and fell down in its shade and slept beneath a Juniper tree. 

Meanwhile in Heaven

The King of the universe called Gabriel before Him, ELIJAH MY PROPHET CALLS TO ME. SEE THAT HE HAS STRENGTH AND PROTECTION TO MAKE IT TO MY MOUNTAIN.

Gabriel bowed and replied, “It is done my King.” He left the presence of God and spoke with Michael, “The King has sent me to tend to the Prophet Elijah. Baalzebub has aroused an army to seek revenge for the slaughter of his prophets. I will need a company for protection for this stealth operation.”

Michael replied, “You will have a platoon and a Seraphim at the transport station by the time you get there.”

Gabriel smiled and they grasped wrists, “The Word is strength,” they said together.

When Gabriel arrived at the transport dimension, there were 50 warrior Angels there and the magnificent Seraphim; who was radiant with four wings and a glittering flashing sword which was still bright in its sheath. They mounted into a teardrop shaped ship and were instantly above the area in South East Israel. The Seraphim unsheathed his sword and it flashed every direction causing the rest of the Angels who were surrounding the area to be invisible in their dimension, and the one of men.

Gabriel touched Elijah and he woke up, “Rise and eat”, he said. Elijah saw a cake baking on coals and a pottery jug of water. So he ate, and went back to sleep.

After a while the Angel of the LORD woke him again and said, “Rise and eat. The journey is too far if you do not.” So he ate again and drank and traveled to Mount Sinai which was 40 days away on the nourishment of that food and drink.

When Elijah reached the Holy Mountain he saw where the Israelites had camped at the foot of the mountain.

He walked by Moses' altar.

He saw the pillars that Moses had set up for the tribes.

As he approached the summit, he saw a cave where he went to seek refuge.

From inside the cave, he could see the plain below where Israel had camped.

While he was in the cave the Word of the Lord came to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

He answered, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and slain your prophets; I, only I am left and they are seeking my life to take it away.”

The LORD said, “Go stand before Me on the mount.”

As he looked out of the cave, the LORD passed by and there was a tremendously great and powerful wind that tore the mountain and shattered the rocks. Then there was an earthquake and the mountain shook violently.

Then there was fire that came down. But the LORD was not in those demonstrations of power.

Then, came the small inner voice to Elijah so he wrapped his Tallit around his head and stood in the mouth of the cave, “What are you doing here Elijah?”

He answered, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and slain your prophets; I, only I am left and they are seeking my life to take it away.”

Elijah had been under spiritual attack for some time. He was at his own limits to the point of not considering the power of the LORD God in the fire of heaven and the prophets of Baal, and the demonstration that he had just witnessed. Threat of Jezebel had also made him afraid. But the LORD God is not only just, but merciful and understanding. the LORD gave him a couple of tasks: to anoint Hazael to be king of Syria, and anoint Jehu to be king over Israel, and anoint Elisha to be Prophet in his stead.

The LORD told him, “It will be that who escapes the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay, and him that escapes the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left in Israel 7000 who have not bowed down to Baal.”

The LORD was bringing destruction to Baal worship. Hazael and Jehu were destined to be the main instruments of God’s wrath on this despicable evil practice.

After this, Elijah then went straight off Mt. Sinai and found Elisha who was plowing a field with 12 yoke of oxen. Elijah walked by him and threw his Tallit on Elisha.

Elijah then started walking away. Elisha ran after Elijah and said, “Let me go and kiss my parents farewell and I will follow you.”

Elijah said, “Go, then return. Know what has been done to you.”

Elisha knew that he had felt the call of the LORD God on him when the prayer shawl of Elijah had fell on him. He went home and said his goodbyes and came back and slaughtered two oxen and used the implements to offer a sacrifice and gave the cooked meat to his servants and followed and ministered to Elijah. Elijah trained him in the ways of the LORD God.

Although there were other Prophets of the LORD God that were in Israel, Elijah holds the position of the greatest of the Prophets. He is a type and symbol of God and His judgment under the law, yet he demonstrated His mercy as well.

Syria Attacks Israel

Benhadad was the king of Syria. He gathered 32 kings with him and besieged Samaria. He wanted all the wealth, women, and children of the land and told Ahab he was coming for the spoil. But, another Prophet of the LORD came to Ahab and said, “Thus is the Word of the LORD; have you seen this great multitude against you? I will deliver it into your hand now and you will know that I AM the LORD.

Ahab said, “By whom can this happen?”

And the Prophet answered, “By the princes that act as body guards over the lords of the provinces.”

Ahab said, “Who will be the one who orders this battle?”

The Prophet answered, “You will.”

So Ahab collected the princes and they numbered 232. Then he numbered his army, 7000. They went out against Benhadad and his 32 kings at midday while they were all in their pavilion and drunk. They did not seem concerned when the report was given that the princes were approaching. Benhadad ordered if they wanted peace or war, capture them. They did not realize the hand of the LORD was with them and the princes started to slaughter those who came. Panic ensued and the Syrians retreated with the Israeli army in hot pursuit with a great slaughter. The servants of Benhadad told him that the gods of Israel were of the hills and if they would muster another battle on the plain they would be victorious.

The Prophet came back to Ahab and warned him to strengthen himself, for Benhadad would return. Sure enough he did with a vast army that covered the land. A man of God came and told Ahab, “Thus says the LORD; Because the Syrians say that I am the God of the hills and not the God of the valleys, I will deliver them into your hand that you might know that I am the LORD.”

So the armies camped against each other for a week. The army of Israel was outnumbered by 20 to 1. It was the will of the LORD God to destroy Benhadad’s army and Israel was the weapon in His hand. When they clashed and the battle started, Israel killed 100,000 and the rest fled into the city of Aphek about 80 furlongs from the Great Sea (Mediterranean) and Northwest of the Dead Sea. While there a wall fell on them and killed another 27,000. Benhadad was captured, but struck a deal with Ahab to restore all that had been taken from wars past and name streets for Ahab in Damascus, and so survived and was released.

The LORD sent a son of the Prophets to speak with Ahab about Benhadad, but it was in disguise. The Prophet went and found a man and said, “By the Word of the LORD, hit me.” But, the man would not do it.

The Prophet said, “Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD, you will be killed by a lion today.” As the man left a lion killed him.

So the Prophet approached another man and said, “Hit me I pray.” So the man did so and knocked him down, wounding him.

So the Prophet put ashes on his face and waited by the road for the king of Israel to pass by.

He said to Ahab, “Your servant was in the battle and a man came and gave me a prisoner to watch. He told me if would be his life for mine if he got away. I was busy and he got away.”

Ahab said, “You have decided then what your judgment will be.”

The Prophet quickly wiped the ashes off his face and Ahab knew it was one of the Prophets.

The Prophet spoke to Ahab, “Thus says the LORD; Because you have let go the man I appointed utter destruction, your life shall go for his life and your people for his people.”

Ahab went to his home in Samaria very heavy and displeased.

Naboth's Vinyard

Now Ahab wanted a vineyard that was owned by Naboth to grow his private herbs as the land there was rich. He offered him its value in money. But Naboth would not sell as the land had been a long time in his family. So Ahab went again home and was sad and displeased and would not eat. Jezebel approached him and got the whole story and said for him to eat and be happy for she would get him the vineyard. She then sent false evil men to witness against Naboth that he had blasphemed God and the king. His judgment was execution by stoning. When Ahab knew Naboth was dead, he went and possessed the vineyard.

The Word of the LORD then came to Elijah to go find Ahab in the vineyard he had taken.

When Ahab saw him he said, “Have you found me, my enemy?”

Elijah said, “I have. You have sold yourself to work evil in the sight of the LORD Look, I will bring evil upon you and take away your posterity. I will cut off from Ahab all your sons free and bound. Your house will be desolate like Jeroboam and Baasha for you have provoked Me to anger and made Israel to sin. Where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, they will lick your blood and dogs will eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.”

Ahab was an evil man who worked wickedness in the sight of the LORD. He was easily stirred into his evil deeds by his witch of a wife, Jezebel. He caused all types of sexual sins in Israel and for the people to worship false gods and kill their children. When Ahab had heard all the words of the LORD spoken by Elijah, he ripped his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh. He went on a fast and backed off his evil agenda.

No matter how evil one is and no matter what they have done, the LORD is forgiving and merciful if one is willing to change the way they think…which is to repent.

The Word of the LORD came again to Elijah, “See how Ahab humbles himself before Me? Because of this, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son’s days shall the evil come on his house.”

Jehoshaphat of Judah

After king Asa’s death, his son Jehoshaphat (Jehovah has judged) began to reign in Judah. It was during the 3^rd year of Ahab’s reign in Israel. He followed after the ways of his great grandfather David and did not follow after Baal, and he removed the high places of Ashtaroth and groves from Judah. There were still people offering to the LORD on the old altars in high places. He removed the sodomites from the land. He also reinforced his army and had strength to withstand any attacks that Israel might bring. By the show of force, he caused peace between Judah and Israel. The LORD was with him and he was blessed with honor and riches. He was 35 years old when he became king, and reigned in Judah for 25 years.

Around the time that Israel was having a reprieve from Syria’ attacks, Jehoshaphat came to visit Ahab. The Syrians had occupied Ramoth Gilead for some time and Ahab asked Jehoshaphat if he would join him in taking them back for Israel.

Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, my people as your people and my horses as your horses. But, before we do this, let’s ask for a Word from the LORD.”

So, Ahab called for the 400 prophets of the groves and he said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead and take them?”

All of the prophets of the groves, which were under Jezebel, answered, “Go into battle for the LORD will deliver them to you our king.”

Jehoshaphat respected and loved the LORD and did not want to commit without His blessing, “Is there not a Prophet of the LORD that we could inquire of him?”

Ahab answered, “There is one, Micaiah, but I hate him. He only has bad prophecy concerning me.”

Jehoshaphat said, “Do not let the king say such things.”

So Ahab and Jehoshaphat said on thrones and in their royal attire while the prophets went before them and told how Ahab would have a great victory. Then the Prophet Micaiah arrived and Ahab said to him, “Shall we go into this battle against Ramoth Gilead and be victorious?”

Now Micaiah had told the king’s messenger that he would only speak what the LORD said. Now he saw the eagerness of Ahab and the zeal of the prophets of the groves so he replied, “Go on up for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Ahab quipped, “How many times shall I tell you to only say that which is true in the name of the LORD?”

So Micaiah looked at the king and said, “I saw Israel scattered on the hills like sheep with no shepherd; and the LORD said they have no master, let them go home in peace.”

Ahab turned to Jehoshaphat and said, “See, I told you he would not prophesy good to me, but evil.”

Micaiah responded, “Here the Word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne and all His host on His right and left. He said, who will deceive Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead? Many spoke before Him on this and that, but then there came a spirit and said, I will persuade and deceive him. the LORD said, how so? The spirit said I will be a lying spirit in the mouths of his grove prophets. And the LORD said, Go forth and persuade him.”

Then one of the grove prophets, Zedekiah, struck Micaiah and said, “Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto you?”

Micaiah said, “You will see in that day when you run from room to room to hide for your life.”

Ahab had Micaiah thrown in prison and given old bread and nasty water until he returned safe.

Micaiah said to him, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.”

Jehoshaphat knew better but was bound by his word to go with Ahab into battle. Ahab disguised himself and had Jehoshaphat wear his royal cloak. When the battle started the Syrians went after Jehoshaphat thinking it was the king of Israel, but he shouted that he was not the king and they turned back into the thick of the battle.

An archer happened to hit Ahab in the joint of his armor and mortally wounded him with the thin missile entering his chest cavity and piercing his lung.

The battle went most of the day, then Ahab died in his chariot. His general gave the order for all to return back to their homes. Micaiah was released from prison as well as the governor of the city heard the order.

Ahab was placed to rest with his fathers and the blood of Ahab was washed from his chariot at the pool of Samaria and the dogs licked up his blood, as was proclaimed by the LORD through the mouth of Elijah.

During all of this time, Elijah was training Elisha in the way of God.

Ahaziah of Israel

Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel after Ahab’s death. His name means, Jah has seized. It was in the 17^th year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Ahaziah was evil and followed after the ways of his father and mother; Jezebel was alive and influenced him during his reign. He took down the image of Baal, but they still worshiped the golden calves which angered Yahvah Elohiym. He fell through a lattice off the roof and was injured, so he called for his soothsayers to inquire of Baalzebub if he would recover for he was bedridden. The Angel of the LORD came to Elijah.

He sent him to go before king’s messengers and say to them, “Is there not an Elohiym in Israel that you would call for Baalzebub the god of Ekron? Thus says the LORD, you will not get up from your bed and will die.”

The messengers then went back to Ahaziah and told him. After they described the prophet who told them these things as a hairy man with a large leather belt, the king knew it was Elijah the Tishbite.

So, the king sent a Captain with 50 soldiers to capture Elijah and bring him before the king. When they approached Elijah he was sitting on a hill. So, the Captain shouted out, “Man of God, the king of Israel demands you come down and go with us.”

Elijah answered them, “If I be a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you all.”

Immediately, fire shot out of the sky and swooped down upon the soldiers and burned them up like dried twigs on hot coals.

When word came back to Ahaziah of what had happened, he dispatched another platoon of 50 soldiers to go and capture Elijah. When they arrived to the hill, they saw the ashes of the first group and shouted up to Elijah, “Man of God, the king said for you to come down with us right now!”

Elijah looked down on them and said, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down and consume you all.”

Again, the fire fell from heaven and burned them all up where they stood.

So, when Ahaziah heard this he dispatched a 3^rd platoon with a Captain and 50 soldiers to get Elijah. When this Captain approached and saw the carnage of the other 2 platoons, he went carefully before Elijah on his knees and said, “O man of God, I pray that you let the life of me and the lives of my men be precious in your sight and not destroy us.” 

And the Angel of the LORD told Elijah, “Go down with them and do not be afraid of them.” So, Elijah went with them and was presented before Ahaziah.

Elijah said to the king, “Thus says the LORD, you have sent to inquire of Baalzebub and not of the God of Israel and so you will die and not recover from your injuries.”

And Ahaziah died as the LORD said. He was only king for 2 years in Israel and had no son, so his brother, Joram took the throne of Israel.

Ruins of Samaria kings palace area

Elijah deep down inside knew that the time for him to be with the LORD God was at hand. He left Gilgal with Elisha and spoke to him that he should wait here, for the LORD had called him to Bethel. But Elisha would not leave his side, he was determined to stay with Elijah and receive all that God had for him. This in fact was a type of test to see the tenacity of Elisha. In Bethel, the prophets of the LORD came and spoke with Elisha privately and told him that the LORD would take his master away today. Elisha told them to be quiet, for he knew.

Again Elijah said for him to wait at Bethel for the LORD had called him to Jericho, but Elisha said he would not leave his side. 50 prophets from Bethel followed them from afar to see what would happen.

Elijah taken to heaven

When they came to the Jordan river, Elijah took his Tallit and folded it and stuck the river and it divided and the waters stayed apart and they crossed on dry land. 

When they got to the other side, Elijah said, “Ask what I shall do for you before I be taken away from you.”

Elisha replied, “I pray that you let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”

Elijah looked at his young apprentice while waiting on a Word from the LORD, “You ask a difficult thing; but if you see me when I am taken it shall be so, if you don’t, it will not be so.”

As the two of them walked on and talked all of a sudden there was a sound like a thunder clap and the heaven opened and there appeared a chariot of fire coming out of heaven. The sight was amazing: the four horses pulling the chariot were all flaming as well. The chariot looked as if it was made of gold, but its brilliance appeared as fire. The driver was a Cherub with the face of a man, and the face of an ox, the face of an eagle, and the face of a lion. There was an almost deafening roar as the chariot approached them at tremendous speed. Elisha jumped to the side to avoid being ran over while Elijah jumped to the other side.

As they were parted a fiery tornado touched down which was the source of the roar, and whisked up Elijah. The twister of fire whipped back and forth and withdrew upward to disappear into heaven with the chariot of fire right beneath it circling until it was absorbed into heaven.

The Tallit of Elijah fell from the sky and landed on Elisha.

Elisha stood there in awe at what he had seen. He cried out, “My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.” But all was now calm and he never saw Elijah again. He ripped his clothes in mourning and respect for what he saw happen to his master. He walked back and stopped by the edge of Jordan.

He took the Tallit of Elijah and hit the edge of the river and shouted, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” and instantly the waters parted before him.

The prophets that had been watching from a distance came to him and said surely the spirit of Elijah is on Elisha and they bowed before him. They said they would go and look in case the Spirit of the LORD may have left Elijah in the wilderness somewhere. Elisha said do not go, for he knew Elijah was with the LORD. But, they searched for 3 days to no avail.

Elisha replaced Elijah as the Prophet of God to Israel. He asked for a double anointing of Elijah and the scriptures record twice as many miracles in his ministry. Elijah never anointed Jehu to be king of Israel, or Hazael to be king of Syria as God had instructed on Mt. Sinai. But, Elisha took care of it, for God's Word will be fulfilled. Elisha represented the Grace of God in his ministry.

Elijah was one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. He was a representation of the Judgment of God as well as His mercy. Jesus told us that John the Baptist was a fulfillment that Elijah would come before the Day of the LORD, as was foretold by Malachi, Mal 4:5-6, Mt 11:14. John's father Zachariah was told that the spirit of Elijah would be on John.

The Passover feast in Judaism still uses an empty cup that is for Elijah when he comes; Jesus took this cup and filled it at the last supper and said this was the cup of the New Covenant and His blood, Mt 26:27-28; Mk 14:24-25; Lk 22:20.

 The bread used at Passover in Judaism are the 3 separate pieces in the ritual that represent Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus took the center piece of the Matzah and broke it and said it was His body, given for us. So, the 3 pieces of bread represented the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Many believe that Elijah will be one of the 2 witnesses in Jerusalem during the Tribulation, the other being Enoch, for both of these men were translated to Heaven without dying. A picture of the LORD coming for His church in the not to distant future...the rapture as it is called.

Many times the Bible refers to the Law and the Prophets. When Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him to the top of Mt. Herman, He was transfigured before them and they all got a glimpse of His coming glory. With Him appeared Moses (law) and Elijah (prophets). Peter said this is good, let us build tabernacles for Jesus, Elijah, an Moses…but a cloud overshadowed them and when it lifted, only Jesus was there and the Lord spoke from Heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.”Jesus is greater than the law or the prophets. 

Jesus is God's salvation; His Grace personified. He said that no man would come to the Father except through Him. He rose from the dead after taking our sin upon his innocent, righteous self and sits in heaven at our Father's right hand.

Story based on KJV of Holy Bible
Pictures from internet, credit given if known.

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