Elijah, 1638, by José de Ribera

Elijah (Hebrew: אליהו, Eliyahu ; also known as Elias) was a prophet in Israel in the 9th century BC. He appears in the Hebrew Bible, Talmud, Mishnah, Christian Bible, and the Qur'an. According to the Books of Kings, Elijah raised the dead, brought fire down from the sky, and ascended into heaven on a whirlwind. In many parts of the New Testament, both Jesus and John the Baptist are frequently thought to be Elijah. Based on a prophecy in Malachi, many Jews still await his return as precursor to the coming of the Messiah. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 319 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (832 × 1562 pixel, file size: 592 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 319 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (832 × 1562 pixel, file size: 592 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Giuseppe Ribera (January 12, 1591 - 1652) was the name given in Italian to Jusepe (de) Ribera or José (de) Ribera, also called Lo Spagnoletto, or the Little Spaniard, a leading painter of the Neapolitan or partly of the Spanish school, who was born near Valencia, Spain at Xátiva, now... Elijah may also refer to: Elijah, the prophet in the Hebrew Bible Elijah, an oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn Go Like Elijah, a song by the American rock-pop-jazz songwriter Chi Coltrane Elijah Wood, an Actor. ... “Hebrew” redirects here. ... For other senses of this word, see Prophet (disambiguation). ... 11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Targum Hebrew Bible is a term that refers to the common portions of the Jewish canon and the Christian canons. ... The Talmud (Hebrew: תַּלְמוּד) is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history. ... The Mishnah (Hebrew משנה, repetition) is a major source of rabbinic Judaisms religious texts. ... The Bible (From Greek βιβλια—biblia, meaning books, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) is the sacred scripture of Christianity. ... The Qur’ān [1] (Arabic: , literally the recitation; also sometimes transliterated as Quran, Koran, or Al-Quran) is the central religious text of Islam. ... The Books of Kings (Hebrew: Sefer Melachim ספר מלכים) is a part of Judaisms Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. ... Look up Resurrection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Heaven (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Bold text St. ... For the Northern Irish singer songwriter, see Malachi Cush. ... In Judaism, the Messiah (Hebrew: , Standard  Tiberian ; Aramaic: , ; Arabic: , ; the Anointed One) at first meant any person who was anointed with oil on rising to a certain position among the ancient Israelites, at first that of High priest, later that of King and also that of a prophet. ...

Elijah's legacy continues on in many traditions and beliefs. He is a major part of the Jewish brit milah and Passover seder ceremonies, as well as traditions involving Lillith and the angel Sandalphon. In Christianity, he is expected to arrive either before the Second Coming of Jesus, or thought to have already arrived at the Mount of Transfiguration before the Crucifixion. In Eastern Europe, he is known as "Elijah the Thunderer" and is blamed in folklore for poor weather. Set of implements used in the performance of brit milah, displayed in the Göttingen city museum Brit milah (Hebrew: בְרִית מִילָה [bərīt mīlā] literally: covenant [of] circumcision), also berit milah (Sephardi), bris milah (Ashkenazi pronunciation) or bris (Yiddish) is a religious ceremony within Judaism to welcome infant Jewish... Table set for the beginning of the Passover Seder, including Passover Seder Plate (front center), salt water, three shmurah matzot (rear center), and bottles of kosher wine. ... This article is about the demon Lilith. ... For other uses, see Second Coming (disambiguation). ... One of the mysteries of the New Testament is the identification and location of the mountain where Jesus underwent his Transfiguration or metamorphosis. ...

Etymology

His name (Hebrew: אֵלִיָּהוּ / אֵלִיָּה, Standard Eliyáhu / Eliyáh Tiberian ʾĒliyyāhû / ʾĒliyyāh), hellenized as Elias (NT Greek: Hλίας ; Arabic: إلياس, Ilyaas) has been variously translated as "Yah is God,” "YHWH is my El", "whose God is Yah,” "the strong Yah,” "God of Yah,” "Yah is my God,” and "my God is Yah.”^{[citation needed]} “Hebrew” redirects here. ... “Hebrew” redirects here. ... Tiberian Hebrew is an oral tradition of pronunciation for ancient forms of Hebrew, especially the Hebrew of the Tanakh, that was given written form by masoretic scholars in the Jewish community at Tiberias in the early Middle Ages, beginning in the 8th century. ... Hellenization (or Hellenisation) is a term used to describe a cultural change in which something non-Greek becomes Greek (Hellenistic civilization). ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... “Arabic” redirects here. ... At the bottom of the hands, the two letters on each hand combine to form יהוה (YHVH), the name of God. ... It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ... Ä’l (אל) is a Northwest Semitic word and name translated into English as either god or God or left untranslated as El, depending on the context. ...

Elijah in the Hebrew Bible

Given the importance of Elijah in Jewish and Christian tradition, the story of his career occupies remarkably little space. The details are largely contained in 1st and 2nd Kings, with smaller references in 2nd Chronicles and Malachi. 11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Targum Hebrew Bible is a term that refers to the common portions of the Jewish canon and the Christian canons. ...

1st and 2nd Kings

Introduction of Elijah

Elijah is introduced in 1st Kings 17:1 as Elijah "The Tishbite." He gives a warning to Ahab, king of Israel, that there will be years of drought, a drought so severe that not even dew will fall. This catastrophe will come because Ahab and his queen--Jezebel--stand at the end of a line of kings of Israel who are said to have "done evil in the sight of the Lord." In particular, Ahab and Jezebel had encouraged the worship of Baal and killed the prophets of the Lord. The Books of Kings (Hebrew: Sefer Melachim ספר מלכים) is a part of Judaisms Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. ... Tishbite - Elijah the prophet was thus named (1 Kings 17:1; 21:17, 28, etc. ... Ahab or Achav (אַחְאָב Brother of the father, Standard Hebrew Aḥʼav, Tiberian Hebrew ʼAḥăʼāḇ, ʼAḫʼāḇ) was King of the province of Samaria in the greater Kingdom of Israel, and the son and successor of Omri (1 Kings 16:29-34). ... Jezebel (אִיזֶבֶל / אִיזָבֶל (not exalted) Standard Hebrew Izével/Izável, Tiberian Hebrew, ʾÎzéḇel / ʾÎzāḇel) is the name of two women in the Hebrew Bible. ... For other uses, see Baal (disambiguation). ...

Elijah appears on the scene with no fanfare. We know nothing of his origins or background. His name, Elijah, "The LORD is God," may be a name applied to him because of his challenge to Baal worship.^[1][2][3] Even the title of "the Tishbite" is problematic, as there is no reference from the period to a town or village of Tishbe.^[4]

In what is a characteristic of Elijah, his challenge is bold and direct. Baal was the local nature deity responsible for rain, thunder, lightning, and dew. Elijah not only challenges Baal on behalf of the God of Israel, he challenges Jezebel, her priests, Ahab, and the people of Israel. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

The strategic situation in Israel

Map of Israel in the 9th Century BC. Dark Green is the Kingdom of Israel. Light Green is the Kingdom of Judah.

By the 9th century BC, the united kingdom of David and Solomon had broken up into northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms. With the Temple in Jerusalem, Judah had both the seat of government and the focus of religion within its borders; Israel did not have this advantage. It was in this situation that Omri became king of Israel. Image File history File links Levant_830. ... Image File history File links Levant_830. ... (10th century BC - 9th century BC - 8th century BC - other centuries) (900s BC - 890s BC - 880s BC - 870s BC - 860s BC - 850s BC - 840s BC - 830s BC - 820s BC - 810s BC - 800s BC - other decades) (2nd millennium BC - 1st millennium BC - 1st millennium AD) Events Kingdom of Kush (900 BC... This article is about the Biblical king of Israel. ... This article is about the Biblical figure. ... Look up Judah in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Solomons Temple (Hebrew: בית המקדש, transliterated Beit HaMikdash), also known as the First Temple, was, according to the Bible, the first Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. ... Omri (Hebrew: , Standard  Tiberian ; short for Hebrew: , Standard  Tiberian  ; The is my life) was king of Israel and father of Ahab. ...

As a purely practical matter, Omri had to take steps to contain both government and religion within the borders of Israel, lest the loyalties of his subjects be divided between Israel and Judah. The task of centralising the government had a relatively straightforward solution: Omri built a new capital at Sameria on a hill 300 feet above the countryside. The religious problem posed more of a challenge, as the requirements of Temple worship were firmly focused on Solomon’s Temple.

To break Israel's religion away from the control of the priests of the Temple in Judah, three solutions were pursued. The first was to encourage the building of temples (altars where sacrifices could be offered) at local sites within the borders of Israel. Secondly, priests were appointed from outside the family of the Levites. And finally, temples dedicated to the Canaanite god, Baal, were alternately allowed and encouraged.^[5][6] All three solutions were contrary to the laws of Moses, and were guaranteed to bring the wrath of the prophets of the God of Israel. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

None of these solutions was new to Omri. They had all been begun with the reign of Jeroboam. Omri added a new dimension. In order to bring security with the outside world, Omri sought a marriage alliance. There was precedent for this solution in Solomon’s reign. He was able to arrange the marriage of his son Ahab to princess Jezebel, daughter of the king of Sidon in Phoenicia. Jezebel came to Israel not only as a princess, but she was also a priestess of Baal. View of the new city the Sea Castle. ... Phoenicia (or Phenicia ,[1] from Biblical Phenice [1]) was an ancient civilization centered in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coast of modern day Lebanon and Syria. ...

The resulting problems may be alluded to in Psalm 45, sometimes viewed as a wedding song for Ahab and Jezebel:^[7]

Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people and your father’s house; and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him; the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts. (Psalms 45: 10-12)

All of these solutions brought security and economic prosperity to Israel for a time.^[8] However, it did not bring peace with the prophets of the God of Israel, who were interested in a strict deuteronomic interpretation of Mosaic law. As bad as Omri's problems with the prophets were, Ahab managed to add to them. He not only allowed the worship of a foreign god within the palace (Solomon also did this), he also built a temple for Baal, and allowed Jezebel to bring a large entourage of priests and prophets of Baal and Asherah into the country. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ... The Deuteronomic Code is the name given, by academics, to the law code within Deuteronomy, except for the portion discussing the Ethical Decalogue, which is usually treated seperately. ... It has been suggested that Asherah pole be merged into this article or section. ...

Elijah in the wilderness, by Washington Allston

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2048x1373, 208 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Elijah (prophet) ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2048x1373, 208 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Elijah (prophet) ... Washington Allston (November 5, 1779 - July 9, 1843) was a U.S. poet and influential painter, born in Waccamaw, South Carolina. ...

The widow of Zarephath

After Elijah's confrontation with Ahab, God tells him to flee out of Israel, to a hiding place by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan, where he will be fed by ravens. When the brook dries up, God sends him to a widow living in the town of Zarephath in Phoenicia. When Elijah finds her and asks to be fed, she says that she does not have sufficient food to keep her and her own son alive. Elijah tells her that God will not allow her supply of flour or oil to run out. She feeds him the last of their food, and Elijah's promise miraculously comes true. Some time later, the widow's son dies. Elijah prays that God might restore her son. 1st Kings 17:22 relates how God "heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived." This entry incorporates text from Eastons Bible Dictionary, 1897, and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia with some modernisation. ... Species See text. ... Sarepta (modern Sarafand, Lebanon) was a Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast between Sidon and Tyre. ... Phoenicia (or Phenicia ,[1] from Biblical Phenice [1]) was an ancient civilization centered in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coast of modern day Lebanon and Syria. ...

After more than two years of drought and famine, God tells Elijah to return to Ahab and announce the end of the drought. While on his way, Elijah meets Obadiah, the head of Ahab's household, who had hidden a hundred prophets of the God of Israel when Ahab and Jezebel had been killing them. Elijah sends Obadiah back to Ahab to announce his return to Israel. Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָה Servant of the LORD, Standard Hebrew ʿOvadya, Tiberian Hebrew ʿŌḇaḏyāh, Vulgate Abdias) is the name of many people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament. ... It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

Challenge to Baal

A statue of Elijah in the Cave of Elijah, Mount Carmel, Israel.

When Ahab confronts Elijah, he refers to him as the "troubler of Israel." Elijah responds by throwing the charge back at Ahab, saying that it is Ahab who has troubled Israel by allowing the worship of false gods. Elijah then berates both the people of Israel and Ahab for their acquiescence in Baal worship. “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal then follow him” (1st Kings 18:21). And, the people were silent. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1200x900, 568 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Elijah (prophet) ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1200x900, 568 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Elijah (prophet) ... A view of Mount Carmel in 1894 For other uses, see Mount Carmel (disambiguation). ...

At this point Elijah proposes a test of the powers of Baal and the God of Israel. The people of Israel, 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah are summoned to Mount Carmel. Two altars are built, one for Baal and one for the God of Israel. Wood is laid on the altars. Two oxen are slaughtered and cut into pieces; the pieces are laid on the wood. Elijah then invites the priests of Baal to pray for fire to light the sacrifice. They pray from morning to noon without success. Elijah ridicules their efforts. They respond by cutting themselves and adding their own blood to the sacrifice. They continue praying until evening without success. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that Asherah pole be merged into this article or section. ... Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain in Israel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. ... It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

Elijah now orders that the altar of the God of Israel, and its sacrifice, be drenched with water (twelve barrels of water). He asks God to accept the sacrifice. Fire falls from the sky, igniting the sacrifice. The people who witness this immediately begin worshiping the God of Israel. Elijah seizes the moment and orders the death of the prophets of Baal. This episode ends with the return of rains to Israel, signaling the end of the famine. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

Elijah at Mt. Horeb

Jezebel, enraged that Elijah had ordered the deaths of her priests, threatens to kill Elijah (1st Kings 19:1-13). This was Elijah's first encounter with Jezebel, and not the last. Later Elijah would prophesy about Jezebel's death, because of her sin. Later, Elijah flees to Beersheba on the edge of the Sinai, continues alone into the wilderness, and finally sits down under a juniper tree and prays for death. He falls asleep under the tree; an angel touches him and tells him to wake and eat. When he wakes he finds a bit of bread and a jar of water. He eats, drinks, and goes back to sleep. The angel comes a second time and tells him to eat and drink because he has a long journey ahead of him. Jezebel has several meanings: Jezebel (Bible) is a person in the Bible Jezebel (film) is a 1938 film Jezebel (Japanese band) is a Japanese visual kei band Common Jezebel (Butterfly) Anita ODay was billed as the Jezebel of Jazz Jezebel, a song by Iron & Wine from the Woman King... Hebrew   (Standard) Bəʼer ŠévaÊ» Arabic بِئْرْ اَلْسَبْعْ ( ) Name Meaning Well of the Oath(see also) Government City Also Spelled Beer Sheva (officially) District South Population 185,500 (Metro 531,000) (2005) Jurisdiction 54,000 dunams (54 km²) Mayor Yaacov Turner Beersheba (Hebrew romanization Beer Sheva), the largest city in the... Sinai Peninsula, Gulf of Suez (west), Gulf of Aqaba (east) from Space Shuttle STS-40 The Sinai Peninsula (in Arabic, Shibh Jazirat Sina) is a triangle-shaped peninsula lying between the Mediterranean Sea (to the north) and Red Sea (to the south). ... Species Junipers are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. ...

Elijah travels, for forty days and forty nights, to Mount Horeb and seeks shelter in a cave. God again speaks to Elijah (1st Kings 19:9): "What doest thou here, Elijah?" Elijah lays out all his complaints and his despair. Up until this time Elijah has only the word of God to guide him, but now he is told to go outside the cave and "stand before the Lord." A terrible wind passes, but God is not in the wind. A great earthquake shakes the mountain, but God is not in the earthquake. Then a fire passes the mountain, but God is not in the fire. Then a "still small voice" comes to Elijah and asks again, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" Elijah responds again with his complaints and his sense of hopelessness. God responds by sending him out again, this time to Damascus to anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his replacement. Moses with the Ten Commandments by Rembrandt (1659) Biblical Mount Sinai refers to the place where, according to the Hebrew Bible (Exod. ... Despair in common usage is the condition of having abandoned hope. ... For other uses, see Damascus (disambiguation). ... Hazael (Hebrew Hazael, meaning God has seen) was a court official and later an Aramean king who appeared in the Bible. ... Jehu son of Omri kneeling at the feet of Shalmaneser III on the Black Obelisk. ... Not to be confused with Elishah. ...

The Cave of Elijah, Mount Carmel, Israel.

Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (2288 × 1712 pixel, file size: 829 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Elijahs cave Picture taken by deror avi on 17th March 2007. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (2288 × 1712 pixel, file size: 829 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Elijahs cave Picture taken by deror avi on 17th March 2007. ... A view of Mount Carmel in 1894 For other uses, see Mount Carmel (disambiguation). ...

The Vineyard of Naboth

Elijah encounters Ahab again in 1st Kings 21, after Ahab has acquired possession of a vineyard by murder. Ahab desires to have the vineyard of Naboth of Jezreel. He offers a better vineyard or a fair price for the land. But Naboth tells Ahab that God has told him not to part with the land. Ahab accepts this answer with sullen bad grace. Jezebel, however, plots a method for acquiring the land. She sends letters, in Ahab's name, to the elders and nobles who lived near Naboth. They are to arrange a fast and invite Naboth. At the fast, false charges of cursing God and Ahab are to be made against him. The plot is carried out and Naboth is stoned to death. When word comes that Naboth is dead, Jezebel tells Ahab to take possession of the vineyard. This article needs cleanup. ... Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor, Israel Jezreel Valley The Jezreel Valley ; ‎, Emek Yizrael, also known as the Plain of Esdraelon (Esdraelon is the Koine Greek rendering of Jezreel[1]), and as the Zirin Valley (Arabic: , Sahel Zirin), and as the Meadow of Amrs son (مرج بن عامر, Marj Ibn Amer), is...

God again speaks to Elijah and sends him to confront Ahab with a question and a prophecy: "Have you killed and also taken possession?" and, "In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick up your own blood" (1st Kings 21:19)." Ahab begins the confrontation by calling Elijah his enemy. Elijah responds by throwing the charge back at him, telling him that he has made himself the enemy of God by his own actions. Elijah then goes beyond the prophecy he was given and tells Ahab that his entire kingdom will reject his authority; that Jezebel will be eaten by dogs within Jezreel; and that his family will be consumed by dogs as well (if they die in a city) or by birds (if they die in the country). When Ahab hears this he repents to such a degree that God relents in punishing Ahab but will punish Jezebel and their son--Ahaziah. Ahaziah (held by Jehovah) was the name of two kings: Ahaziah of Israel, king of Israel Ahaziah of Judah, king of Judah. ...

Ahaziah

Elijah continues now from Ahab to an encounter with Ahaziah. The scene opens with Ahaziah seriously injured in a fall. He sends to the priests of Baalzebub in Ekron, outside the kingdom of Israel, to know if he will recover. Elijah intercepts his messengers and sends them back to Ahaziah with a message. In typical Elijah fashion, the message begins with a blunt, impertinent question: "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron?" (2nd Kings 1:6). Ahaziah asks the messengers to describe the person who gave them this message. They tell him he wore a hairy coat with a leather belt and he instantly recognizes the description as Elijah the Tishbite. This entry is not about King Ahaziah of Judah. ... Beelzebub (also known as Belzebud, Belzaboul, Beelzeboul, Baalsebul, Baalzebubg, Beelzebuth, Beelzebus; more accurately Ba‘al Zebûb or Ba‘al Zəbûb, Hebrew בעל זבוב), appears as the name of a deity worshipped in the Philistine city of Ekron. ... The city of Ekron (Hebrew עֶקְרוֹן, Standard Hebrew ʻEqron, Tiberian Hebrew ʻEqrôn) was one of the five Philistine cities in southwestern Canaan. ...

Ahaziah sends out three groups of soldiers to arrest Elijah. The first two are destroyed by fire which Elijah calls down from heaven. The leader of the third group asks for mercy for himself and his men. Elijah agrees to accompany this third group to Ahaziah, where he gives his prophecy in person.

Elijah's Departure

The biblical story of Elijah's departure is unique. Elijah, in company with Elisha, approaches the river Jordan. He rolls up his mantle and strikes the water (2nd Kings 2:8). The water immediately divides and Elijah and Elisha cross on dry land. Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appear and Elijah is lifted up to heaven in a whirlwind. As Elijah is lifted up, his mantle falls to the ground and Elisha picks it up.

2nd Chronicles

Elijah is mentioned once more in 2nd Chronicles 21. A letter is sent under the prophet's name to Jehoram. It tells him that he has led the people of Judah astray in the same way that Israel was led astray. The prophet ends the letter with a prediction of a painful death. This letter is a puzzle to readers for several reasons. First, it concerns a king of the southern kingdom, while Elijah concerned himself with the kingdom of Israel. Second, the message begins with "Thus says the LORD, God of your father David..." rather that the more usual "...in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel." Also, this letter comes after Elijah's ascension into the whirlwind. Jacob Myers suggests a number of possible reasons for this letter, among them that it may be an example of a better known prophet's name being substituted for that of a lesser known prophet.^[9] VanSeters, however, rejects the letter as having any connection with the Elijah tradition.^[10] It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

Malachi

Elijah's final mention in the Hebrew Bible is in Malachi, where it is said that Elijah will come again before "the great and terrible day of the Lord." That day is described as the burning of a great furnace, "... so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." ^[11] Traditionally, in both Judaism and Christianity, this is taken to mean that Elijah will come before the coming of the Messiah.

New Testament references

Eastern Orthodox icon of the prophet Elijah, depicted with a disciple

In the New Testament, both John the Baptist and Jesus excited interest as to whether they were Elijah, come before the "great and terrible day" as predicted by Malachi. Image File history File linksMetadata Icon_03051_Ilya_prorok_s_uchenikom. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Icon_03051_Ilya_prorok_s_uchenikom. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Coptic Orthodox Pope · Roman Catholic Pope Archbishop of Canterbury · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Faith... Look up icon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... Bold text St. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

John the Baptist

John the Baptist incorporated many of the characteristics of Elijah as a part of his own prophetic career. He shared the same interest in obedience to the law and worship of the God of Israel. In particular, he preached a message of repentance and reconciliation with the law and with the God of Israel (and by extension with the generation of Moses who had received the law and the covenant). He also preached that the day of judgment was coming using imagery similar to that of Malachi. Finally, he preached that the Messiah was coming. It has been suggested that Yahweh be merged into this article or section. ...

All of this was done in a style that immediately recalled the image of Elijah to his audience. He wore a coat of animal hair secured with a leather belt. He also frequently preached in wilderness areas: near the Jordan river, and in the area of Samaria/Galilee. “Shomron” redirects here. ... Galilee (Arabic al-jaleel الجليل, Hebrew hagalil הגליל), meaning circuit, is a large area overlapping with much of the North District of Israel. ...

In the Gospel of John, the Baptist was asked by a delegation of priests if he was Elijah. To which, he replied "I am not."^[12] The author of Matthew,^[13] however, makes it clear that John was Elijah but was not recognized as such. In the annunciation narrative in Luke, an angel appears to Zechariah, John's father, and tells him that John "will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God," and that he will go forth "in the spirit and power of Elijah."^[14] For other uses, see Gospel of John (disambiguation). ...

Jesus

While Jesus is not described as having the physical appearance of Elijah, he preached a similar message of obedience to the law and worship of the God of Israel. In addition, miracle stories similar to those of Elijah were associated with Jesus (e. g. raising of the dead,^[15] miraculous feeding^[16]). In the Gospel of Luke, Herod Antipas hears some of the stories surrounding Jesus. Some tell Herod that John the Baptist, whom he had executed, has come back to life. Others tell him that it is Elijah.^[17] Later, in the same gospel, Jesus asks his disciples who the people say that he is. Peter's answer includes Elijah among others.^[18] The Gospel of Luke (literally, according to Luke; Greek, Κατά Λουκαν, Kata Loukan) is a synoptic Gospel, and the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament. ... Herod Antipas (short for Antipatros) was an ancient leader (tetrarch, meaning ruler of a quarter) of Galilee and Perea. ...

By this time, Elijah had entered folklore as a rescuer of Jews in distress. During Jesus' crucifixion,^[19] some of the onlookers wonder if Elijah will come to rescue him.

The Transfiguration

Elijah makes an appearance in the New Testament during an incident known as the Transfiguration.^[20] Icon of the Transfiguration (15th century, Novgorod) The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported by the Synoptic Gospels in which Jesus was transfigured upon a mountain (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-8, Luke 9:28-36). ...

At the summit of an unnamed mount, Jesus' face begins to shine. The disciples who are with him hear the voice of God announce that Jesus is the "Son of God." The disciples also see Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. Peter is so struck by the experience that he asks Jesus if they should not build a "tabernacle" for Elijah.

In this appearance, Elijah is generally seen as a witness of the prophets and Moses as a witness of the law for the divinely announced "Son of God."^[21][22]

Other references to Elijah

Elijah is mentioned three more times in the New Testament: in Luke, Romans, and James. In Luke 4:24-27, Jesus uses Elijah as an example of rejected prophets. Jesus says, "No prophet is accepted in his own country," and then mentions Elijah, saying that there were many widows in Israel, but Elijah was sent to one in Phoenicia (see story above). In Romans 11:1-6, Paul cites Elijah as an example of God's never forsaking his people (the Jews). In James 5:16-18, James says, "The . . . prayer of a righteous man availeth much," and then cites Elijah's prayers which started and ended the famine in Israel (again, see above), as examples of such prayers. Mary Magdalene in prayer. ...

Elijah in Jewish tradition and folklore

The volume of references to Elijah in folklore and tradition stands in marked contrast to that in the canon. His career is extensive, colorful, and varied. He has appeared the world over in the guise of a beggar, scholar. Many of the stories have their origins in the canon while others owe their existence entirely to the minds of their creators.

Elijah in the apocrypha

In 1st Kings 18, Elijah uses 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, to build an altar. In Malachi, he has two tasks: to herald the eschaton and to reconcile the generations with the generation that experienced the covenant. In the Wisdom of Jesus ben Sira his tasks are altered to: 1) herald the eschaton, 2) calm God’s fury, 3) restore familial peace, and 4) restore the 12 tribes. The Wisdom of Ben Sira (or The Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach or merely Sirach), also called Ecclesiasticus (not to be confused with Ecclesiastes) by some Christians, is a book written circa 180–175 BC. The author, Yeshua ben Sira, was a Jew who had been living in Jerusalem...

In folklore

Elijah’s identity

Elijah’s miraculous transferral to heaven lead to speculation as to his true identity. Louis Ginzberg equates him with Phinehas the grandson of Aaron.^[24] (Exodus 6:25) Because of Phinehas zealousness for God, he and his descendants were promised, “a covenant of lasting priesthood” (Numbers 25:13). Therefore, Elijah is a priest as well as a prophet. Elijah is also equated with the Archangel Sandalphon,^[25] whose four wing beats will carry him to any part of the earth. When forced to choose between death and dishonor, Rabbi Kahana chose to leap to his death. Before he could strike the ground, Elijah/Sandalphon had appeared to catch him.^[26] Yet another name for Elijah is "Angel of the Covenant"^[27] (see Elijah’s chair below). Elijah, 1638, by José de Ribera This article is about the prophet in the Hebrew Bible. ...

Rabbi Joshua ben Levi

References to Elijah in Jewish folklore range from short observations (e. g. It is said that when dogs are happy for no reason, it is because Elijah is in the neighborhood^[28]) to lengthy parables on the nature of God’s justice.

One such story is that of Rabbi Joshua ben Levi. The rabbi, a friend of Elijah’s, was asked what favor he might wish. The rabbi answered only that he be able to join Elijah in his wanderings. Elijah granted his wish only if he refrained from asking any questions about any of the prophet’s actions. He agreed and they began their journey. The first place they came to was the house of an elderly couple who were so poor they had only one old cow. The old couple gave of their hospitality as best they could. The next morning, as the travelers left, Elijah prayed that the old cow would die and it did. The second place they came to was the home of a wealthy man. He had no patience for his visitors and chased them away with the admonition that they should get jobs and not beg from honest people. As they were leaving, they passed the man’s wall and saw that it was crumbling. Elijah prayed that the wall be repaired and it was so. Next, they came to a wealthy synagogue. They were allowed to spend the night with only the smallest of provisions. When they left, Elijah prayed that every member of the synagogue might become a leader.

Finally, they came to a very poor synagogue. Here they were treated with great courtesy and hospitality. When they left, Elijah prayed that God might give them a single wise leader. At this Rabbi Joshua could no longer hold back. He demanded of Elijah an explanation of his actions. At the house of the old couple, Elijah knew that the Angel of Death was coming for the old woman. So he prayed that God might have the angel take the cow instead. At the house of the wealthy man, there was a great treasure hidden in the crumbling wall. Elijah prayed that the wall be restored thus keeping the treasure away from the miser. The story ends with a moral: A synagogue with many leaders will be ruined by many arguments. A town with a single wise leader will be guided to success and prosperity. “Know then, that if thou seest an evil-doer prosper, it is not always unto his advantage, and if a righteous man suffers need and distress, think not God is unjust.”^[29]

Rabbi Eliezer

The Elijah of legend did not lose any of his ability to afflict the comfortable. The case of Rabbi Eliezer son of Rabbi Simon ben Yohai is illustrative. The rabbi was known as much for his conceit as he was for his learning. Once, when walking a beach, and feeling particularly proud of himself, he came upon a hideously ugly man–the prophet in disguise. The man greeted him courteously, “Peace be with thee, Rabbi.” Instead of returning the greeting, the rabbi could not resist an insult, “How ugly you are! Is there anyone as ugly as you in your town?” Elijah responded with, “I don’t know. Perhaps you should tell the Master Architect how ugly is this, His construction.” The rabbi realized his wrong and asked for pardon. But Elijah would not give it until the entire city had asked for forgiveness for the rabbi and the rabbi had promised to mend his ways.^[30]

The demon Lilith

Elijah was always seen as deeply pious, it seems only natural that he would be pitted against an equally evil individual. This was found in the person of Lilith. Lilith in legend was the first wife of Adam. She rebelled against Adam, the angels, and even God. She came to be seen as a demon and a witch.^[31][32] This article is about the demon Lilith. ...

Elijah encountered Lilith and instantly recognized and challenged her, "Unclean one, where are you going?" Unable to avoid or lie to the prophet, she admitted she was on her way to the house of a pregnant woman. Her intention was to kill the woman and eat the child.

Elijah prounounced his malediction, "I curse you in the Name of the Lord. Be silent as a stone!" But, Lilith was able to make a bargain with Elijah. She promises to "forsake my evil ways" if Elijah will remove his curse. To seal the bargain she gives Elijah her names so that they can be posted in the houses of pregnant women or new born children or used as amulets. Lilith promises, "where I see those names, I shall run away at once. Neither the child nor the mother will ever be injured by me."^[33]

In tradition

Elijah’s Chair (kisse shel Eliyahu)

At Jewish circumcision ceremonies, a chair is set aside for the use of the prophet Elijah. Elijah is said to be a witness at all circumcisions when the “sign of the covenant” is placed upon the body of the child. This custom stems from the incident at Mount Horeb (1st Kings 19). This article is about male circumcision. ... This article is about witnesses in law courts. ... Moses with the Ten Commandments by Rembrandt (1659) Biblical Mount Sinai refers to the place where, according to the Hebrew Bible (Exod. ...

Elijah had arrived at Mt. Horeb after the demonstration of Yehweh’s presence and power on Mt. Carmel (1st Kings 18). Elijah is asked by God for an explanation of his presence on Mt. Horeb. He replies: “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the people of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thy altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1st Kings 19:10). This was patently untrue (1st Kings 18: 4 and 1st Kings 19: 18), but since Elijah had made the charge that Israel had failed to uphold the covenant (brit), God would require Elijah to be present at every covenant of circumcision (brit milah).^[34][35] Mount Carmel is the name of several places in the world: Mount Carmel, Israel Mount Carmel, Newfoundland, Canada Mount Carmel, Illinois, United States of America Mount Carmel, Tennessee, United States of America (See also Carmel. ... Set of implements used in the performance of brit milah, displayed in the Göttingen city museum Brit milah (Hebrew: בְרִית מִילָה [bÉ™rÄ«t mÄ«lā] literally: covenant [of] circumcision), also berit milah (Sephardi), bris milah (Ashkenazi pronunciation) or bris (Yiddish) is a religious ceremony within Judaism to welcome infant Jewish...

During the ceremony, Elijah is specifically invited to be present and to witness that the covenant is still observed. A chair, usually highly carved and decorated, is set aside specifically for Elijah. In some traditions, the chair has two seats: one for the prophet and one for the sandek (the person who holds the child). Any chair, however, may be designated as Elijah’s chair by the father saying: “This is the chair of Elijah, the Angel of the Covenant, who is remembered for good.”^[36] Sandek (Hebrew: סנדק, companion of child) is the term for a person honored at a Jewish brit milah (circumcision) ceremony, traditionally either by holding the baby boy on the knees or thighs while the mohel performs the brit milah or by handing the baby to the mohel. ...

Elijah’s Cup (koso shel Eliyahu)

In the Talmudic literature, Elijah would visit rabbis to help solve particularly difficult legal problems. Malachi had cited Elijah as the harbinger of the eschaton. Thus, when confronted with reconciling impossibly conflicting laws or rituals, the rabbis would set aside any decision “until Elijah comes.”^[37] One such decision was whether the Passover seder required four or five cups of wine. The Talmud (Hebrew: תַּלְמוּד) is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history. ... A Rabbi (Classical Hebrew רִבִּי ribbī; modern Ashkenazi and Israeli רַבִּי rabbī) is a religious Jewish scholar who is an expert in Jewish law. ... For the book by Pope Benedict XVI, see Eschatology (book). ... Table set for the beginning of the Passover Seder, including Passover Seder Plate (front center), salt water, three shmurah matzot (rear center), and bottles of kosher wine. ...

Each serving of wine corresponds to "four expressions of redemption" in Exodus:

"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an out-stretched arm and with great acts of judgment, and I will take you for my people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians" (Exodus 6:6-7).

The next verse, "And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord" (Exodus 6:8). was not fulfilled until the generation after that of the passover story. Since the rabbis could not resolve the question of whether or not this verse was a part of the Passover celebration (thus deserving of another serving of wine), a cup was left for the arrival of Elijah. In practice, the fifth cup has come to be seen as a celebration of future redemption. Today, a place is reserved at the seder table and a cup of wine is placed there for Elijah. During the seder, the door of the house is opened and Elijah is invited in. Traditionally, the cup is viewed as Elijah’s and is used for no other purpose.^[38][39]

Havdalah

Havdalah is the ceremony that concludes the Sabbath Day (Saturday evening in Jewish tradition). As part of the concluding hymn, an appeal is made to God that Elijah will come during the following week. “Elijah the Prophet, Elijah the Tishbite. Let him come quickly, in our day with the messiah, the son of David.”^[38] Havdalah (הבדלה) is a Jewish religious ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and holidays, and ushers in beginning of the new week. ... This article or section cites very few or no references or sources. ... A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a god or other religiously significant figure. ...

Elijah in other traditions

Considered a Prophet Saint

The Prophet Elijah is commemorated on the liturgical calendars of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod ^[40], Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine Rite, and the Eastern Orthodox Church on July 20.^[41] LCMS redirects here. ... The term Eastern Rites may refer to the liturgical rites used by many ancient Christian Churches of Eastern Europe and the Middle East that, while being part of the Roman Catholic Church, are distinct from the Latin Rite or Western Church. ... The Byzantine Rite, sometimes called Constantinopolitan, is the liturgical rite used (in various languages) by all the Eastern Orthodox Churches and by several Eastern Rite particular Churches within the Catholic Church. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Coptic Orthodox Pope · Roman Catholic Pope Archbishop of Canterbury · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Faith...

Carmelite tradition

In 1st Kings 18, Elijah returns from his stay with the widow of Zarephath to confront Ahab and announce the end of the drought. He encounters Obadiah and orders him back to Ahab to announce his return. Obadiah is reluctant to comply for Elijah has just spent several years in hiding from a determined search by the king. Obadiah is afraid that Elijah will disappear again leaving him to face the king’s wrath. After the confrontation on Mt. Carmel, Elijah will again avoid a determined search by Jezebel by going to the Sinai wilderness. After the confrontation over Naboth’s vineyard, Elijah will disappear from the record completely and not reappear until the confrontation with Ahaziah in 2nd Kings.

Elijah is revered as the spiritual Father and traditional founder of the Catholic religious Order of Carmelites. In addition to taking their name from Mt. Carmel where the first hermits of the order established themselves, the Calced Carmelite and Discalced Carmelite traditions pertaining to Elijah focus upon the prophet’s withdrawal from public life.^[42][43] The medieval Carmelite Book of the First Monks offers some insight into the heart of the Orders' contemplative vocation and reverence for the prophet. For other uses, see Hermit (disambiguation). ... Origin and early history Carmelites (in Latin Ordo fratrum Beatæ Virginis Mariæ de monte Carmelo) is the name of a Roman Catholic order founded in the 12th century by a certain Berthold (d. ... The Discalced Carmelites, or Barefoot Carmelites, is a Roman Catholic mendicant order. ... The Book of the First Monks[1] is a medieval Christian work in the contemplative and eremetic tradition of the Carmelites. ...

The prophet Elijah's feastday is celebrated on July 20th of the Carmelite Liturgical Calendar.

Islamic tradition

In the Qur'an, Elijah is a prophet known as Ilyas (إلياس) in Arabic. Similar to the story in the Hebrew Bible, Elijah preaches in opposition to Baal, pleading with the people not to forsake Allah.^[44] He also causes a famine and prophesies destruction on Ahab and Jezebel.^[45] The Qur’ān [1] (Arabic: , literally the recitation; also sometimes transliterated as Quran, Koran, or Al-Quran) is the central religious text of Islam. ... Prophets of Islam are male human beings who are regarded by Muslims to be prophets chosen by God. ... Ilyas is a prophet in the Quran. ...

Latter-day Saint perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also acknowledges Elijah as a prophet. Latter-day Saints believe that the Malachi prophecy of the return of Elijah was fulfilled on April 3, 1836 when Elijah visited the prophet and founder of the church, Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Kirtland Temple as a resurrected being.^[46] This event is chronicled in The Doctrine and Covenants Section 110 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) verses 13-16: For other uses, see Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (disambiguation). ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1836 (MDCCCXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Kirtland Temple is a registered National Historic Landmark in Kirtland, Ohio, USA, on the eastern edge of the Cleveland metropolitan area. ... This article is about the religious meaning of the word Resurrection. For other meanings see Resurrection (disambiguation). ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ...

After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: Behold the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

This experience forms the basis for the church's focus on genealogy and family history and belief in the eternal nature of marriage and families.

Bahá'í

The Bahá'í Faith, accepts The Báb, the founder of The Bábí Faith as the return of Elijah and John the Baptist. Both Elijah and John the Baptist are generally seen as Lesser Prophets, (though there may be support in the Qur'an for him being a Manifestation of God^[47][48]) but The Báb is believed to be a Manifestation of God or a higher prophet.^[49] The Báb is buried on Mount Carmel, where Elijah had his confrontation with the prophets of Baal^[50] Bahá'ís also view The Báb as the Islamic Mahdi and Al-Qa'im (person).^[51] This article is about the generally-recognized global religious community. ... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa, Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern... The room where The Báb declared His mission on May 23, 1844 in His house in Shiraz. ... Bold text St. ... For other senses of this word, see Prophet (disambiguation). ... The Baháí Faith refers to what are commonly called prophets as Manifestations of God, or simply Manifestations (mazhar) who are directly linked with the concept of Progressive revelation. ... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa, Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern... The Baháí Faith refers to what are commonly called prophets as Manifestations of God, or simply Manifestations (mazhar) who are directly linked with the concept of Progressive revelation. ... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa, Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa, Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern... Islam (Arabic: ; ( â–¶ (help· info)), the submission to God) is a monotheistic faith, one of the Abrahamic religions and the worlds second-largest religion. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Muhammad al-Mahdi. ... Al-Qāim (Arabic: القائم) is a messiah-like figure in Shia Islam, sometimes referred to as the Mahdi, but distinctly of a Shia tradition. ...

Eastern European

As Elijah was described as ascending into heaven in a fiery chariot, the Christian missionaries who converted Slavic tribes likely found him an ideal analogy for Perun, the supreme Slavic god of storms, thunder and lightning bolts. In many Slavic countries Elijah is known as Elijah the Thunderer (Ilija Gromovnik), who drives the heavens in a chariot and administers rain and snow, thus actually taking the place of Perun in popular beliefs.^[52][53] In Slavic mythology, Perun (with many spelling and pronunciation variants among modern Slavic languages) is the highest god of the pantheon and the god of thunder and lightning. ... In Slavic mythology, Perun (with many spelling and pronunciation variants among modern Slavic languages) is the highest god of the pantheon and the god of thunder and lightning. ...

In one Eastern-European folklore tale, Elijah is portrayed in his "Thunderer" persona:

Once Jesus, the prophet Elijah, and St. George were going through Georgia. When they became tired and hungry they stopped to dine. They saw a Georgian shepherd and decided to ask him to feed them. First, Elijah went up to the shepherd and asked him for a sheep. After the shepherd asked his identity Elijah said that, he was the one who sent him rain to get him a good profit from farming. The shepherd became angry at him and told him that he was the one who also sent thunderstorms, which destroyed the farms of poor widows. (After Elijah, Jesus and St. George attempt to get help and eventually succeed).^[54] This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Raëlism

In Raëlism, a group believing that extra-terrestrial life is the source of modern religion, as well as human life on earth, Raël is told by the Elohim (in this group, the "people from the sky") that the Elohim had previously contacted several people to act as their prophets on Earth, including Moses, Elijah, Buddha, and others.^[55] A gathering of Raëlians in South Korea Raëlism is an UFO religion that is known by the names of Raëlian Church, MADECH from 1974 to 1976,[1] and International Raëlian Movement afterwards. ... “Rael” redirects here. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... Media:Example. ...

Controversies

Christian controversy over Elijah's ascension into heaven

In some Christian interpretations, the Gospel of John quotes Jesus as saying that none have gone to heaven other than the Son of Man (Jesus Himself).^[56] Accordingly, some Christians believe that Elijah was not assumed into heaven but simply transferred to another assignment either in Heaven^[57] or with King Jehoram of Judah.^[58] For those who believe he went to Jehoram, the largest evidence is his writing a letter to the King after his "death" expressing God's condemnation.^[59] They claim the letter is written after Elijah leaves Elisha due to the fact that King Jehoram ruled after the separation of Elijah and Elisha; for eight years starting from 913 B.C.E. at the age of 32.^[60] This is in harmony with the fact that Elisha did not mourn for Elijah as was the custom for the dead in his day; although mourning would not necessarily have been appropriate for one assumed into heaven while living.^[61] For other uses, see Gospel of John (disambiguation). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... For other uses, see Son of man (disambiguation). ...

Still another interpretation is that the Elijah spoken of in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 is a totally different person altogether. This person lived in the time of Jehoram, to whom he sent a letter of warning,^[62] and acted as a prophet in Judah while the Tishbite was a prophet of the northern kingdom. It may be supposed either that Elijah anticipated the character of Jehoram, and so wrote the warning message, which was preserved in the schools of the prophets until Jehoram ascended the throne after the Tishbite's translation, or that the translation did not actually take place until after the accession of Jehoram to the throne.^[63] Also, the events of 2 Kings 2 may not be recorded in chronological order, and thus there may be room for the opinion that Elijah was still alive in the beginning of Jehoram's reign.^[64][65] The Book of Chronicles is a book in the Hebrew Bible (also see Old Testament). ... Jehoram of Judah was the king of Judah, and the son of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 8:16). ...

Controversy over Elijah's Return

Centuries after his departure, the Jews still await the coming of Elijah to precede the coming of the Messiah. As discussed above, in some aspects of Judaism, there is a tradition of leaving an empty chair and a full goblet of wine at the Passover feast table to serve as a reminder of his promised return. At one point during the feast, participants may open a door in hopes that he will appear as a guest.^[66][67] Similarly, an empty chair is left in the room during a circumcision. Set of implements used in the performance of brit milah, displayed in the Göttingen city museum Brit milah (Hebrew: בְרִית מִילָה [bərīt mīlā] literally: covenant [of] circumcision), also berit milah (Sephardi), bris milah (Ashkenazi pronunciation) or bris (Yiddish) is a religious ceremony within Judaism to welcome infant Jewish...

In Christianity, there is much controversy over whether Elijah has returned, or is still yet to return, and if so, how and with whom. Many Eastern orthodox and Catholic theologians, along with modern Protestant theologians believe that Elijah must return to physically die here on earth eventually, as one of the 'two witnesses' in the Book of Revelation. The second witness, according to many theologians, is either the prophet Enoch, who like Elijah, did not taste death in his life, and so will taste death at the hands of Antichrist before the second coming of Christ, or Moses, who in some traditions also never died. This plays into many eschatological scenarios, for these two are deemed forerunners to the second coming of Christ.^{[68][69][70][71][72]} Visions of John of Patmos, as depicted in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. ... Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ; Tiberian: , Standard: ) is a name occurring twice in the generations of Adam. ... Albrecht Dürer - Four horsemen of the Apocalypse This article is about the concept of the end of the world. ...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as mentioned previously in the 'Latter-day Saint' section, believes that Elijah returned on April 3, 1836 in an appearance to Joseph Smith, fulfilling a prophecy in Malachi.

The Bahá'í Faith, as mentioned above in the 'Bahá'í' section, believes Elijah to have returned as the Biblical Prophet John the Baptist, and as the founder of the Bábí Faith; The Báb, in 1844 in Shiraz, Iran. ^[73][74] This article is about the generally-recognized global religious community. ... The Bible (From Greek βιβλια—biblia, meaning books, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) is the sacred scripture of Christianity. ... For other senses of this word, see Prophet (disambiguation). ... Bold text St. ... The room where The Báb declared His mission on May 23, 1844 in His house in Shiraz. ... Shrine of the Báb at night from above in Haifa, Israel Siyyid Mírzá Alí-Muhammad (میرزا علی‌محمد in Persian) (October 20, 1819 - July 9, 1850), later to become known as the Báb (باب meaning Gate in Persian and Arabic;) was seen by Bábís (and is seen by modern... For other uses, see Shiraz (disambiguation). ...

Arts and Literature

• Felix Mendelssohn composed an oratorio "Elijah".
• Elijah Rock is a traditional Christian spiritual about Elijah
• "Go Like Elijah" is a song by the American rock-pop-jazz songwriter Chi Coltrane
• The famous Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, composed by Wallis Willis in the 1860s, was heavily influenced by the story of Elijah's ascension to heaven.
• Eliyahu HaNavi is a Jewish song sung at the Passover as an invitation to Elijah.
• Lorenzetto created a statue of Elijah with assistance of the young sculptor Raffaello da Montelupo, using designs by Raphael.^[75]
• The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho was published in 1996 and was his fourth major publication. The story is based on the story of Elijah from the Judeo-Christian Bible (1 Kings chapters 17-19).
• Christian metal band Disciple released the song "God of Elijah" on their 2001 album By God. The theme of the song is the challenge Elijah placed against Ahab between Baal and the God of Israel.

An oratorio is a large musical composition for orchestra, vocal soloists and chorus. ... Elijah is an oratorio written by Felix Mendelssohn in 1846 for the Birmingham Festival. ... Elijah Rock is a traditional spiritual. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... == Historical background on spiritual music Spirituals were often expressions of religious faith, although they may also have served as socio-political protests veiled as assimilation to white, American culture. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is a United States spiritual folk song. ... It has been suggested that Dayenu and Had Gadia be merged into this article or section. ... Chigi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, with Jonah by Lorenzetto at left of alter For information on Lorenzo Lotto, the Italian painter and contemporary of Lorenzetto, see Lorenzo Lotto. ... Raffaello da Montelupo (c. ... A disciple (from the Latin discipulus, a pupil) is one who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher, and implies that the pupil is under the discipline of, and understands, his teacher... This was the 4th album relesed by Disciple ... For other uses, see Baal (disambiguation). ...

Notes

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... The Book of Jeremiah, or Jeremiah (יִרְמְיָהוּ Yirməyāhū in Hebrew), is part of the Hebrew Bible, Judaisms Tanakh, and later became a part of Christianitys Old Testament. ...

Bibliography

• Elijah: Prophet of Carmel, by Jane Ackerman, ICS Publications, 2003. ISBN 0-935216-30-8

History of the period

• Miller, J. M. and J. H. Hayes. A History of Ancient Israel and Judah. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004. ISBN 0-664-22358-3

In folklore and tradition

• Bialik, H. N. and Y. H Ravnitzky. eds. The Book of Legends: Sefer Ha-Aggadah. New York: Schocken Books, 1992. ISBN 0-8052-4113-2
• Ginzberg, Lewis. Legends of the Bible. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1956.
• Schwartz, Howard. Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 0-19-508679-1
• Wolfson, Ron and Joel L. Grishaver. Passover: The family Guide to Spiritual Celebration. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-58023-174-8

Children's Literature

• Aronin, Ben and Shay Rieger. The Secret of the Sabbath Fish. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1978. ISBN 0827601107
• Goldin, Barbara. Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1999. ISBN 0152004459
• Jaffe, Nina. The Mysterious Visitor: Stories of the Prophet Elijah. New York: Scholastic Press, 1997. ISBN 0590484222
• Jaffe, Nina. The Way Meat Loves Salt: A Cinderella Tale from the Jewish Tradition. New York: Holt Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0805043854
• Silverman, Erica. Gittel's Hands. Mahwah, NJ: BridgeWater Books, 1996. ISBN 0816737983
• Sydelle, Pearl. Elijah's Tears: Stories for the Jewish Holidays. New York: Holt Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0805046275
• Thaler, Mike. Elijah, Prophet Sharing: and Other Bible Stories to Tickle Your Soul. Colorado Springs, CO: Faith Kids Publishing, 2000. ISBN 0781435129

See also

• Carmelites—A contemplative religious order living in imitation of Elijah's life, regarding him as their founder.

The Order of Our Lady of Mt. ...

External links

Saints Portal

• Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg. The legends of Elijah.
• The Rabbi and the Cow by Shoshannah Brombacher A retelling of the rabbi Joshua ben Levi story.
• The Silent Cup by Israel Rubin Elijah's cup.
• Elijah the Prophet in Minsk by Yitzchak Buxbaum An Elijah story with a nice twist.
• Elijah Details various events in the life of Elijah and relates Elijah to the Passover/Pesach story.
• Jewish Encyclopedia Entry on Elijah
• Catholic Encyclopedia Entry on Elijah
• Dictionary of the History of Ideas: Cosmic Voyages - Mentions (in passing) the story of Elijah being carried up to heaven in a flaming chariot as an inspiration for human flight
• Elijah by Rob Bradshaw Extensive dictionary style article.
• Biblaridion magazine: Elijah redivivus: The role of Elijah in New Testament eschatology
• LDS Bible Dictionary Entry on Elijah
• Edith Stein on Elijah in Carmelite spirituality
• Elijah and his fiery chariot A partly serious, partly humorous article by Robert Greenham about Elijah and his fiery chariot, with reference also to Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah
• Elijah in the Biblical Encyclopedia Tanakh Profiles (Hebrew/English) See also translations of names.

Prophets of Judaism & Christianity in the Hebrew Bible
Abraham · Isaac · Jacob · Moses · Aaron · Miriam · Eldad · Medad ·The seventy elders of Israel · Joshua · Phinehas
Deborah · Samuel · Saul · Saul's men · David · Solomon | Gad · Nathan · Ahiyah · Elijah · Elisha | Isaiah · Jeremiah · Ezekiel
Hosea · Joel · Amos · Obadiah · Jonah · Micah · Nahum · Habakkuk · Zephaniah · Haggai · Zechariah · Malachi
Shemaiah · Iddo · Azariah · Hanani · Jehu · Micaiah · Jahaziel · Eliezer · Zechariah ben Jehoiada · Oded · Huldah · Uriah
Judaism: Sarah · Rebecca · Joseph · Eli · Elkanah · Hannah · Abigail · Amoz · Mordecai · Esther · (Baruch)	Christianity: Abel · Enoch · Daniel
Non-Jewish: Kenan · Noah · Eber · Bithiah · Beor · Balaam · Job · Eliphaz · Bildad · Zophar · Elihu		v • d • e

Prophets of Islam in the Qur'an
Adam	Idris	Nuh	Hud	Saleh	Ibrahim	Lut	Ismail	Is'haq	Yaqub	Yusuf	Ayub
آدم	ادريس	نوح	هود	صالح	إبراهيم	لوط	اسماعيل	اسحاق	يعقوب	يوسف	أيوب
Adam	Enoch	Noah	Eber	Shelah	Abraham	Lot	Ishmael	Isaac	Jacob	Joseph	Job
Shoaib	Musa	Harun	Dhul-Kifl	Daud	Sulayman	Ilyas	Al-Yasa	Yunus	Zakariya	Yahya	Isa	Muhammad
شعيب	موسى	هارون	ذو الكفل	داود	سليمان	إلياس	اليسع	يونس	زكريا	يحيى	عيسى	محمد
Jethro	Moses	Aaron	Ezekiel	David	Solomon	Elijah	Elisha	Jonah	Zechariah	John	Jesus		v • d • e