Who Was Elijah the Prophet?
Who Was Elijah the Prophet? Elijah was one of Israel's greatest prophets who confronted King Ahab's idolatry, called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Key verse: 1 Kings 18:38-39 (KJV)
Elijah was one of Israel's greatest prophets who confronted King Ahab's idolatry, called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Elijah was one of Israel's greatest prophets who confronted King Ahab's idolatry, called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
"Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God." — 1 Kings 18:38-39 (KJV)
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The Biblical Answer
Elijah appeared suddenly in 1 Kings 17, announcing a drought as judgment on Israel's worship of Baal under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. During the drought, God miraculously sustained Elijah — first by ravens at the brook Cherith, then through a widow's unfailing jar of oil and flour. The climactic showdown came on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), where Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a contest. After their frantic, hours-long appeals to Baal failed, Elijah drenched his altar with water and prayed a simple prayer. Fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water. The people cried, 'The LORD, he is the God!' Yet afterward, Elijah fled from Jezebel's threat and despaired under a juniper tree — showing that even great prophets experience weakness. God gently restored him with food, rest, and a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). Elijah never died — he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind with chariots of fire (2 Kings 2:11). He later appeared with Moses at Jesus' Transfiguration.
Key Scripture References
"Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God."
"And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
"And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Was Elisha in the Bible?
Elisha was the prophet who succeeded Elijah. He received a double portion of Elijah's spirit and performed many miracles including healing Naaman's leprosy and raising a boy from the dead.
Who was John the Baptist?
John the Baptist was the prophetic forerunner of Jesus who prepared the way for Christ's ministry by preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River.
Does God Still Heal Today?
God is sovereign over all healing — He can and does heal supernaturally today, though He also works through medicine and sometimes chooses not to heal for purposes beyond our understanding.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside 1 Kings. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Kings on day 140 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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