Elijah

The Prophet Ilia (Elijah), by Daniele da Volterra

Elijah (Standard Hebrew אֱלִיָּהוּ Eliyyáhu'), also Elias (NT Greek Hλίας) and Ilia (NT Bulgarian Илия), is a prophet of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. His name has been variously translated as "the Lord is God," "whose God is the Lord," "God the Lord," "the strong Lord," "God of the Lord," "my God is the Lord," "the Lord is my God," and "my God is Jehovah." He is sometimes known as "The Tishbite," being from the town of Tishbe.

From these Biblical roots, which describe Elijah as both a milennial prophet and as a divinely-inspired wonder worker, he became an important figure for Christianity, Islam and many modern traditions (including Mormonism and the Unification Church).

In the Hebrew Bible

The prophet Elijah was first introduced in 1 Kings 17:1, where he is seen delivering a message from God to King Ahab, who ruled Israel in the first half of the ninth century B.C.E. King Ahab is notable for his rejection of the Israelite temple tradition in favor of devotion to Baal, a Canaanite / Mesopotamian fertility god. His reign is characterized by a period of droughts, epidemics and famines - all presumed to be caused by an aggrieved YHVH (following the Deuteronomistic theology of the Book of Kings).

After having delivered his message to the apostate king, Elijah retired at the command of God to a hiding-place by the brook Cherith, beyond Jordan, where he was fed by ravens. When the brook dried up, God sent him to live with the widow of Zarephath who supported him for two years. During this period, the widow's son died and was restored to life by Elijah (1 Kings 17:2-24).

At the close of this period of retirement and preparation, Elijah met Obadiah (an officer of King Ahab) and bade him go and tell his master that Elijah was there. The king came to meet Elijah, and reproached him as the "troubler of Israel" for criticizing his public conversion to the religion of Baal. To settle this challenge, Elijah proposed that he and the priests of Baal should each make public sacrifices to their respective gods, and, based on the perceived reception of these offerings, determine whether Baal or the Israelite God was the true God. The contest took place on Mount Carmel, where the Baalite priests were, due to divine intervention, unable to light their sacrificial fires. Conversely, Elijah was able to light soaking wet wood at the altar to YHWH. This miracle convinced those watching that Baal was false and that the Israelite God YHWH (יהוה) was the only true God. The prophets of Baal were then put to death by the order of Elijah.

Jezebel, the wife of Ahab and chief proponent of the religion of Baal, became enraged at the fate that had befallen her priests and threatened to put Elijah to death (1 Kings 19:1-13). Elijah escaped to Beersheba and was visited in the night by an angel, who offered him heavenly food for his flight into the wilderness. Having partaken of the divine provision, he went forward on his way for forty days to Horeb, a journey that numerically and thematically paralleled Noah's forty day sojourn in the ark and Moses's forty years of wandering in the desert. After his trek, Elijah was visited by the Lord YHWH, who ordered him to return to civilization in order to anoint Hazael (king over the Arameans (Syria)), Jehu (king over Israel), and Elisha (his divinely chosen prophetic successor) (1 Kings 19:13-21; compare 2 Kings 8:7-15; 9:1-10).

After his return to human society, he continued to attack and criticize the apostate reigns of Ahab and (later) his son, Ahaziah. Traditional lore implies that, at this time, he may have been in retirement on Mount Carmel. Soon after, the time of his ascendence to Heaven drew near (2 Kings 2:1-12). He went down to Gilgal and met his successor Elisha, who he had anointed some years before. Elisha became solemn at the thought of his master's leaving him, and refused to be parted from him. The two traveled to Bethel and Jericho, and crossed the Jordan, where the elder prophet "divided hither and thither" the waters of the river (in another Mosaic parallel). When they arrived at the borders of Gilead, it "came to pass as they still went on and talked" that "Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." Elisha, watching his mentor disappear into the heavens, was able to catch his predecessor's mantle as is fluttered to the ground. The receipt of the older prophet's mantle alludes to the preference shown the first-born son in the division of the father's estate (Deuteronomy 21:17), delivering Elisha "a double portion" of the older prophet's spirit (2:9).

It is believed that the prophet Elijah shall return to foretell the coming of the Jewish Messiah. The depth of the impression made by Elijah "on the mind of the nation" of Israel can be judged from the prevailing belief that Elijah would again appear for the relief and restoration of the country. One example of this belief is articulated in Malachi (4:5, 6). [EXPAND! How is this idea traced through later literature (including Psalms, exilic writings and rabbinic teachings)?]

The Elijah spoken of in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 is supposed by some to be a different person than the prophet described above. Those who accept this interpretation suggest that this second invdividual lived in the time of Jehoram, to whom he sent a letter of warning (compare 1 Chr. 28:19; Jeremiah 36), and that he acted as a prophet in Judah. By way of contrast, the Tishbite was a prophet of the northern kingdom. However, there does not seem any necessity for concluding that the writer of this letter was some other Elijah than the Tishbite. 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.

New Testament references

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

Not one of the Old Testament prophets is so frequently referenced in the New Testament as Elijah. The priests and Levites said to John the Baptist (John 1:25), "Why, then, dost thou baptize, if thou art not the Christ, nor Elijah?" Paul (Romans 11:2) refers to an incident in the prophet's history to illustrate his argument that God had not cast away His people. Further, James (5:17) uses him an illustration of the power of prayer. (See also Luke 4:25; 9:54.)

Many parallels can be found between the characterizations of Elijah and John the Baptist. Both figures dramatically and sternly critiqued worldly authorities that they saw as morally or religiously bankrupt (1 Kings 18, 2 Kings 1, Luke 9:8). We can alse see parallels in their connection with the wilderness, their long retirements in the desert, the sudden, startling commencement of their respective ministries (1 Kings 17:1; Luke 3:2), and even in their dress (hairy garments and leathern girdles about the loins (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4)). The equation between the two is overtly made in the Matthew 11:11, where John the Baptist is described as the Elijah that "was to come" (Matthew 11:11, 14). Similarly, Jesus testified that the prophesied coming of Elijah was realized in none other than John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12 - See also 16:14; 17:10; Mark 9:11; 15:35; Luke 9:7, 8; John 1:21)).

The milennial climate of the early Common Era was likely responsible for this identification; the Hebrew world was in uproar, and it was assumed that the end times were nigh. Indeed, in describing Elijah's literal appearance at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9), the gospel writers do not ascribe any feelings of shock to the disciples. They were "sore afraid", but (apparently) not surprised.

Some Christian theologians of a conservative, pre-millennial perspective believe that Elijah must eventually return to physically die here on earth, perhaps as one of the 'two witnesses' described in the Book of Revelation (11:2-12). This plays into many eschatological scenarios. Conversely, conservatives who come from amillennial or preterist positions would probably see John the Baptist himself as a fulfillment of this expectation, in the time of Jesus. Christian theologians of a more liberal persuasion would tend to interpret Elijah's eschatological significance in a less literal sense.

Elijah (Ilia) In Other Traditions

The Biblical tales of Elijah, which describe him as both a milennial prophet and as a divinely-ordained wonder worker, have defined a figure that can be used in multiple contexts and to various ends. Perhaps this accounts for the enthusiastic acceptance of the Elijah tradition by other religious faiths.

For example, the Muslim tradition sees Elijah as a prophet, with the Turks believing that Ilia (Elijah) and Job were buried at Eyyup Nebi, near Viranşehir. Likewise, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also acknowledge Ilia (Elijah) as a prophet. Latter-Day Saints believe that, in 1836, an angelic Ilia (Elijah) visited the founder of their church, Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Kirtland Temple in Kirtland, Ohio and gave him the sacred power to seal families together. As a final example, the Christian missionaries who converted Slavic tribes likely found Elijah to be an ideal analogy for Perun, the supreme Slavic god of storms, thunder and lightning bolts (due to the former's ascension to Heaven in a fiery chariot). In many Slavic countries, Elijah is known as "Elijah the Thunderer" (Ilija Gromovik), who drives the heavens in chariot and administers rain and snow, thus actually taking the place of Perun in many popular beliefs.

Ilia (Ilyas) In Islam

The figure of Elijah (pronounced Ilia (Ilyas) (Arabic إلياس)) is seen as an important prophet of Islam, and is mentioned by name in the Qur'an.

Ilia (Ilyas) was descended from Harun, and was a prophet sent to the Israelites.

After the death of Sulayman, his kingdom fell apart. This allowed the influence of Satan to become widespread among the people of Israel. The religious people were mocked. The ruler of Samaria killed a large number of learned people. When the evil reached a boiling point, God sent Ilia (Ilyas) to reform mankind during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. He tried his best to save the people from polytheism. He forbade them to worship the Tyrian Baal. He advised the people to ward off evil and worship One God.

However his efforts bore no fruit. He suddenly appeared before the king and foretold that a severe drought and famine would overtake the kingdom. Ilia (Ilyas) added that the Tyrian Baal would be powerless to avert it. The people paid no heed to his warnings and did not mend their ways. The prophecy of Ilia (Ilyas) turned out to be true and whole of the kingdom experienced famine.

The people began to starve. After three years Ilia (Ilyas) prayed to God to show mercy to the famine stricken people. They acknowledged the authority of God and felt regret. Soon after the rain ended the drought, God lifted his curses. After this Ilia (Ilyas) was directed by God to call upon Al-Yasa to be his successor. Ilia (Ilyas) did this and disappeared mysteriously.

Ilia (Elias) in Mormonism

In Latter-day Saint theology, the name-title Elias is not synonymous with Elijah and is often used for people other than the biblical prophet. According to Joseph Smith, "The spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, and Ilia (Messiah) last. Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power of Ilia (Elijah) is to come after, holding the keys of power, building the Temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 340).

People to whom the title Elias is applied in Mormonism include Noah, the angel Gabriel (considered to be the same person as Noah), Elijah, John the Baptist, John the Apostle, and an unspecified man who was a contemporary of Abraham. (See LDS Bible Dictionary s.v. Elias.)

Elijah in the Unification Church

Elijah ascended into Heaven in a whilrwind & a fiery chariot before he could complete his divine mission. Satan's power revived & continued to plague God's providence. The way of the Messiah could not be made straight until Satan's influence was removed. Hence, before Jesus could realize the ideal of the incarnate Temple, another prophet should inherit & complete Elijah's unfinished mission of breaking people's ties with Satan. Due to this providential necessity, the prophet Malachi foretold that Elijah would come again.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great & terrible day of the Lord comes." Malachi 4:5

Because God had clearly promised thru the prophet Malachi that He would send the prophet Elijah prior to the advent of the Messiah to prepare the way of the Lord, the Jews of Jesus' day were looking up at the sky, anxiously awaiting the coming of Elijah.

"After King Solomon's death, the Israelites were divided into the kingdoms of northern Israel & southern Judah by King Jeroboam & King Rehoboam. The Israelites were the chosen people, with one leader centered upon God, they were to act according to His commands. They were the people God had led thru a history of toil. We know the sorrowful fact that the Israelites were divided into the two kingdoms of north & south, contrary to Heaven's wish. All 12 Tribes of Israel should have united with Heaven centered on one altar, standing on Heaven's side. ~Exposition of the Divine Principle~

Looking at the pitiable situation, God sought out & set up a person called Elijah from the peasants living in Gilead. At that time there was a king of Israel as well as 10 Tribal chiefs. God put them all aside & elected Elijah, who was a mere peasant in Gilead. You must know how sorrowful is a fact like this.

The king of Israel should have stood guard over the holy temple of Heaven while ruling the nation. He forgot that responsibility. He rejected & reproached Heaven & trampled upon the people. He built an altar for Baal, the enemy of Heaven, & made Asherah poles. He put them up in front of the people & worshipped them. We must think about how Heaven could have hated King Ahab for doing such things. Because God could not control the anger & sorrow in His heart at seeing the chosen people being trampled by Satan, God chose one person. That chosen person was not the king of the nation, not royalty, not a tribal chief, but a commoner, Elijah. Heavenly Father was in the situation where He could not find the person He had to find, He could not have the person He had to have, He could not lead the people He had to lead. He went around looking for them, meeting the king, the tribal chiefs & numerous people without success. He sought ought & set up one person who knew & felt concern about the national grief & heavenly sorrow of that period, a person who prayed & cried out to Heaven. That person was Elijah. Elijah was set up in such a way. Elijah was not a person who had the backing of his tribe. He was not a person whose environment safefuarded him or his position or situation. He was a person who knew Heaven's heart & who came forth upon Heaven's calling. His environment was an enemy one under the sovereignty of King Ahab. Elijah, who received the call of Heaven in such an environment, had a stronger determination than anyone; he was determined that even if he were to die, he would die holding onto his people. Elijah tried to uphold the tradition of the prophets & sages who had represented the historical heart in the course of the national level providence. Elijah shed tears of concern about God's heart; he wept on behalf of the nation & it's history. You must reflect upon this. That is why Heaven sought out Elijah. God looked for Elijah to represent His sorrowful heart of three thousand plus years. Elijah was to represent the historical heart that numerous prophets & sages had felt, never forgetting the promise of God, the blessing He had given with uplifted hands upon those He named Israel. Because God was concerned about that promise, He sought out Elijah to embrace the heart with which He had unfolded the dispensation throughout the thousand years & more since the time of Jacob. We cannot help thinking that there were aspects of sadness as well as hope for God, who set up Elijah to restore the Israelites, who had been captured by the enemy. The chosen Israelites were being disgraced by worshipping Baal, a foreign god, & making Asherah poles. God called Elijah because He could not endure the sorrow of that." ~ "Heart of Heaven in Relation to Elijah" Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon 1959, March 15th

Ilia (Helios) In Paganism

The name Ilia may also have links and be derived from the pagan Greek name Helios/Elios, spelt Ηλιος in Greek, and which literally means "sun". It is known that the name existed for males in ancient Greece¹ . At this time, the cult worshipping the sun God Helios was well established by all Greeks, despite being eventually replaced by Apollo. This implies the ancient name was derived from the god.

When Christianity was eventually made the official religion of the Roman Empire, a lot of pagan customs, names, and even gods were incorporated into the new religion. This was to ensure an easy transition into the new religion by subjects of the empire, which included modern day Greece. Aspects of Helios's imagery were incorporated into the religion, as well as the name.

One telling piece of evidence is how in pagan times, the peaks of mountains were reserved for temples to Helios, the sun god. This was because it was the closest point to his presence. However in modern Greece, the highest peaks of any region are named after Prophet Ilia or προφητης Ηλιας.

External links

• 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
• "The Plain Truth why only Herbert W. Armstrong can be the Endtime Elijah" by Geoffrey R. Neilson

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