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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
===About Elijah=== | ===About Elijah=== | ||
Elijah lived during the reign of [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ahab Ahab], the seventh king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, and he continued working until the time of King Ahaziah. As a prophet, he proclaimed the word of God and performed many miracles through [[God]]’s power. He wore a garment of hair and a leather belt.<ref name="엘리야 모습">{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Elijah lived during the reign of [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ahab Ahab], the seventh king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, and he continued working until the time of King Ahaziah. As a prophet, he proclaimed the word of God and performed many miracles through [[God]]’s power. He wore a garment of hair and a leather belt.<ref name="엘리야 모습">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+1%3A8&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 1:8 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
It is presumed that he lived in Tishbe in Gilead, a region located east of the Jordan. It is only assumed that he lived there because he is called a Tishbite in the [[Bible]], and there is no other information about his parents or tribe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | It is presumed that he lived in Tishbe in Gilead, a region located east of the Jordan. It is only assumed that he lived there because he is called a Tishbite in the [[Bible]], and there is no other information about his parents or tribe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A1&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 17:1 |quote= }}</ref> This was a very unusual case because in the Old Testament, people were always mentioned with their parents and tribes. | ||
Elijah’s greatest achievement was when he confronted 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, through which he revealed that the [[Jehovah|LORD]] was the true God. In the book of 2 Kings, it is written that he went up to heaven in a whirlwind.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Elijah’s greatest achievement was when he confronted 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, through which he revealed that the [[Jehovah|LORD]] was the true God. In the book of 2 Kings, it is written that he went up to heaven in a whirlwind.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+2%3A1-12&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 2:1–12 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===Historical Background=== | ===Historical Background=== | ||
After becoming queen of Israel, Jezebel urged Ahab and the Israelites to worship Baal. King Ahab accepted Baal worship and built the temple of Baal in Samaria, and also made Asherah poles to worship idols, which then led all the Israelites into practicing idolatry. Ahab’s evil deeds, which were more severe than any other king, provoked God to anger.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | After becoming queen of Israel, Jezebel urged Ahab and the Israelites to worship Baal. King Ahab accepted Baal worship and built the temple of Baal in Samaria, and also made Asherah poles to worship idols, which then led all the Israelites into practicing idolatry. Ahab’s evil deeds, which were more severe than any other king, provoked God to anger.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+16%3A29-33&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 16:29–33 |quote= }}</ref> Not only did Jezebel kill God’s prophets, but she even tried to kill Elijah without repenting of her sin, despite it being revealed to her on Mount Carmel that God Jehovah was the only true God. She did not hesitate to commit the evil act of falsely accusing God's people, who tried to follow His will correctly, and she killed them as well as took all of their property. | ||
==Elijah’s Work== | ==Elijah’s Work== | ||
[[file:Guercino - Elijah fed by Ravens, 1620.jpg |thumb| px |''Elijah Fed by Ravens'' by Guercino, an Italian painter]] | [[file:Guercino - Elijah fed by Ravens, 1620.jpg |thumb| px |''Elijah Fed by Ravens'' by Guercino, an Italian painter]] | ||
===Prophesied a Great Drought=== | ===Prophesied a Great Drought=== | ||
Elijah went to King Ahab and declared that there would be neither dew nor a drop rain over the next few years except at his word. After this, a severe drought began in Israel. In obedience to God’s word, Elijah hid in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. Every day, God sent ravens to bring him bread and meat to eat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Elijah went to King Ahab and declared that there would be neither dew nor a drop rain over the next few years except at his word. After this, a severe drought began in Israel. In obedience to God’s word, Elijah hid in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. Every day, God sent ravens to bring him bread and meat to eat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A2-7&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 17:2–7 |quote= }}</ref> Sometime later, when the brook had dried up, God sent him to a widow in [https://biblehub.com/topical/z/zarephath.htm Zarephath] of Sidon.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A26&version=NIV |title=Luke 4:26 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===The Miracles for the Widow and Her Son=== | ===The Miracles for the Widow and Her Son=== | ||
When Elijah went to the town gate of Zarephath, there was a widow gathering sticks. Although she only had a handful of flour and a little oil, she served Elijah first with a small cake of bread. As a result, she was blessed to witness her jar of flour never being used up and the jug of oil never running dry until the drought ended.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | When Elijah went to the town gate of Zarephath, there was a widow gathering sticks. Although she only had a handful of flour and a little oil, she served Elijah first with a small cake of bread. As a result, she was blessed to witness her jar of flour never being used up and the jug of oil never running dry until the drought ended.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A8-16&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 17:8–16 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Later on, the widow’s son died of an illness. Elijah prayed to God, “Let this boy’s life return to him!” (1 Kings 17:21). After he said this, a miracle happened; the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Later on, the widow’s son died of an illness. Elijah prayed to God, “Let this boy’s life return to him!” (1 Kings 17:21). After he said this, a miracle happened; the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A17-24&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 17:17–24 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===The Confrontation on Mount Carmel=== | ===The Confrontation on Mount Carmel=== | ||
[[file:Domenico Fetti (Rome c. 1588-Venice 1623) - The Sacrifice of Elijah Before the Priests of Baal - RCIN 405466 - Royal Collection.jpg|thumb|''The Sacrifice of Elijah Before the Priests of Baal'' by Domenico Fetti, an Italian painter]] | [[file:Domenico Fetti (Rome c. 1588-Venice 1623) - The Sacrifice of Elijah Before the Priests of Baal - RCIN 405466 - Royal Collection.jpg|thumb|''The Sacrifice of Elijah Before the Priests of Baal'' by Domenico Fetti, an Italian painter]] | ||
In the third year of the drought, God told Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab. As the drought in Samaria became severe, Ahab summoned Obadiah, divided the land they were to cover, and set off to find water. Obadiah was a righteous man who hid a hundred prophets and supplied them with food and water while Jezebel was killing off God’s prophets. He ran into Elijah and reported to Ahab that he had seen him just as Elijah instructed him. King Ahab came to meet Elijah, who then told the king that Israel was troubled because he had abandoned God’s commands and followed the Baals. Elijah also told Ahab to summon the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah in Israel, so that he might reveal the true God to them.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | In the third year of the drought, God told Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab. As the drought in Samaria became severe, Ahab summoned Obadiah, divided the land they were to cover, and set off to find water. Obadiah was a righteous man who hid a hundred prophets and supplied them with food and water while Jezebel was killing off God’s prophets. He ran into Elijah and reported to Ahab that he had seen him just as Elijah instructed him. King Ahab came to meet Elijah, who then told the king that Israel was troubled because he had abandoned God’s commands and followed the Baals. Elijah also told Ahab to summon the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah in Israel, so that he might reveal the true God to them.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A1-19&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 18:1–19 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
When many people and false prophets gathered on Mount Carmel, Elijah suggested that the false prophets offer a sacrifice in the name of Baal and that he offers a sacrifice in the name of the LORD. They agreed that the god who answers by fire is the true God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | When many people and false prophets gathered on Mount Carmel, Elijah suggested that the false prophets offer a sacrifice in the name of Baal and that he offers a sacrifice in the name of the LORD. They agreed that the god who answers by fire is the true God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A20-24&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 18:20–24 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
The confrontation began with the Baal worshipers who took the bull, placed it on the altar, and called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted (1 Kings 18:26). They danced and shouted louder around the altar. They also slashed themselves with swords and spears as was their custom, until their blood flowed. In the end, however, they received no response.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | The confrontation began with the Baal worshipers who took the bull, placed it on the altar, and called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted (1 Kings 18:26). They danced and shouted louder around the altar. They also slashed themselves with swords and spears as was their custom, until their blood flowed. In the end, however, they received no response.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A25-29&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 18:25–29 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Elijah then asked the people to come closer and watch. He built an altar to God and dug a trench around it. He arranged the wood, laid the bull on the altar, and poured water on the offering and the wood. At the appointed time of the sacrifice, Elijah stepped forward and prayed: | Elijah then asked the people to come closer and watch. He built an altar to God and dug a trench around it. He arranged the wood, laid the bull on the altar, and poured water on the offering and the wood. At the appointed time of the sacrifice, Elijah stepped forward and prayed: | ||
{{quote5 |내용= “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” |출처=[https://www. | {{quote5 |내용= “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” |출처=[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A37&version=NIV 1 Kings 18:37]}} | ||
After he said this, the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and it also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell face down and cried out, “The LORD—He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). Elijah commanded them to seize the prophets of Baal without letting anyone escape. They seized them and brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | After he said this, the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and it also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell face down and cried out, “The LORD—He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). Elijah commanded them to seize the prophets of Baal without letting anyone escape. They seized them and brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A38-40&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 18:38–40 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Then Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, kneeled down, and prayed earnestly. Sometime later, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, and a heavy rain came down.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Then Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, kneeled down, and prayed earnestly. Sometime later, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, and a heavy rain came down.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A41-45&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 18:41–45 |quote= }}</ref> It was the first time it rained in three and a half years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A25&version=NIV |title=Luke 4:25 |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A17-18&version=NIV |title=James 5:17–18 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===Fled to Mount Horeb=== | ===Fled to Mount Horeb=== | ||
Upon hearing the news that Elijah killed the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel became furious and ordered Elijah to be killed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Upon hearing the news that Elijah killed the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel became furious and ordered Elijah to be killed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+19%3A1-2&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 19:1–2 |quote= }}</ref> Learning about this, Elijah traveled for forty days and forty nights until he reached Mount Horeb. He went into a cave and pleaded with God, “O LORD, the Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death. I am the only one left” (1 Kings 19:10). God, however, encouraged him and said that He reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees had not bowed down to Baal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+19%3A8-18&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 19:8–18 |quote= }}</ref> He also commanded him to anoint Jehu king over Israel and to anoint Elisha to succeed him as a prophet. | ||
===Appointed Elisha=== | ===Appointed Elisha=== | ||
Following God's command, Elijah went from Mount Horeb and found [[Elisha]]. Elisha was a farmer and was plowing the field when Elijah found him. Elijah shared with Elisha that it was God's will for him to become a prophet. Upon hearing this, Elisha immediately burned the plowing equipment to cook oxen and gave the meat to the people. After this, he set out to follow Elijah.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Following God's command, Elijah went from Mount Horeb and found [[Elisha]]. Elisha was a farmer and was plowing the field when Elijah found him. Elijah shared with Elisha that it was God's will for him to become a prophet. Upon hearing this, Elisha immediately burned the plowing equipment to cook oxen and gave the meat to the people. After this, he set out to follow Elijah.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+19%3A19-21&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 19:19–21 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===Rebuked Ahab for Taking Naboth’s Vineyard=== | ===Rebuked Ahab for Taking Naboth’s Vineyard=== | ||
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Using the elders in Naboth's city, Jezebel had Naboth seated in a prominent place with two scoundrels seated next to him. She made the scoundrels testify that Naboth cursed both God and the king. Upon hearing this, the people took Naboth outside of the city and stoned him to death. | Using the elders in Naboth's city, Jezebel had Naboth seated in a prominent place with two scoundrels seated next to him. She made the scoundrels testify that Naboth cursed both God and the king. Upon hearing this, the people took Naboth outside of the city and stoned him to death. | ||
When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of his vineyard. Elijah was waiting by the vineyard and rebuked Ahab and Jezebel for their sins and prophesied that they would be cursed by God and die a miserable death ([https://www. | When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of his vineyard. Elijah was waiting by the vineyard and rebuked Ahab and Jezebel for their sins and prophesied that they would be cursed by God and die a miserable death ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+21&version=NIV 1 Kings 21]). | ||
Soon after, King Ahab was wounded by an arrow while fighting in a battle and died. Ahab’s men washed his blood-stained chariot in a pool in Samaria where dogs came and licked up his blood.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Soon after, King Ahab was wounded by an arrow while fighting in a battle and died. Ahab’s men washed his blood-stained chariot in a pool in Samaria where dogs came and licked up his blood.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+22%3A29-38&version=NIV |title=1 Kings 22:29–38 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Jezebel also faced her terrible end by being thrown out of a window and trampled on. All that remained of her was her skull, feet, and hands.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+9%3A30-37&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 9:30–37 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===Rebuked Ahaziah=== | ===Rebuked Ahaziah=== | ||
Ahaziah, son of Ahab, became king after his father died and reigned for two years. During that time, he stirred up God's wrath because he did evil in the eyes of God by worshiping Baal. One day, Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room and injured himself. He sent his messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if he would recover from his injury; however, a prophet with a '''garment of hair''' and a '''leather belt''' around his waist blocked their way. When Ahaziah heard this from the messengers, he asked them what kind of man he was. When they described his appearance, he immediately knew that it was Elijah. | Ahaziah, son of Ahab, became king after his father died and reigned for two years. During that time, he stirred up God's wrath because he did evil in the eyes of God by worshiping Baal. One day, Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room and injured himself. He sent his messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if he would recover from his injury; however, a prophet with a '''garment of hair''' and a '''leather belt''' around his waist blocked their way. When Ahaziah heard this from the messengers, he asked them what kind of man he was. When they described his appearance, he immediately knew that it was Elijah. | ||
The king sent a captain with his company of fifty men to Elijah, but fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men. At this, the king sent another captain with his fifty men to Elijah, but the fire of God consumed them as it did with the last crew. The king then sent a third captain with his fifty men; however, they were able to avoid death because the captain fell on his knees before Elijah and begged him to spare his and his men’s lives. After this, Elijah got up and went down with him to the king, and he prophesied that the king would surely die. As God said through Elijah, King Ahaziah died and Joram, his brother, succeeded him as king ([https://www. | The king sent a captain with his company of fifty men to Elijah, but fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men. At this, the king sent another captain with his fifty men to Elijah, but the fire of God consumed them as it did with the last crew. The king then sent a third captain with his fifty men; however, they were able to avoid death because the captain fell on his knees before Elijah and begged him to spare his and his men’s lives. After this, Elijah got up and went down with him to the king, and he prophesied that the king would surely die. As God said through Elijah, King Ahaziah died and Joram, his brother, succeeded him as king ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+1&version=NIV 2 Kings 1]). | ||
===Ascended to Heaven=== | ===Ascended to Heaven=== | ||
Elisha followed Elijah until the end. Before Elijah ascended, Elisha requested the following from Elijah, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Elisha followed Elijah until the end. Before Elijah ascended, Elisha requested the following from Elijah, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+2%3A8-11&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 2:8–11 |quote= }}</ref> Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. After this took place, the mission of enlightening the northern Kingdom of Israel was entrusted to Elisha. | ||
==Elijah Is to Appear in the New Testament Times== | ==Elijah Is to Appear in the New Testament Times== | ||
The prophet Malachi prophesied that God would come to this earth and that the prophet Elijah would come first to prepare the way for Him. | The prophet Malachi prophesied that God would come to this earth and that the prophet Elijah would come first to prepare the way for Him. | ||
{{quote5 |내용= “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. |출처=[https://www. | {{quote5 |내용= “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. |출처=[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3%3A1&version=NIV Malachi 3:1]}} | ||
{{quote5 |내용= “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. . . . See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” |출처= [https://www. | {{quote5 |내용= “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. . . . See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” |출처= [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+4%3A1-6&version=NIV Malachi 4:1–6]}} | ||
===The Relationship Between Elijah and John the Baptist=== | ===The Relationship Between Elijah and John the Baptist=== | ||
[[File:Our day in the light of prophecy and providence (1921) (14590836189).jpg|thumb|''Baptism of Jesus Christ'' from the illustration of William A. Spicer’s (U.S.)]] | [[File:Our day in the light of prophecy and providence (1921) (14590836189).jpg|thumb|''Baptism of Jesus Christ'' from the illustration of William A. Spicer’s (U.S.)]] | ||
The prophecy about Elijah was fulfilled primarily by [[John the Baptist]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | The prophecy about Elijah was fulfilled primarily by [[John the Baptist]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A13-14&version=NIV |title=Matthew 11:13–14 |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A9-13&version=NIV |title=Matthew 17:9–13 |quote= }}</ref> According to the prophecy in the book of Malachi, “My messenger will prepare the way before Me,” John the Baptist first performed baptisms of repentance and prepared the way for [[Jesus Christ]] before He started preaching the [[gospel]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A11&version=NIV |title=Matthew 3:11 |quote= }}</ref> Also, when Jesus came to him to be [[Baptism|baptized]], he saw the work of the [[The Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]] and testified that Jesus was the [[Christ]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A23%2C+29-34&version=NIV |title=John 1:23, 29-34 |quote= }}</ref> He wore clothes made out of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist just like Elijah did in the Old Testament times.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A6-7&version=NIV |title=Mark 1:6–7 |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===The Complete Fulfillment of the Prophecy About Elijah=== | ===The Complete Fulfillment of the Prophecy About Elijah=== | ||