Eliyahu

Eliyahu, known in English as Elijah, is a prophetic figure in the Hebrew Bible, traditionally dated to the 9th century BCE during the reigns of Ahab and Jezebel in the northern kingdom of Israel. The name Eliyahu means “Yahweh is my God.” He is described as a Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead.

His public ministry focused on denouncing idolatry and calling Israel back to Yahweh. He prophesied drought as punishment for Baal worship and performed miracles such as sustaining the widow of Zarephath with flour and oil, reviving her dead son, and later providing relief from the drought. He confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where fire from heaven consumed a sacrifice, leading to the destruction of the false prophets. After a period of flight and an encounter with God on Mount Horeb, Elijah urged the people to return to the Lord, and rain eventually ended the drought.

Elijah’s life concludes not with a normal death but with a dramatic departure: he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot of fire, and his prophetic authority was passed to his successor, Elisha, who received Elijah’s mantle as they crossed the Jordan River.

Legacy: In Jewish tradition, Elijah is expected to return before the coming of the Messiah and is associated with the Passover Seder as the guest of honor at the Cup of Elijah. In Christian theology, Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets. In Islam, he is recognized as a prophet named Ilyas who preached monotheism in Israel. The figure of Eliyahu continues to influence religious literature, liturgy, and cultural references.