Prophet · Old Testament
The Story of Elijah
Also: Eliya (Kiswahili), Elias
Prophet who confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Elijah the Tishbite announced a drought to King Ahab and was fed by ravens and by a widow of Zarephath, whose son he raised to life. 1 Kings 17:1–24
On Mount Carmel he challenged the prophets of Baal, and the LORD answered by fire. Fleeing Jezebel, he met the LORD at Horeb in a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 18:20–391 Kings 19:1–18
He called Elisha to follow him and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. He appeared with Moses at the Transfiguration. 1 Kings 19:19–212 Kings 2:11Matthew 17:3
Life at a glance
- From
- Tishbe, among the settlers of Gilead 1 Kings 17:1
- Kings confronted
- Ahab and Ahaziah of Israel 1 Kings 18:17–182 Kings 1:16
- Successor
- Elisha 1 Kings 19:162 Kings 2:15
- End
- Taken up to heaven in a whirlwind 2 Kings 2:11
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Elijah
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Drought, ravens and the widow
Elijah announces a drought, is fed by ravens at the brook Cherith, and is sent to a widow of Zarephath, whose flour and oil do not run out; he raises her son.
More about this event
Later recollection of this event: Luke 4:25–26 · James 5:17–18
Places named: the brook Cherith, Zarephath
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal; Baal does not answer, but the LORD sends fire on Elijah's sacrifice, and the people confess that the LORD is God. Rain returns.
More about this event
Places named: Mount Carmel
The gentle whisper at Horeb
Threatened by Jezebel, Elijah flees, is strengthened by an angel, and at Horeb hears the LORD not in wind, earthquake or fire but in a gentle whisper.
Calls Elisha
Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, who leaves his oxen and follows him.
More about this event
People: Elisha
Naboth's vineyard
After Jezebel has Naboth killed so Ahab can take his vineyard, Elijah pronounces the LORD's judgment on Ahab.
Word to King Ahaziah
King Ahaziah sends to Baal-zebub; Elijah tells him he will die, and calls down fire on the soldiers sent to seize him.
Taken up in a whirlwind
Elijah strikes the Jordan with his cloak and crosses with Elisha; a chariot of fire separates them, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Elijah. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Luke 4:25–26 recalls “Drought, ravens and the widow”
- James 5:17–18 recalls “Drought, ravens and the widow”
- Romans 11:2–4 recalls “The gentle whisper at Horeb”
Direct reference
- Malachi 4:5–6 — I will send you Elijah the prophet.
- Matthew 17:1–13 — Elijah at the Transfiguration.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Matthew 11:14 — Jesus says John is Elijah who was to come.
- Luke 1:17 — John will go in the spirit and power of Elijah.
- Luke 4:25–26
- James 5:17–18
Family and relationships
- ElishaSuccessor whom he called1 Kings 19:19–21
- AhabKing he confronted1 Kings 18:17–18
- JezebelQueen who sought his life1 Kings 19:2
- AhabConnected: Prophet who confronted him of Elijah1 Kings 18:17
- JezebelConnected: Sought his life of Elijah1 Kings 19:2
Books associated with Elijah
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
PrayerCourage
- What does the contest on Carmel show (1 Kings 18:36-39)?
- How does the LORD meet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13?
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: 1 Kings, 2 Kings. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.