The Miracles And Influence Of Elijah The Tishbite Prophet
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
It is difficult, if not impossible, to rate one man over the other in the Holy Bible with the exception of Jesus. There are many others who found extreme favor in God's eyes, but when discussing those who had a special place in the hearts of the Jewish people, two men seemingly stand out. Elijah and Moses.
Moses, as most know, was the man chosen by God to lead the Israelites out from Egyptian bondage and to the promised land of Canaan. He was a type, or symbol, of the coming messiah who would lead His followers into the promised reward of heaven.
The name Elijah is found 69 times in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament his name is translated as Elias and is found referred to 30 times.
He was again sent to earth in the form of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. And as such, he did then suffer death at the order of Herod.
As a prophet, he did many mighty miraculous things, even to the extent of stopping the rain for a period of 3 years. You may read of this where it began and is recorded in 1 Kings 17:1 and finally released in the 18th chapter of 1 kings where the story of his miracles which proved the prophets of Baal were false prophets and were slain. Then the rains came. It would do well for the reader to read both the entire chapters of 1 Kings 17 and 18, wherein is found, not only this story but also of his miraculously causing the widows barrel of meal and her cooking oil to remain filled until the rains would return to end the drought.
Jesus spoke of him at some length in Matthew chapter 11 speaking of John the
Baptist but in verse 14 makes this disclosure "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come."
When Jesus took Peter, James and John up into the mountain where He was to be transfigured, it is of considerable importance to notice the two ancients who appeared before them. Moses and Elias (Elijah). There was a reason for this. If you notice the statement made by Peter and the reply spoken by God, you will see the emphasis. Moses and Elijah were perhaps the most outstanding characters in the minds of the Jews, as we mentioned in the beginning. It would be these two who would yield the most influence upon the beliefs of the Jews and God used this method of showing these three apostles who would henceforth be their lawgiver. Read this:
"And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matthew 17:3-5)
Notice a couple of other versions of what God spoke in verse 5:
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (New American Standard Version)
While Peter was talking, a bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud and said, "This is my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!" (New Century Version)
Had God inserted the words, "henceforth, you listen to him", it would have been much clearer, but it leaves little doubt this is the meaning of his declaration.
One final explanation, some say that God sent a chariot of fire down to take up Elijah. That is not what the bible says. It is explained to show that Elisha, who was with Elijah, was moved away from him by the chariot, as Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Good synopsis, Joel, of the place of Elijah in the Holy Scriptures. How I wish that Elijah had written of his walk with God as did Moses! But that must not have been part of Elijah's calling. I still wish Elijah had been a writing prophet, though. I'm such a fan of Elijah. On another note: will you do a piece on your name sake, Joel the prophet? If so, I'd like to read that. Thanks for sharing your insight. ~mogama~Hi Mogama, thanks for reading and commenting. I promise I'll get one up on Joel. I'll have to do some research. I've read his book several times but I've never really checked him out as a person. I don't know why, since he is one of my favorites...:o)
Good article and I can't wait to meet him, can you? MarijoWon't it be a great day? Thanks for commenting Marijo.
Elijah - one of the most powerful Jewish prophets! How it is a pitty we can't be like him today! But the promise says that ther ewill be Elijiah agai in t he last days of world history! Thanks for your article!
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