Elijah

Elijah was a prominent prophet in Israel during the reigns of King Ahab and his son Ahaziah (1Ki.17-2Ki.2). He is introduced as a Tishbite from Gilead, who proclaimed a drought in Israel as a judgment from God (1 Kings 17:1). During the drought, God miraculously provided for Elijah through ravens and a widow in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:2-16). Elijah famously confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of the true God and exposing the false prophets (1Ki.18). He also confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel for their wickedness, particularly in the case of Naboth's vineyard (1Ki.21). Elijah anointed Elisha as his successor and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, leaving behind his mantle for Elisha (2Ki.2). He is mentioned in the New Testament as a forerunner to John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14;Luke 1:17) and as appearing with Moses at Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:3-4;Mark 9:4-5;Luke 9:30-33). Elijah is also referenced as an example of powerful prayer (James 5:17-18) and as a prophet whom God had preserved a remnant of faithful Israelites (Romans 11:2-4). The prophet Malachi foretold that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6).