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Elijah the Prophet Facts & Worksheets

Elijah was a prophet of the God of Israel during a period when the Israelites were divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.

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Elijah was a prophet of the God of Israel during a period when the Israelites were divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. His prophetic ministry is primarily documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings in the Old Testament.

See the fact file below for more information about Elijah, or you can download our 23-page Elijah worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

  • Elijah lived during the 9th century BCE, a time of great political and religious upheaval in the region. His ministry occurred during the reign of King Ahab of Israel, who was known for promoting the worship of the Canaanite god Baal.
  • At this time, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts: the northern kingdom of Israel, with its capital in Samaria, and the southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem. This division occurred after the death of King Solomon and led to political instability and religious syncretism.
  • Elijah’s ministry took place during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the northern kingdom of Israel. This period was marked by the worship of the Canaanite god Baal, which was promoted by Jezebel, who was a fervent devotee of this deity. 
  • This led to the proliferation of Baal worship and the marginalization of the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Elijah’s mission unfolded against this backdrop of religious syncretism and moral decay.

KEY EVENTS IN ELIJAH’s MINISTRY

  • Challenging Baal Worship: Elijah’s mission began with a bold confrontation on Mount Carmel. He challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest, where they would each offer a sacrifice to their respective gods, and the true God would send fire from heaven to consume the offering. 
  • When the prophets of Baal failed, Elijah called upon Yahweh, who sent fire to consume his offering, demonstrating the supremacy of the God of Israel. This event served to rekindle faith in Yahweh and discredit Baal worship.
  • Drought and Famine: Elijah pronounced a drought upon the land of Israel as a consequence of the people’s idolatry and wickedness. 
  • This drought lasted for three and a half years and brought hardship to the land. It was a divine judgment aimed at turning the people back to the worship of Yahweh.
  • Divine Provision: During the drought, God provided for Elijah miraculously. He was fed by ravens and later by a widow in Zarephath, highlighting God’s care for His faithful servant even in dire circumstances.
  • Confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel: Elijah fearlessly confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, condemning their wickedness and prophesying divine judgment upon them for their role in promoting Baal worship and persecuting the followers of Yahweh.
  • Anointing Elisha: As part of his mission to ensure the continuity of prophetic ministry, Elijah anointed Elisha as his successor. Elisha would continue the work of Elijah and become a prominent prophet in his own right.
  • Elijah’s Ascension: In a dramatic and miraculous event, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, leaving Elisha as his spiritual heir. This event solidified Elijah’s status as one of the greatest prophets in Israelite history and left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Israelites.

THEOPHANY ON MOUNT HOREB

  • The theophany on Mount Horeb is a significant event in the life of the Prophet Elijah, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the First Book of Kings, chapter 19. It provides insights into his relationship with God and his prophetic mission. 
  • This event occurred after Elijah’s dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight from the threats of Queen Jezebel. 
  • After the events on Mount Carmel, where Elijah had demonstrated the power and authority of the God of Israel by calling down fire from heaven, he found himself in a state of despair and fear. 
  • Jezebel had threatened to kill him, and he fled into the wilderness. He journeyed for forty days and nights and eventually arrived at Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, the same place where Moses had received the Ten Commandments.
  • The Theophany: While Elijah was on Mount Horeb, he sought refuge in a cave. It was there that he had a profound encounter with God. The theophany on Mount Horeb unfolded in several stages:
    • Powerful Natural Phenomena: First, there were powerful natural phenomena that occurred, including a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire.
    • The “Still, Small Voice”: After these dramatic displays of natural force, Elijah heard a “still, small voice” (sometimes translated as a “gentle whisper” or “soft murmuring sound”). 
    • This was the moment of theophany when God chose to reveal Himself to Elijah. The text suggests that God’s presence was not in the spectacular and noisy events but in the quiet and gentle whisper.
    • Elijah’s Response: Upon hearing this voice, Elijah covered his face with his mantle, a sign of reverence and awe, recognizing the presence of the divine. He came out of the cave to stand before God.
  • Significance: The theophany on Mount Horeb holds several important theological and narrative implications:
    • God’s Immanence and Transcendence: The theophany highlights the dual nature of God—both immanent (present in the world) and transcendent (beyond the world). 
    • While God can display immense power in natural phenomena, His true presence is often found in the quiet and subtle moments of revelation.
    • Elijah’s Renewed Mission: The encounter with God at Mount Horeb served to renew Elijah’s sense of purpose and mission. Despite his earlier feelings of despair and isolation, he now understood that God was still with him and that his prophetic calling remained intact.
    • Teaching Through Contrast: The theophany also contrasts with the earlier events on Mount Carmel, where the display of divine power was dramatic and public. 
    • At Horeb, the lesson is that God doesn’t always manifest in the spectacular; sometimes, His presence is most profound in the stillness of the soul.

LEGACY

  • Elijah’s mission had a lasting impact on Israelite religion and culture. He is revered as a symbol of unwavering faith and commitment to Yahweh. 
  • His actions on Mount Carmel, role in anointing Elisha, and dramatic ascension all contributed to his legendary status. In subsequent Jewish tradition, Elijah is believed to be an eschatological figure who will herald the coming of the Messiah.
  • Additionally, Elijah’s mission underscores important theological themes, such as the importance of monotheism, the consequences of idolatry, and the idea that God is a compassionate provider for His faithful followers.

Elijah Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Elijah across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Elijah. His prophetic ministry is primarily documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings in the Old Testament.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Elijah Facts
  2. Picturing Elijah
  3. Elijah and the Drought
  4. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath 
  5. Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
  6. Elijah’s Encounter with God
  7. Elijah and the Two Kings
  8. Elijah’s Ascension into Heaven
  9. Practicing Faith
  10. Applying Values
  11. Major Prophets

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Elijah?

Elijah was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). He is considered one of the most important prophets in Jewish tradition and is also recognized in Christian and Islamic traditions.

What are some notable events in Elijah’s life?

Elijah is known for various significant events in his life, including his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where he demonstrated the power of the God of Israel by calling down fire from heaven. He is also known for his miraculous acts, such as multiplying oil and flour for a widow and raising the son of a widow from the dead.

What is the significance of Elijah in Judaism?

In Judaism, Elijah is highly significant. He is often associated with the concept of the Messiah, and it is believed that he will return before the arrival of the Messiah. This is why there is a tradition of leaving a chair or place for Elijah at the Passover Seder.

How is Elijah regarded in Christianity?

In Christianity, Elijah is also recognized as a prominent prophet. He is mentioned in the New Testament, and some Christians see a connection between John the Baptist and the spirit of Elijah, as John prepared the way for Jesus.

What is the story of Elijah’s ascent to heaven?

One of the most famous stories involving Elijah is his ascent to heaven in a chariot of fire. This event is described in the Bible, and it is believed to have taken place near the Jordan River. In 2 Kings 2:11, it is written that “Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” This dramatic event is often cited as a testament to Elijah’s special relationship with God.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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