him after an awe-inspiring display of power in a wind, an earthquake and a fire. Unlike Baal, the false god of sky, storm, weather and vegetation, natural forces personalized and idolized, Jehovah is not in these manifestations, which are merely expressions of his active force, not Jehovah himself. Jehovah shows Elijah that he still has work to do as a prophet. He corrects Elijah’s thought that he is the lone worshiper of Jehovah in Israel by showing that he has seven thousand who have not bowed to Baal. He sends Elijah back to his assignment, naming three persons who are to be anointed or commissioned to do a work for Jehovah: Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and his own successor Elisha.—1 Ki. 19:1-18.

APPOINTS ELISHA AS SUCCESSOR

Elijah next travels toward the hometown of Elisha, Abel-meholah. Finding Elisha plowing a field, Elijah throws his official garment over him, indicating an appointing or anointing. Elisha follows Elijah closely from that time on as his attendant. He is doubtless with Elijah when another occasion arises to prophesy against Ahab. The greedy Baal-worshiping king has illegally seized a vineyard, the hereditary possession of Naboth the Jezreelite, by allowing his wife Jezebel to use false charges, false witnesses and unrighteous judges to have Naboth murdered. Elijah meets Ahab at the vineyard and tells Ahab that his blood will be licked up by the dogs at the same place where they had licked up the blood of Naboth. He also announces a similar fate for Jezebel.—1 Ki. 19:19; 21:1-26.

About three years later Ahab dies in battle. His war chariot is washed by the pool of Samaria and the dogs lick up his blood. Jezebel’s execution, however, awaits a time perhaps fourteen years later. Ahab was succeeded by his son Ahaziah. This king follows in his wicked father’s footsteps, for when he is injured in an accident he turns to the false god Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, to inquire regarding the outcome of his sickness. Elijah sends him Jehovah’s word that because of this he will positively die. When Ahaziah sends in succession three groups, each composed of a chief with fifty men to get Elijah, Elijah calls down fire from the heavens to annihilate the first two groups, but, on the plea of the third chief, goes back with him to pronounce the judgment against Ahaziah in person.—1 Ki. 22:1, 37, 38; 2 Ki. 1:1-17.

ELISHA SUCCEEDS HIM

In harmony with Elijah’s action in appointing Elisha years earlier, the time comes when Elijah must transfer the mantle of this prophetic office to Elisha, who has been well trained. This takes place during the rule of Ahaziah’s successor, his brother Jehoram of Israel. At that time Elijah goes to Bethel, from there to Jericho and down to the Jordan, Elisha sticking close to him all the way. There Elisha is rewarded for his faithfulness by seeing a fiery war chariot and fiery horses and Elijah ascending toward the heavens in a windstorm. Elisha takes up Elijah’s official garment that had fallen off him, and “two parts” (like a firstborn son’s portion) in Elijah’s spirit, a spirit of courage and of being “absolutely jealous for Jehovah the God of armies,” come on him.—2 Ki. 2:1-13; 1 Ki. 19:10, 14; compare Deuteronomy 21:17.

Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go into the invisible spiritual realm, but is transferred to another prophetic assignment. (John 3:13) This is shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any period of mourning for his master. A number of years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2 Chron. 21:12-15.

MIRACLES

Eight miracles are credited to Elijah in the Bible account. They are: (1) shutting heaven from rainfall, (2) keeping the flour and oil supply of the widow of Zarephath renewed, (3) resurrecting the widow’s son, (4) having fire fall from heaven in answer to prayer, (5) having rain break the drought in answer to prayer, (6) calling down fire on King Ahaziah’s captain and his fifty men, (7) calling down fire on a second captain and his fifty and (8) parting the Jordan River by smiting it with his official garment. His ascension to the heavens was also miraculous, but it was the direct act of God.

Elijah was a powerful advocate of the true worship of Jehovah. He did a tremendous destructive work against Baalism in Israel, the work begun by him being carried on by Elisha, and the execution of Jezebel and the destruction of unclean Sidonian Baalism being accomplished by Jehu. In Elijah’s day seven thousand, including Obadiah, Ahab’s household manager, were found to be faithful to Jehovah, some of whom he doubtless strengthened greatly. Elijah appointed Elisha as his successor, but the anointing of Hazael and that of Jehu were left for Elisha to fulfill.

The apostle Paul undoubtedly refers to Elijah when he speaks of “Samuel and the other prophets, who through faith . . . effected righteousness . . . Women received their dead by resurrection.” He is therefore among the “cloud” of faithful witnesses of old. (Heb. 11:32-35; 12:1) The disciple James points to Elijah as proof of the efficacy of prayers of “a man with feelings like ours,” who righteously serves God.—Jas. 5:16-18.

WORK PROPHETIC OF THINGS TO COME

About 450 years after Elijah’s time, Malachi prophesied that Elijah the prophet would appear “before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah.” (Mal. 4:5, 6) The Jews of Jesus’ day were in expectation of Elijah’s coming to fulfill this prophecy. (Matt. 17:10) Some thought that Jesus was Elijah. (Matt. 16:14) John the Baptist, who wore a hair garment and a leather girdle around his loins as did Elijah, denied that he actually was Elijah in person. (2 Ki. 1:8; Matt. 3:4; John 1:21) The angel had not told John’s father Zechariah that John would be Elijah, but that he would have “Elijah’s spirit and power . . . to get ready for Jehovah a prepared people.” (Luke 1:17) Jesus indicated that John did that work but was not recognized by the Jews. (Matt. 17:11-13) After John’s death a visionary appearance of Elijah along with Moses occurred at Jesus’ transfiguration, indicating that there was something yet to take place as represented by the work that Elijah had done.—Mark 9:1-8.

2. A son of the Benjamite Jeroham; an inhabitant of Jerusalem and the head of his house.—1 Chron. 8:1, 27, 28.

3. A Levite priest of the “sons of Harim” (1 Chron 24:8; Ezra 2:1, 2, 39) among those complying with Ezra’s admonition to dismiss their foreign wives.—Ezra 10:21, 44.

4. A descendant of Elam among those following through on Ezra’s exhortation to dismiss their foreign wives.—Ezra 10:26, 44.

ELIKA

(E·liʹka) [possibly, God is rejector].

One of David’s mighty men, evidently from the town of Harod.—2 Sam. 23:25.

ELIM

(Eʹlim) [perhaps, place of big trees].

The second encampment location of the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. (Ex. 15:27; 16:1; Num. 33:9, 10) Although its exact location is not certain, it is traditionally identified with Wadi Gharandel on the Sinai Peninsula, about fifty-two miles (83.7 kilometers) S-SE of Suez. Like the Biblical Elim, which had “twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees,” this modern site is well known as a watering place with vegetation and palms. A source of water at the site discharges about 1,260 gallons (4,769 liters) per minute.

ELIMELECH

(E·limʹe·lech) [God is king].

A man of Bethlehem who, because of a famine in the days of the judges, left Judah along with his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, and took up alien residence in Moab, where he died.—Ruth 1:1-3.

ELIOENAI

(E·li·o·eʹnai) [my eyes (are turned) toward Jehovah].

1. A son of Neariah and a descendant of King Solomon through Zerubbabel. Elioenai was the father of Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah and Anani.—1 Chron. 3:10, 19, 23, 24.

2. A chieftain of the tribe of Simeon.—1 Chron. 4:24, 36-38.

3. A son of Becher and a descendant of Benjamin.—1 Chron. 7:6, 8.

4. A priest of the “sons of Pashhur” among those heeding Ezra’s exhortation to send their foreign wives away.—Ezra 2:36, 38; 10:18, 19, 22.

5. A descendant of Zattu. Elioenai was among those dismissing their foreign wives in Ezra’s time.—Ezra 10:27, 44.

6. One of the priests with trumpets who were in the procession arranged for by Nehemiah at the inauguration of the wall of Jerusalem.—Neh. 12:27, 31, 40, 41.

ELIPHAL

(E·liʹphal) [God has judged].

The son of Ur listed among the mighty men of David’s military forces. Eliphal may be the Eliphelet of 2 Samuel 23:34.—1 Chron. 11:26, 35.

ELIPHAZ

(Elʹi·phaz) [possibly, God is fine gold].

1. Firstborn son of Esau, by his Canaanitish wife Adah. Seven of Eliphaz’ sons, including Teman, Omar and Amalek, became sheiks of Edomite tribes.—Gen. 36:4, 10-12, 15, 16; 1 Chron. 1:35, 36.

2. One of Job’s three companions. (Job 2:11) A Temanite, he was likely a descendant of No. 1 above, therefore a descendant of Abraham and distantly related to Job. He and his posterity boasted of their wisdom. (Jer. 49:7) Of the three “comforters,” Eliphaz stands out as the most important and influential, suggesting that he may also have been the oldest. He speaks first in the three rounds of the debate, and his speeches are longer.

Eliphaz’ reasoning in his first speech went like this: “Who that is innocent has ever perished? And where have the upright ever been effaced?” Hence, the conclusion he draws is that Job must have done something wicked to receive God’s punishment. (Job chaps. 4, 5) In his second upbraiding Eliphaz ridicules Job’s wisdom: “Will a wise person himself answer with windy knowledge, or will he fill his belly with the east wind? . . . What do you actually know that we do not know?” “Over the Almighty,” Eliphaz implies, Job “tries to show himself superior.” Concluding his second smear of Job’s virtues, the Edomite paints righteous Job as an apostate, living in tents of bribery, a man full of deceit. (Job chap. 15) Finally Eliphaz torments Job for the third time, falsely accusing him of all sorts of crimes—extortion, withholding water and bread from the needy, and oppressing widows and orphans.—Job chap. 22.

Following Eliphaz’ second tirade Job answers well: “All of you are troublesome comforters! Is there an end to windy words?” (Job 16:2, 3) At the conclusion of the debates Jehovah himself addresses Eliphaz: “My anger has grown hot against you and your two companions, for you men have not spoken concerning me what is truthful as has my servant Job.” Eliphaz is told that they should offer up a sacrifice, and that Job will then pray in their behalf.—Job 42:7-9.

ELIPHELEHU

(E·liphʹe·le·hu) [may God distinguish him].

A Levite musician of the second division who acted as one of the directors in playing the harp at the time the sacred Ark was transferred from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem.—1 Chron. 15:17, 18, 21.

ELIPHELET

(E·liphʹe·let) [God is deliverance].

1. Son of Ahasbai; one of David’s mighty men. (2 Sam. 23:34) Eliphelet possibly is the Eliphal of 1 Chronicles 11:35.

2. A son born to David in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 3:5, 6), also called Elpelet at 1 Chronicles 14:5.

3. The last-named son of David to be born in Jerusalem. (2 Sam. 5:16; 1 Chron. 3:8; 14:7) Commentators who do not view the repetition of the name in the Chronicles account to be a scribal error suggest that this second Eliphelet was born after the death of the first son by that name.

4. The third son of Eshek, a descendant of King Saul.—1 Chron. 8:33, 39.

5. A descendant of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon with Ezra.—Ezra 8:1, 13.

6. A man listed among those having taken foreign wives but who, in compliance with Ezra’s exhortation sent them away.—Ezra 10:33, 44.

ELISHA

(E·liʹsha) [God is salvation].

The son of Shaphat and a prophet of Jehovah in the ninth and tenth centuries B.C.E.; successor to the prophet Elijah. Elijah was directed by Jehovah to travel toward Abel-meholah and there, finding Elisha plowing, Elijah threw his official garment over him, designating an appointment. (1 Ki. 19:16) Elisha was plowing behind twelve spans of bulls, “and he with the twelfth.” W. M. Thomson in The Land and the Book, 1887, page 144, reports that it is a custom in the East for several farmers to work together with their small plows, and one sower can easily sow all that they plow in a day. Elisha, in the rear of the group, would be able to stop without disrupting the work of the rest. The fact that he sacrificed a span of the bulls and used the implements as fuel speaks for Elisha’s promptness, decisiveness and appreciativeness for Jehovah’s call. He lost no time in preparing the meal, by using the implements of the bulls to provide fuel for cooking them, leaving immediately to follow Elijah.—1 Ki. 19:19-21.

For perhaps six years Elisha served as Elijah’s attendant. Elijah served as head prophet and Elisha worked closely with him, being known as the one who “poured out water upon the hands of Elijah” when Elijah washed his hands.—2 Ki. 2:3-5; 3:11.

Elisha, from the time he joined Elijah, did prophetic work in Israel during the reigns of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu and on into the reign of Jehoash. Ruling at this time in Judah were Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Jehoash and, likely, Amaziah. Elisha enjoyed about sixty years of ministry by himself alone after Elijah’s departure.

The record of Elisha’s prophetic activity in Second Kings does not appear to be altogether in chronological order. For example, in chapter 5, Gehazi is struck with leprosy, which would exclude him from normal society. Yet, in chapter 8, he is speaking in a friendly way to Jehoram of Israel. Also, the death of King Jehoash of Israel is recorded in chapter 13, but this is followed by a record of his last interview with Elisha. (2 Ki. 13:12-21) In some parts of the account the works and miracles of Elisha seem to be grouped according to their nature or likeness, for example: (1) those that were for the good of the prophets and private persons (2 Ki. 4:1–6:7), (2) those that had to do with the nation and the king.—2 Ki. 6:8–7:20.

SUCCEEDS ELIJAH

Elisha’s activity as successor to Elijah commences about 918/917 B.C.E. or shortly thereafter, at the time of Elijah’s ascension toward the heavens in a chariot of fire. (2 Ki. 1:17; 2:1, 11, 12) Before Elijah leaves, Elisha asks him for “two parts in [his] spirit,” that is, a double part, which was due the