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Elijah
Elijah The most notable of the ecstatic prophets of the 9th cent. BCE, coming in time between the orgiastic bands of prophets who encountered Saul (1 Sam. 10: 5 ff.) and the classical prophets of the 8th cent. Although the narratives relating Elijah's exploits contain theological ideas (e.g. an idea of a remnant similar to that found in Isaiah, 1 Kgs 19: 18) of a later age or even of post-exilic provisions of the Law (e.g. Num. 36: 7–9), it is probable that there is a basis of historical fact in the recorded contests which Elijah pursued on behalf of Israel's traditions. Against the introduction of Baal worship by the Tyrian princess Jezebel, married to King Ahab, Elijah triumphantly vindicated his God when fire came down to consume his sacrifice on Mount Carmel (1 Kgs. 18: 38). He was told to anoint Jehu to take over the kingship (1 Kgs. 19: 17), which Elisha his successor carried out (2 Kgs. 9: 6).
The challenge to Baal was important in that his status as a fertility-god was diminished. When Elijah confronted Ahab because of his appropriation of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kgs. 21) he was appealing to an ancient Israelite concept of justice which even monarchs were not to override. The two stories show Elijah as champion of Yahweh the only God and the judge who defends the defenceless and exacts vengeance. Elijah is mentioned by Malachi (4: 5) in conjunction with the observance of the Law. It became a part of Jewish tradition that Elijah would come before the day of the Lord (Ecclus. [= Sir.] 48: 10) and in observances of the Passover a place is regularly set for Elijah. He therefore is named in the NT in this role (Matt. 17: 10–13); John the Baptist is the new Elijah. This identification is, however, denied in the gospel of John (1: 20–1) which is determined to minimize the importance of the Baptist in relation to Jesus. (No baptism of Jesus is recorded in the fourth gospel.) Elijah, representing the prophets, is present along with Moses, giver of the Law, at the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9: 4). He is mentioned by Paul (Rom. 11: 2) and James (5: 17). |
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W. R. F. BROWNING. "Elijah." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. W. R. F. BROWNING. "Elijah." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-Elijah.html W. R. F. BROWNING. "Elijah." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah (9th cent. BCE). Israelite prophet. After choosing Elisha as his successor, he was taken up to Heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2. 1–18). According to the book of Malachi, he will return to earth ‘before the great and terrible day of the Lord’ (4. 5). In aggadic literature, Elijah was recognized as the forerunner of the messiah. Consequently, the gospels record speculation that John the Baptist, who wore the same clothes as Elijah (Mark 1. 6; 2 Kings 1. 8) was a reincarnation of the prophet. Subsequently Elijah was believed to be a partner of the messiah who will overthrow the foundations of the heathen (Gen.R 71. 9) and bring about the resurrection of the dead. He most frequently was said to appear on the eve of Passover to help the poor prepare for the seder. It is customary to place a cup for Elijah in the middle of the table, and the door is opened during the seder for the prophet to come in and herald the days of the messiah. At circumcision ceremonies, an unoccupied chair is placed for Elijah.
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JOHN BOWKER. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN BOWKER. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Elijah.html JOHN BOWKER. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah or Elias [both: Heb.,=Yahweh is God], fl. c.875 BC, Hebrew prophet in the reign of King Ahab . He is one of the outstanding figures of the Bible. Elijah's mission was to destroy the worship of foreign gods and to restore exclusive loyalty to God. His zeal brought about a temporary banishment of idolatry (see Jezebel ). Incidents in his life include his raising the widow's son from the dead; his contest of faith with the priests of Baal, resulting in his triumph and their death; his being fed by ravens; his experience of the still, small voice on Mt. Horeb (Sinai); and his departure from earth in a chariot of fire enveloped in a whirlwind. His disciple was Elisha . Unlike other great prophets, Elijah and Elisha left no written records. In Jewish tradition, Elijah is the eschatological herald of the Messiah. John the Baptist and Jesus were asked if they were the incarnation of Elijah, who appeared at the Transfiguration. The prophet is prominent in the Qur'an. Mendelssohn composed an oratorio, Elijah. |
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"Elijah." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Elijah." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Elijah.html "Elijah." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah ♂ Biblical name (meaning ‘Yahweh is God’ in Hebrew), borne by an Israelite prophet whose exploits are recounted in the First and Second Book of Kings. Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel played an important part in maintaining the Jewish religion, recognizing just one God. This story, and other stories in which he figures, including his conflicts with Ahab's queen, Jezebel, and his prophecies of doom, are among the most vivid in the Bible. For some reason it has not been much used as a given name by Christians, although it is found among the early Puritan settlers in New England and in the U.K. in the 18th century. In the 1960s and 70s it gained considerable popularity among Black Muslims.
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PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Elijah." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Elijah." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O41-Elijah.html PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Elijah." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O41-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah (9th century bc), a Hebrew prophet in the time of Ahab and Jezebel who maintained the worship of Jehovah against that of Baal and other pagan gods. He is said to have been miraculously fed by ravens, to have raised a widow's son from the dead, and to have been carried to heaven in a chariot of fire (1 Kings 17–2 Kings 2).
His successor as the prophet of Israel was Elisha, something signalled in 2 Kings 2:13, when after Elisha had seen the fiery chariot go up to heaven, ‘He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him.’ |
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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Elijah." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Elijah." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Elijah.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Elijah." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah (Gk. form, ‘Elias’) (9th cent. BC), Hebrew prophet. According to Kgs., he maintained the ascendancy of the worship of God in the face of Canaanite and Phoenician cults, upheld the claims of moral righteousness and social justice, and was translated into heaven. His return was held to be a necessary prelude to the deliverance and restoration of Israel. Feast day, 20 July.
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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Elijah.html E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah (active 9th century bc) Old Testament prophet. He rebuked King Ahab for his attitude to the Phoenician cult of Baal, promoted by Ahab's wife, Jezebel (1 Kings 17, 2 Kings 2) at the expense of the cult of Yahweh. Elijah, aided by his disciple Elisha, contested that there was no God but Yahweh.
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"Elijah." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Elijah." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Elijah.html "Elijah." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah (Elias). Oratorio, Op.70, by Mendelssohn to text selected from the Bible by Julius Schrubring. For sop., cont., ten., bass, and treble soloists, boys’ ch., ch., and orch. Comp. 1846, f.p. Birmingham 1846, Hamburg 1847, NY 1851.
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MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-Elijah.html MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Elijah." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-Elijah.html |
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Elijah
Elijah
•badger, cadger
•Alger, neuralgia
•ganja, grandeur, phalanger
•charger, enlarger, maharaja, raja
•slàinte • turbocharger
•dredger, edger, hedger, ledger, pledger, St Leger
•avenger, revenger
•gauger, golden-ager, major, old-stager, pager, rampager, sergeant major, stager, wager
•arranger, changer, danger, endanger, exchanger, Grainger, hydrangea, manger, ranger, stranger
•moneychanger • teenager
•bushranger
•besieger, paraplegia, procedure
•abridger
•cringer, ginger, impinger, infringer, injure, ninja, whinger, winger
•dowager • voyager • harbinger
•bondager • wharfinger • packager
•Scaliger
•challenger, Salinger
•pillager, villager
•armiger • scrimmager
•rummager, scrummager
•manager • derringer • forager
•porringer • encourager
•Massinger, passenger
•presager • messenger • Kissinger
•integer, vintager
•cottager • frontager • ravager
•salvager • scavenger
•Elijah, Niger, obliger
•codger, dodger, lodger, roger, todger
•forger, Georgia, gorger
•gouger
•lounger, scrounger
•sunlounger • soldier
•Abuja, puja
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"Elijah." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Elijah." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Elijah.html "Elijah." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Elijah.html |
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