Are Judaism and Christianity henotheistic?
Throughout the narrative, prophets and leaders, such as Elijah and Moses, urge the Israelites to abandon the worship of these false gods and return to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
For example, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 demonstrates Yahweh's power over Baal in a public way, meant to emphasize to the Israelites that Baal has no real power.
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Figures like Elijah, Enoch, and Abraham are also said to have been taken to heaven and educated by extraterrestrials before returning to Earth.
40 Representing the full transformation
1 Kings 19:8: Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb.
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Elijah’s Departure with the Elohim
Elijah's journey, as described in the second book of Kings, is not a kidnapping but a pre-arranged departure with the Elohim.
Elijah and others are aware of his impending ascent in a chariot of fire, pulled by horses of fire, a description that parallels the divine chariots in Homer’s works.
Many people witnessed this event and searched for Elijah, believing he might have been dropped off nearby.
Mount Sinai
"So he [Elijah] got up and ate and drank.
And the word of the Lord came to him: 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"
Baal
The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) is a famous biblical narrative involving a contest between the prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah.
Miracles of Elijah, Moses, and Jesus
The notable miracles performed by Elijah, Moses, and Jesus, as described in the Bible.
Elijah
Elijah is a significant prophet in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and is also recognized in the New Testament and Islamic tradition.
Elijah is one of the major prophets in the Hebrew Bible, particularly noted for his fervent defense of the worship of Yahweh against the Baal cult.
Confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel: Elijah is best known for his confrontations with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, who promoted the worship of Baal.
Elijah prophesied a severe drought as a consequence of their idolatry.
Mount Carmel: One of the most dramatic events in Elijah's life was the contest on Mount Carmel, where he challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a test to prove whose deity was real.
God answered Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, consuming the offering, which led to the people acknowledging Yahweh as the true God (1 Kings 18).
Miracles: Elijah performed several miracles, including raising the widow's son from the dead, multiplying the widow’s oil and flour, and parting the waters of the Jordan River.
Elijah did not die but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot of fire, witnessed by his disciple Elisha (2 Kings 2:11).
This event is unique and underscores Elijah's special status as a prophet.
Elijah is seen as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah.
The prophet Malachi foretells Elijah's return before the "great and terrible day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5-6).
Elijah is associated with John the Baptist in the New Testament.
Jesus implies that John the Baptist fulfills the role of Elijah who is to come (Matthew 11:14, 17:12-13).
Elijah appears alongside Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus, symbolizing the law and the prophets bearing witness to Jesus (Matthew 17:1-3).
Elijah is known as Ilyas in Islam and is considered a prophet sent to guide the Israelites back to the worship of Allah and away from Baal worship.
Elijah is a prominent figure in Jewish eschatology and folklore.
During the Passover Seder, a cup of wine is left for Elijah, and the door is opened in anticipation of his return.
Elijah is also associated with the ritual of the Brit Milah (circumcision ceremony) and is believed to visit and bless every circumcision.
Elijah's return is anticipated as a sign of the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Elijah is revered as a prophet who fought against idolatry and is remembered for his piety and miracles.
Elijah's life and mission continue to be a source of inspiration and theological significance across these major religious traditions.
Continuing the Elijah in the Wilderness Theme:
Christopher Sparks mentions that he intends to continue discussing the theme of "Elijah in the wilderness" in future videos.
Elijah Restores All Things:
Sparks references Jesus' statement that Elijah restores all things, emphasizing that the restoration of the word of God is a crucial aspect of this process.
He suggests that understanding and restoring God's word is a fundamental step in fulfilling Elijah's mission.
Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath:
Sparks recounts the story of Elijah bringing healing to the Widow of Zarephath, specifically highlighting the widow's realization that the word of Yahweh in Elijah's mouth is the truth.
This event is mentioned to underscore the power and truth of God's word as delivered by Elijah.
The prophet Elijah had declared this drought as a divine punishment for the worship of Baal, under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
God's Command to Elijah:
After Elijah proclaimed the drought, God instructed him to go to the Brook Cherith, where ravens fed him.
When the brook dried up, God directed Elijah to go to Zarephath, a town in Sidon, and seek out a widow who would provide for him.
Elijah arrived at the gate of Zarephath and saw a widow gathering sticks.
Elijah’s Promise:
Elijah told her not to fear and to go ahead and prepare a small cake for him first, then make something for herself and her son.
The widow obeyed Elijah, and miraculously, the jar of flour was not used up, and the jug of oil did not run dry, fulfilling Elijah’s promise from God.
In her distress, the widow questioned Elijah about bringing misfortune upon her.
Elijah took the boy, prayed to God, and stretched himself upon the child three times.
God heard Elijah’s prayer, and the boy’s life returned.
King David
For example, the prophets of Baal are mentioned in the contest with Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
Jesus’ Initiation
This event, where Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah and is again affirmed by a voice from heaven, is seen as a further revelation of his divine nature.
The parallels between Jesus and the prophet Elijah from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) are also quite interesting, with several key aspects highlighted in Christian theology:
Prophetic RolesBoth Elijah and Jesus were prophets who spoke the word of God.
Elijah was a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his confrontations with Ahab and Jezebel, while Jesus is seen as the ultimate prophet in Christianity.
Elijah performed miracles like raising the widow’s son from the dead, causing a drought, and calling down fire from heaven.
Elijah fled to the wilderness to escape Jezebel's wrath and had his encounter with God at Mount Horeb.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ Transfiguration (where he appears in glorified form) includes the appearance of Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of the prophets.
Elijah called for the Israelites to turn back to God, and Jesus’ message also centered on repentance and the Kingdom of God.
In Christian thought, Jesus himself is the Messiah, and some interpretations of the Gospels suggest that John the Baptist, in the spirit of Elijah, heralded Jesus’ coming.
Crows
Elijah Fed by Ravens (1 Kings 17:4-6): In this story, the prophet Elijah, while hiding from King Ahab, is fed by ravens sent by God.
Gilgal – Circle of standing stones
The text states that Elijah and Elisha came from Gilgal to Bethel, and then onward to Jericho and to the Jordan, suggesting that the place was in the vicinity of Bethel, and far from Joshua's Gilgal near Jericho.