The prophet Elijah occupies a special place among the ranks of the prophets of the Old Testament, and his name is often mentioned in the New, both by the Lord or by various holy persons The word ‘prophet’ denotes someone who has the gift of prophecy, a teacher, a special organ for revelations of God. The phenomenon of prophecy first appeared among the Jews with people known as ‘ecstatic’ prophets. They toured towns and villages, going into a state of ecstasy with the aid of music and dance. In this condition, they would receive divine messages, which they would then transmit to the people. At the time of the kings, people appeared who were enlightened by God, such as Elijah and ...
