Who Is the Prophesied Eliyah to Come?
By Isaac Aluochier
All scriptural quotations are from the Hebrew Names Version of the World English Bible.
Malakhi's Prophecy
Malakhi (Malachi) 4: 5-6 reads, "4:5Behold, I will send you Eliyah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. 4:6He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
In 1986 I said that the Mighty One had, on the night of 1st/2nd September of 1986, impressed upon my mind, mightily, through his Spirit, that the late Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong was the Elijah to come, and that "Elijah truly shall restore all things"! Later that night, before retiring to sleep, I thanked the Mighty One for impressing upon my mind through his Spirit that the late Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong was the Elijah to come who was to restore all things.
Was Mr. Armstrong the Eliyah to come? Did he restore all things?
Also, did the Mighty One impress upon my mind by his Spirit that Mr. Armstrong was the Eliyah to come?
Yah'shuah's Testimony About Yahchanan
Mattityahu (Matthew) 11: 1-19 reads, "11:1It happened that when Yah'shuah had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed there to teach and preach in their cities. 11:2Now when Yahchanan heard in the prison the works of Messiah, he sent two of his disciples 11:3and said to him, 'Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?'
11:4
Yah'shuah answered them, 'Go and tell Yahchanan the things which you hear and see: 11:5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 11:6Blessed is he, whoever finds no occasion for stumbling in me.'11:7
As these went their way, Yah'shuah began to say to the multitudes concerning Yahchanan, 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 11:8But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses. 11:9But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 11:10This is he, of whom it is written, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you." 11:11Most assuredly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Yahchanan the Baptizer. Yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 11:12From the days of Yahchanan the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 11:13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until Yahchanan. 11:14If you are willing to receive it, this is Eliyah, who is to come. 11:15He who has ears to hear, let him hear.11:16
But what will I compare this generation to? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to others 11:17and say, "We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We wailed, and you didn't mourn." 11:18For Yahchanan came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon." 11:19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" But wisdom is justified by her children.'"It is in Malakhi 3: 1 that Yah'shuah quoted the words he spoke as recorded in Mattityahu 11: 10. Malakhi 3: 1 reads, "3:1Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me. And the Sovereign, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes, says Yahweh-Tzva'ot."
Yah'shuah the Messiah was and is the Sovereign, the messenger of the covenant, whom Yahchanan, the Eliyah to come as shown in Malakhi 4: 5, was to prepare the way for.
Moshe and Eliyah Appear and Talk With Yah'shuah
Mattityahu 17: 1-13 reads, "17:1After six days, Yah'shuah took with him Kefa, Ya`akov, and Yahchanan, his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 17:2He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 17:3Behold, there appeared to them Moshe and Eliyah talking with him. 17:4Kefa answered, and said to Yah'shuah, 'Master, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let's make three tents here: one for you, one for Moshe, and one for Eliyah.'
17:5
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.'17:6
When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 17:7Yah'shuah came and touched them and said, 'Get up, and don't be afraid.' 17:8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Yah'shuah alone. 17:9As they were coming down from the mountain, Yah'shuah commanded them, saying, 'Don't tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.'17:10
His disciples asked him, saying, 'Then why do the Sofrim say that Eliyah must come first?'17:11
Yah'shuah answered them, 'Eliyah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 17:12but I tell you that Eliyah has come already, and they didn't recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so will the Son of Man also suffer by them.' 17:13Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of Yahchanan the Baptizer."Why Did Yah'shuah's Disciples So Question Him Concerning Eliyah?
What was the nature of the disciples' question to Yah'shuah in Mattityahu 17: 10? Was it that it already appeared to them that Yah'shuah had already come into his kingdom, yet they were not aware of the Eliyah who was to come before the Sovereign, the messenger of the covenant? And therefore sought for the meaning of Eliyah coming first, seeing that they had just seen him appear before them, together with Moshe, and both Moshe and Eliyah talking with the transfigured Yah'shuah?
In Mattityahu 17: 11 Yah'shuah confirmed to his disciples that indeed Eliyah was to come first, and was to restore all things. He then confirmed to them that Eliyah had come already. And seeing that Eliyah was to restore all things, and that he had come already, all things therefore had been restored!
What things were these that were restored? And how and when were they lost, so as to require their restoration?
Yahchanan Was Not Recognised as the Eliyah to Come
It should also be noted from Yah'shuah's comments in Mattityahu 17: 12 that Yahchanan was not recognised as the Eliyah to come. Instead, those he was sent to did to him as they pleased, not realising that he was indeed the Eliyah to come. It should therefore be noted that recognising a servant of Yahweh according to their scriptural prophetic role, for those so prophesied of, is not automatic for everyone. Even Yah'shuah's disciples did not know that Yahchanan was the Eliyah to come, until Yah'shuah revealed it to them. It should therefore be understood that unless the Father reveals to one the prophetic role of a servant of his one is not guaranteed to ascertain it.
Eliyah and Moshe Appear and Talk With Yah'shuah
Mark 9: 1-13 reads, "9:1He said to them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death, until they see the kingdom of the Mighty One come with power.'
9:2
After six days Yah'shuah took with him Kefa, Ya`akov, and Yahchanan, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 9:3His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 9:4Eliyah and Moshe appeared to them, and they were talking with Yah'shuah.9:5
Kefa answered Yah'shuah, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, one for Moshe, and one for Eliyah.' 9:6For he didn't know what to say, for they were very afraid.9:7
A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, 'This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.'9:8
Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Yah'shuah only.9:9
As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen again from the dead. 9:10They kept the saying, questioning among themselves what the rising again from the dead should mean.9:11
They asked him, saying, 'Why do the Sofrim say that Eliyah must come first?'9:12
He said to them, 'Eliyah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised? 9:13But I tell you, that Eliyah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.'"Where in the Scriptures Was Yahchanan's Treatment Prophesied?
Where in the scriptures is it written about the Eliyah to come, that those he would be sent to would do to him whatever they wanted to?
Luke 1: 5-25 reads, "1:5There was in the days of Herod, the king of Yahudah, a certain Kohen named Zekharyah, of the priestly division of Aviyah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aharon, and her name was Elisheva. 1:6They were both righteous before the Mighty One, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of Yahweh. 1:7But they had no child, because Elisheva was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. 1:8Now it happened, while he executed the Kohen's office before the Mighty One in the order of his division, 1:9according to the custom of the Kohen's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of Yahweh and burn incense. 1:10The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
1:11
An angel of Yahweh appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 1:12Zekharyah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell on him. 1:13But the angel said to him, 'Don't be afraid, Zekharyah, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elisheva, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Yahchanan. 1:14You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. 1:15For he will be great in the sight of Yahweh, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 1:16He will turn many of the children of Yisra'el to Yahweh, their Mighty One. 1:17He will go before his face in the spirit and power of Eliyah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh.'1:18
Zekharyah said to the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.'1:19
The angel answered him, 'I am Gavri'el, who stands in the presence of the Mighty One. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 1:20Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.'1:21
The people were waiting for Zekharyah, and they marveled while he delayed in the temple. 1:22When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 1:23It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 1:24After these days Elisheva, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 1:25'Thus has Yahweh done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.'"Yahchanan's Prophesied Work Summarised
Luke 1: 16-17 shows that Yahchanan was to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh, even as was spoken concerning him in Malakhi 3: 1. The manner he was to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh was by: (a) turning many of the children of Yisrael to Yahweh their Mighty One, (b) turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and (c) turning the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. He was to do this in the spirit and power of Eliyah, even as was spoken concerning him in Malakhi 4: 5-6.
A Reason Why Yahchanan Was Unrecognised
Noting Yah'shuah's words in Mattityahu 17: 11-12, that those Eliyah was sent to did not recognise him, it is seen that a reason why they did not recognise him was he was not named "Eliyah", but was named "Yahchanan". Also, as seen from Gavriel's words in Luke 1: 17, even though he would not be named Eliyah, he would indeed go before Yahweh's face in the spirit and power of Eliyah. Therefore, it was the going before Yahweh's face in the spirit and power of Eliyah that made Yahchanan the Eliyah who was to come. Therefore, when it said in Malakhi 4: 5-6 that Yahweh would send the children of Yisrael Eliyah the prophet, what was meant was that the prophet who would be sent to fulfil what Yahweh said of him would be sent in the spirit and power of Eliyah! Thus the prophet who indeed would be sent in the spirit and power of Eliyah, and who would fulfil what was spoken of the Eliyah to come, would indeed be the Eliyah to come!
The Meaning of "Restore All Things"
Also, comparing Yah'shuah's words in Mattityahu 17: 11-12, that Eliyah was to restore all things, with Gavriel's words in Luke 1: 16-17, that Yahchanan was to turn many of the children of Yisrael to Yahweh their Mighty One, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, it appears that these works that Yahchanan was to do were the restoration of all things! In other words, the restoration of all things was to involve turning many of the children of Yisrael to Yahweh their Mighty One, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. Therefore, the one who was to come and do these things, coming in the spirit and power of Eliyah, would indeed be the prophet Eliyah who was to come.
Zekharyah's Testimony by the Spirit of Yahweh
Luke 1: 57-80 reads, "1:57Now the time that Elisheva should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 1:58Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Yahweh had magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. 1:59It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zekharyah, after the name of the father. 1:60His mother answered, 'Not so; but he will be called Yahchanan.'
1:61
They said to her, 'There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.' 1:62They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.1:63
He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, 'His name is Yahchanan.'They all marveled. 1:64His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing the Mighty One. 1:65Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Yahudah. 1:66All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, 'What then will this child be?' The hand of Yahweh was with him. 1:67His father, Zekharyah, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
1:68
'Blessed be Yahweh, the Mighty One of Yisra'el,For he has visited and worked redemption for his people;
1:69
Has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David1:70
(As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),1:71
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;1:72
To show mercy towards our fathers,To remember his holy covenant,
1:73
The oath which he spoke to Avraham, our father,1:74
To grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear,1:75
In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.1:76
Yes and you, child, will be called a prophet of HaElyon,For you will go before the face of Yahweh to make ready his ways,
1:77
To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,1:78
Because of the tender mercy of our Mighty One,Whereby the dawn from on high will visit us,
1:79
To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death;To guide our feet into the way of shalom.'
1:80
The child grew, and grew strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Yisra'el."Yahchanan to Impart Knowledge of Salvation
It should also be noted that Zekharyah said, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that Yahchanan would give knowledge of salvation to Yahweh's people Yisrael, salvation by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of Yahweh, Yisrael's Mighty One. Yisrael's salvation would come by the dawn from on high visiting them, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide Yisrael's feet into the way of shalom.
Yahchanan's Work by the Spirit and Power of Eliyah
Yahchanan's work by the spirit and power of Eliyah can therefore be outlined as involving: (a) turning many of the children of Yisrael to Yahweh their Mighty One, (b) turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, (c) turning the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, (d) giving Yahweh's people the knowledge of salvation by the remission of their sins, (e) testifying to Yahweh's tender mercy, and (f) testifying about the dawn from on high to visit Yisrael, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide Yisrael's feet into the way of shalom.
Moshe and Eliyah Appear in Glory and Talk With Yah'shuah
Luke 9: 18-36 reads, "9:18It happened, as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, 'Who do the multitudes say that I am?'
9:19
They answered, '"Yahchanan the Baptizer," but others say, "Eliyah," and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.'9:20
He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'Kefa answered, 'The Messiah of the Mighty One.'
9:21
But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one, 9:22saying, 'The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the Zakenim, chief Kohanim, and Sofrim, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.' 9:23He said to all, 'If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 9:24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it. 9:25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self? 9:26For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of himself, of the Father, and of the holy angels. 9:27But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the kingdom of the Mighty One.'9:28
It happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Kefa, Yahchanan, and Ya`akov, and went up onto the mountain to pray. 9:29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. 9:30Behold, two men talked with him, who were Moshe and Eliyah, 9:31who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Yerushalayim.9:32
Now Kefa and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. 9:33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Kefa said to Yah'shuah, 'Master, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, and one for Moshe, and one for Eliyah,' not knowing what he said. 9:34While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 9:35A voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!' 9:36When the voice came, Yah'shuah was found alone. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen."Additional Details Provided by Luke
Luke, in Luke 9: 30-31, gives details about the event described above that Mattityahu and Mark do not. For Luke notes that both Moshe and Eliyah APPEARED IN GLORY, even as Yah'shuah himself had appeared in glory! Luke also informs us of what Yah'shuah, Moshe and Eliyah spoke about, speaking about Yah'shuah's departure that he was about to accomplish at Yerushalayim!
It should be noted that the event the disciples Kefa, Yaakov and Yahchanan saw was "the kingdom of the Mighty One", even as Luke 9: 27 says, for they saw Yah'shuah, Moshe and Eliyah ALL IN GLORY! And this event took place before they died, even as Yah'shuah said in Luke 9: 27. Therefore, before Yah'shuah's death, Moshe and Eliyah appeared to him and spoke with him!
But weren't Moshe and Eliyah both dead and buried? How did they appear together and speak with Yah'shuah before Yah'shuah's death at Yerushalayim?
Yahchanan's Testimony About Yah'shuah
Yahchanan (John) 1: 1-40 reads, "1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the Mighty One, and the Word was the Mighty One. 1:2The same was in the beginning with the Mighty One. 1:3All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. 1:4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 1:5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.
1:6
There came a man, sent from the Mighty One, whose name was Yahchanan. 1:7The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 1:8He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 1:9The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him. 1:11He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him. 1:12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become the Mighty One's children, to those who believe in his name: 1:13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of the Mighty One. 1:14The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.1:15
Yahchanan testified about him. He cried out, saying, 'This was he of whom I said, "He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me."' 1:16From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 1:17For the law was given through Moshe. Grace and truth came through Yah'shuah the Messiah. 1:18No one has seen the Mighty One at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.1:19
This is Yahchanan's testimony, when the Yahudim sent Kohanim and Levites from Yerushalayim to ask him, 'Who are you?'1:20
He confessed, and didn't deny, but he confessed, 'I am not the Messiah.'1:21
They asked him, 'What then? Are you Eliyah?'He said, 'I am not.'
'Are you the prophet?'
He answered, 'No.'
1:22
They said therefore to him, 'Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?'1:23
He said, 'I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of Yahweh," as Yesha`yahu the prophet said.'1:24
The ones who had been sent were from the Perushim. 1:25They asked him, 'Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Messiah, nor Eliyah, nor the Prophet?'1:26
Yahchanan answered them, 'I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know, 1:27he who comes after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie.' 1:28These things were done in Beit-Anyah beyond the Yarden, where Yahchanan was baptizing.1:29
On the next day, he saw Yah'shuah coming to him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of the Mighty One, who takes away the sin of the world! 1:30This is he of whom I said, "After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me." 1:31I didn't know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Yisra'el.' 1:32Yahchanan testified, saying, 'I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of Heaven, and it remained on him. 1:33I didn't recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, "On whoever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit." 1:34I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of the Mighty One.'1:35
Again, on the next day, Yahchanan was standing with two of his disciples, 1:36and he looked at Yah'shuah as he walked, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of the Mighty One!' 1:37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Yah'shuah. 1:38Yah'shuah turned, and saw them following, and said to them, 'What are you looking for?'They said to him, 'Rabbi' (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), 'where are you staying?'
1:39
He said to them, 'Come, and see.'They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 1:40One of the two who heard Yahchanan, and followed him, was And'drai, Shim`on Kefa's brother."
The above account of Yahchanan, Yah'shuah's disciple, clearly shows that Yahchanan the Baptizer did indeed testify about Yah'shuah in the manner he was to so testify.
Yahchanan and Eliyah Were Separate Individuals
It should also be noted that when the Perushim asked Yahchanan whether he was Eliyah, Yahchanan responded by saying that he was not. It should therefore be clear that even though Yahchanan came in the spirit and power of Eliyah, even as was prophesied of him, he was a separate individual from Eliyah. Yahchanan was not Eliyah raised to life. No! He was a separate individual who came in the spirit and power of Eliyah.
Why Yahchanan Came Baptising in Water
Yahchanan 1: 31-34 clearly gives the reason why Yahchanan came baptising in water. It was for the revelation of Yah'shuah to Yisrael, for when Yahchanan would see the Spirit descend on Yah'shuah and remain on him, he would testify to Yisrael that Yah'shuah indeed was the Son of the Mighty One! Thus Yahchanan came baptising, for it was through his baptising that Yah'shuah would be revealed to Yisrael!
The Works of the Original Eliyah
What works did the original Eliyah do, and how did Yahchanan's works compare with those of Eliyah's, seeing that Yahchanan came in the spirit and power of Eliyah?
1 Melakhim (Kings) 16: 28 - 17: 1 reads, "16:28So `Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Shomron; and Ach'av his son reigned in his place. 16:29In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Yahudah began Ach'av the son of `Omri to reign over Yisra'el: and Ach'av the son of `Omri reigned over Yisra'el in Shomron twenty-two years. 16:30Ach'av the son of `Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh above all that were before him. 16:31It happened, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Yarov`am the son of Nevat, that he took as wife Izevel the daughter of Etba`al king of the Tzidonim, and went and served Ba`al, and worshipped him. 16:32He reared up an altar for Ba`al in the house of Ba`al, which he had built in Shomron. 16:33Ach'av made the Asherah; and Ach'av did yet more to provoke Yahweh, the Mighty One of Yisra'el, to anger than all the kings of Yisra'el who were before him. 16:34In his days did Chi'el the Beit-Eli build Yericho: he laid the foundation of it with the loss of Aviram his firstborn, and set up the gates of it with the loss of his youngest son Seguv, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Yah'shuah the son of Nun.
17:1
Eliyah the Tishbi, who was of the sojourners of Gil`ad, said to Ach'av, 'As Yahweh, the Mighty One of Yisra'el, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.'"It should be noted that Eliyah stood before Yahweh.
How did he stand before Yahweh? What is the meaning of his standing before Yahweh?
1 Melakhim 17: 2-7 reads, "17:2The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:3'Get you hence, and turn you eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Kerit, that is before the Yarden. 17:4It shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.' 17:5So he went and did according to the word of Yahweh; for he went and lived by the brook Kerit, that is before the Yarden. 17:6The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. 17:7It happened after a while, that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land."
Eliyah Obeyed the Word of Yahweh
It should be noted that Eliyah went and lived by the brook Kerit according to the word of Yahweh. He did not just wake up one day and decide of his own thoughts to go and live by the brook Kerit. No! He was instructed to do so by the word of Yahweh. And so he did. Thus it is seen that Eliyah obeyed the word of Yahweh.
Eliyah Was Not Spared of the Effects of the Drought
It should also be noted that Eliyah was not spared of the effects of Yahweh's word on the environment he lived in. For just as water dried up in other localities of the land, so also did water of the brook Kerit dry up, for there was no rain in the land. It should therefore be noted that when Yahweh issues a judgement on a land, there is NO GUARANTEE that his people will be spared of the judgement afflicting that land. UNLESS Yahweh specifically says so, such as when he made a distinction between his people and the Mitzrim during the days of Moshe when they were in Mitzrayim.
Eliyah's Words to Achav Were at Yahweh's Command
It should also be noted that the word that Eliyah spoke to Achav in 1 Melakhim 17: 1 was by the command of the word of Yahweh. For seeing that Eliyah undertook his actions in response to the command of the word of Yahweh, and he did indeed utter those words to Achav, it is taken that they were uttered at the command of the word of Yahweh.
Eliyah Resides With a Widow in Tzarfat
1 Melakhim 17: 8-16 reads, "17:8The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 17:9'Arise, get you to Tzarfat, which belongs to Tzidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.' 17:10So he arose and went to Tzarfat; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, 'Please get me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.' 17:11As she was going to get it, he called to her, and said, 'Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.' 17:12She said, 'As Yahweh your Mighty One lives, I do not have a cake, but a handful of meal in the jar, and a little oil in the jar. And, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.' 17:13Eliyah said to her, 'Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. 17:14For thus says Yahweh, the Mighty One of Yisra'el, "The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth."' 17:15She went and did according to the saying of Eliyah: and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. 17:16The jar of meal didn't empty, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Eliyah."
Tzarfat Widow Unaware of Yahweh's Command to Her
It should be noted that Yahweh told Eliyah that he had commanded a widow in Tzarfat to sustain Eliyah. Nevertheless, from the behaviour of the widow, seeing that she expected to eat her last meal and die, it is evident that she was not aware that Yahweh had indeed commanded her to sustain Eliyah! It should therefore be noted that Yahweh can indeed issue his word or command to someone, and the person he has so issued the command to may not be aware of it, until much later after the command has been issued. In the widow's case it is seen that she received Eliyah into her house, and sustained him, thereby showing that she did indeed fulfil Yahweh's command, even though she was not conscious of the command at the time it was issued.
1 Melakhim 17: 17-24 reads, "17:17It happened after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 17:18She said to Eliyah, 'What have I to do with you, you man of the Mighty One? You are come to me to bring my sin to memory, and to kill my son!' 17:19He said to her, 'Give me your son.' He took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the chamber, where he abode, and laid him on his own bed. 17:20He cried to Yahweh, and said, 'Yahweh my Mighty One, have you also brought evil on the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?' 17:21He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, 'Yahweh my Mighty One, please let this child's soul come into him again.' 17:22Yahweh listened to the voice of Eliyah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 17:23Eliyah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him to his mother; and Eliyah said, 'Behold, your son lives.' 17:24The woman said to Eliyah, 'Now I know that you are a man of the Mighty One, and that the word of Yahweh in your mouth is truth.'"
Human Beings are Flesh With a Spirit in Each of Them
It should be noted that human beings are flesh, and they have a spirit or soul within them. It is this spirit within them, the spirit of man, that gives them life and sustains their life. When this spirit is in them, in flesh, they live. When this spirit departs from within them, from within flesh, they die.
The Spirit in Man Imparts and Sustains Man's Life
It should also be noted that this spirit in man is also the "breath" that is in man. For when there is breath in man, he lives, and when there is no breath in man, he dies. The "breath" in man is more than just air. For even a dead body has air in its nostrils and lungs. Only that the air in the nostrils of a dead body does not give it life, nor sustain it. Therefore it should be noted that what gives life to man is the spirit in man, otherwise called soul, and also known as "breath".
Eliyah Understood Man's Composition
In the case of the widow's son it is seen that Eliyah understood the composition of man's nature, for he prayed to Yahweh that the child's soul come into him again. Thus to Eliyah the child was the dead flesh before him on his own bed. The child also had a soul, which had been in him, but had departed out of him. Since Eliyah understood that it was this soul, or spirit, that gave life to the child, the flesh before him, he prayed to Yahweh that the spirit or soul of the child come into him again, come into the flesh again, that the child may live.
Each Man Has a Particular Spirit in Man
It should also be noted that each human being, each flesh, has a spirit or soul that is particular to them. For Eliyah prayed to Yahweh that the spirit or soul of the child come into the child again, where it had previously been. He did not pray that another spirit or soul belonging to another dead person come into the child. But the particular spirit or soul belonging to that child is the one that Eliyah prayed to come into the child, the flesh, again. Thus it is seen that each spirit or soul is particular to each human being.
Departed Spirits of Men Go To Some Location
It should also be noted that after the spirit or soul of the child had departed from the child, from the flesh, it must have gone to some location other than that child, that flesh. For it departed out of the child, the flesh. And for Eliyah to pray for it to return into the child implies that it could indeed return to the child, and that it was at some location whereby it could indeed return into the child. It should therefore be noted that once spirits or souls depart from human beings, they do indeed go to a location whereby, should it be necessary, they can return to those human beings, those flesh, that they previously inhabited.
It should therefore be clear that man is flesh, and has a spirit or soul in him, that gives him life, and sustains his life. Without this spirit in man he is just dead flesh. But with it he is indeed living flesh.
Thus, in 1 Melakhim 17: 22, when the spirit or soul of the child returned into him, the child lived!
Yahweh Has Power and Authority Over All Spirits of Men
It should also be noted that the person with the power to place or remove spirits of men in men is Yahweh, and not other human beings. For Eliyah did not have it in himself to give life to the child. What he did was to appeal to the one who had power to give life to the child, appeal to Yahweh the Mighty One. It should therefore be clear that Yahweh the Mighty One is the one with power to give life, and power to take life.
Eliyah Was Unaware of the Child's Impending Death
It should also be noted that Yahweh had not informed Eliyah beforehand that the child of the widow would indeed die while he was living with them. Seeing that Eliyah did not have communication on this matter from Yahweh, all he could do was to appeal to Yahweh, and hope that Yahweh would indeed listen to his voice of appeal. And so he did, and so Yahweh listened.
Why Yahweh Listened to Eliyah's Voice
Why did Yahweh listen to the voice of Eliyah?
It appears, from 1 Melakhim 17: 24, that he so listened to both glorify himself, and also to confirm to the widow, and to others in due course, that Eliyah was indeed his servant, and that his word in Eliyah's mouth was truth. Thus by this act he glorified himself before human beings. Thus by this act he also confirmed to humans that Eliyah was indeed his servant, and that his word in Eliyah's mouth was truth.
Yahweh Did Not Communicate With Eliyah Daily
1 Melakhim 18: 1 reads, "18:1It happened after many days, that the word of Yahweh came to Eliyah, in the third year, saying, 'Go, show yourself to Ach'av; and I will send rain on the earth.'"
It should be noted that the word of Yahweh did not come to Eliyah every single day that Eliyah lived. There were times that it was interspersed by many days, as shown above. It should also be noted that it is Yahweh who sends his word, and he chooses when to send it and when not to send it, even to his prophets who are serving him.
1 Melakhim 18: 2-16 reads, "18:2Eliyah went to show himself to Ach'av. The famine was sore in Shomron. 18:3Ach'av called `Ovadyah, who was over the household. (Now `Ovadyah feared Yahweh greatly: 18:4for it was so, when Izevel cut off the prophets of Yahweh, that `Ovadyah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 18:5Ach'av said to `Ovadyah, 'Go through the land, to all the springs of water, and to all the brooks: peradventure we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we not lose all the animals.' 18:6So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ach'av went one way by himself, and `Ovadyah went another way by himself. 18:7As `Ovadyah was in the way, behold, Eliyah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, 'Is it you, my master Eliyah?' 18:8He answered him, 'It is I: go, tell your master, "Behold, Eliyah is here."' 18:9He said, 'Wherein have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ach'av, to kill me? 18:10As Yahweh your Mighty One lives, there is no nation or kingdom, where my master has not sent to seek you: and when they said, "He is not here," he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they didn't find you. 18:11Now you say, "Go, tell your master, Behold, Eliyah is here." 18:12It will happen, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of Yahweh will carry you I don't know where; and so when I come and tell Ach'av, and he can't find you, he will kill me. But I your servant fear Yahweh from my youth. 18:13Wasn't it told my master what I did when Izevel killed the prophets of Yahweh, how I hid one hundred men of Yahweh's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 18:14Now you say, "Go, tell your master, Behold, Eliyah is here; and he will kill me."' 18:15Eliyah said, 'As Yahweh-Tzva'ot lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.' 18:16So `Ovadyah went to meet Ach'av, and told him; and Ach'av went to meet Eliyah."
Eliyah Was Known All Over the Earth
It should be noted that Eliyah was a public figure, known all over the earth where there was a nation or kingdom. For all nations and kingdoms knew of him, and had sought for him within their borders.
Ovadyah Understood the Power of the Spirit of Yahweh
It should also be noted that Ovadyah understood the power of the Spirit of Yahweh. For he understood that the Spirit of Yahweh could carry Eliyah to some other geographic location in a very short period of time, such that if he was sought in the vicinity of the location where he was last seen he would not be found.
It should also be noted that Ovadyah feared Yahweh greatly. And he manifested his great fear of Yahweh by protecting in safety Yahweh's servants, and providing for them in their time of need. It should therefore be clear that the fear of Yahweh is manifested in providing for Yahweh's servants in their time of need, even when one's life is at risk for so providing for Yahweh's servants.
Again it is asked, how did Eliyah stand before Yahweh-Tzvaot? What is the meaning of his standing before Yahweh-Tzvaot?
1 Melakhim 18: 17-40 reads, "18:17It happened, when Ach'av saw Eliyah, that Ach'av said to him, 'Is it you, you troubler of Yisra'el?' 18:18He answered, 'I have not troubled Yisra'el; but you, and your father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Yahweh, and you have followed the Ba`alim. 18:19Now therefore send, and gather to me all Yisra'el to mount Karmel, and the prophets of Ba`al four hundred fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, who eat at Izevel's table.' 18:20So Ach'av sent to all the children of Yisra'el, and gathered the prophets together to mount Karmel. 18:21Eliyah came near to all the people, and said, 'How long go you limping between the two sides? If Yahweh be the Mighty One, follow him; but if Ba`al, then follow him.' The people answered him not a word. 18:22Then said Eliyah to the people, 'I, even I only, am left a prophet of Yahweh; but Ba`al's prophets are four hundred fifty men. 18:23Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under. 18:24Call you on the name of your mighty one, and I will call on the name of Yahweh; and the mighty one who answers by fire, let him be the Mighty One.' All the people answered, 'It is well spoken.' 18:25Eliyah said to the prophets of Ba`al, 'Choose you one bull for yourselves, and dress it first; for you are many; and call on the name of your mighty one, but put no fire under.' 18:26They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Ba`al from morning even until noon, saying, 'Ba`al, hear us.' But there was no voice, nor any who answered. They leaped about the altar which was made. 18:27It happened at noon, that Eliyah mocked them, and said, 'Cry aloud; for he is a mighty one: either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleeps and must be awakened.' 18:28They cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 18:29It was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening offering; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any who regarded. 18:30Eliyah said to all the people, 'Come near to me.' And all the people came near to him. He repaired the altar of Yahweh that was thrown down. 18:31Eliyah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Ya`akov, to whom the word of Yahweh came, saying, 'Yisra'el shall be your name.' 18:32With the stones he built an altar in the name of Yahweh; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 18:33He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, 'Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering, and on the wood.' 18:34He said, 'Do it the second time.' And they did it the second time. He said, 'Do it the third time.' And they did it the third time. 18:35The water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. 18:36It happened at the time of the offering of the evening offering, that Eliyah the prophet came near, and said, 'Yahweh, the Mighty One of Avraham, of Yitzchak, and of Yisra'el, let it be known this day that you are the Mighty One in Yisra'el, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 18:37Hear me, Yahweh, hear me, that this people may know that you, Yahweh, are the Mighty One, and that you have turned their heart back again.' 18:38Then the fire of Yahweh fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 18:39When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, 'Yahweh, he is the Mighty One; Yahweh, he is the Mighty One.' 18:40and Eliyah said to them, 'Take the prophets of Ba`al; don't let one of them escape.' They took them; and Eliyah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there."
It should be noted from 1 Melakhim 18: 17-18 that those who trouble Yisrael, those who trouble the people of Yahweh, are those who forsake the commandments of Yahweh, those who worship other mighty ones!
Follow Yahweh Wholeheartedly, or Not At All
1 Melakhim 18: 21 shows that it is not acceptable before Yahweh for us to limp between two sides! Either we follow Yahweh wholeheartedly, or we follow other mighty ones wholeheartedly. There is no halfway house with Yahweh. It is not acceptable before him to refrain from committing ourselves either way. Therefore, if we do not commit ourselves to follow fully after him we are not following him, and have forsaken his commandments. Therefore, if we do not fully follow after Yahweh, we become troublers of Yisrael, troublers of the people of Yahweh.
The Purposes of the Contest Between Eliyah and the Prophets of Baal
It should be noted, as 1 Melakhim 18: 24 shows, that the purpose for the contest between the prophets of Baal on one side, and Eliyah the prophet of Yahweh on the other side, was for ascertaining who indeed was the Mighty One. If Baal answered by fire, he indeed was the Mighty One. If Yahweh answered by fire, he indeed was the Mighty One.
It should also be noted that the people understood that there was only ONE Mighty One, such that they approved of this contest between the prophets of Baal representing Baal and Eliyah the prophet of Yahweh representing Yahweh.
1 Melakhim 18: 36-37 shows the purposes of the contest between Eliyah and Baal's prophets. It was to: (a) show that Yahweh was the Mighty One, the Mighty One in Yisrael, (b) show that Eliyah was Yahweh's servant, (c) show that Eliyah did all the things he did at Yahweh's word, and (d) show that Yahweh had turned the heart of the people back again, turning their hearts back again to himself, and from the Baalim and Asherahs.
1 Melakhim 18: 41-46 reads, "18:41Eliyah said to Ach'av, 'Get you up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.' 18:42So Ach'av went up to eat and to drink. Eliyah went up to the top of Karmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees. 18:43He said to his servant, 'Go up now, look toward the sea.' He went up, and looked, and said, 'There is nothing.' He said, 'Go again seven times.' 18:44It happened at the seventh time, that he said, 'Behold, there arises a cloud out of the sea, as small as a man's hand.' He said, 'Go up, tell Ach'av, "Make ready your chariot, and get you down, that the rain not stop you."' 18:45It happened in a little while, that the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ach'av rode, and went to Yizre`el: 18:46and the hand of Yahweh was on Eliyah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ach'av to the entrance of Yizre`el."
It should be noted that Eliyah had a servant, someone who attended to his various needs.
Meaning of "The Hand of Yahweh"
It should also be noted that when "the hand of Yahweh" came upon Eliyah, he outran Achav to the entrance of Yizreel, despite Achav having commenced his ride upon his chariot before Eliyah commenced his run. It should also be noted that "hand of Yahweh" is the same as the "Spirit of Yahweh" that Ovadyah, Yahweh's servant, had spoken about earlier on when he met with Eliyah.
Eliyah Runs Away From Izevel's Wrath
1 Melakhim 19: 1-8 reads, "19:1Ach'av told Izevel all that Eliyah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 19:2Then Izevel sent a messenger to Eliyah, saying, 'So let the mighty ones do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.' 19:3When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Be'er-Sheva, which belongs to Yahudah, and left his servant there. 19:4But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper-tree. And he requested for himself that he might die, and said, 'It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.' 19:5He lay down and slept under a juniper-tree; and, behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, 'Arise and eat.' 19:6He looked, and, behold, there was at his head a cake baked on the coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and laid him down again. 19:7The angel of Yahweh came again the second time, and touched him, and said, 'Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.' 19:8He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Chorev the mount of the Mighty One."
Yahweh Did Not Listen to Eliyah's Prayer that He Die
It should be noted that Yahweh DID NOT LISTEN to Eliyah's prayer to him that Yahweh takes away Eliyah's life! It should therefore be noted that Yahweh does not always listen to all of the prayers of his prophets!
Instead, Yahweh responded by sending him to Chorev, his mountain. In other words, Yahweh does according to his will, not our will. When it was Yahweh's will to declare to the widow in whose house Eliyah lodged, and to the rest of mankind in due course, that he indeed is Yahweh, and that Eliyah was his servant, he raised the woman's child from the dead, and gave him life again. When it was Yahweh's will to declare himself, again, as Yisrael's Mighty One, to turn the hearts of the Yisraelites again to himself, and away from Baalim and Asherahs, and to affirm Eliyah as his servant, he sent down fire from heaven, and consumed the sacrifice.
But when Eliyah prayed to Yahweh a prayer that was not in harmony with Yahweh's will, Yahweh did not do as Eliyah sought. Instead Yahweh gave him instruction concerning what next he was to do, and strengthened him appropriately to ensure that he so did what he was to do. It should therefore be noted that Yahweh answers only according to his will in any matter at any time. It is irrelevant whether the person making a request to him is his prophet or not. His will prevails.
Eliyah at Chorev, Yahweh's Mountain
1 Melakhim 19: 9-18 reads, "19:9He came there to a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, and he said to him, 'What do you here, Eliyah?' 19:10He said, 'I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the Mighty One-Tzva'ot; for the children of Yisra'el have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword. And I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.' 19:11He said, 'Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.' Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh. But Yahweh was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. 19:12And after the earthquake a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire. And after the fire a still small voice. 19:13It was so, when Eliyah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. Behold, there came a voice to him, and said, 'What do you here, Eliyah?' 19:14He said, 'I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the Mighty One-Tzva'ot; for the children of Yisra'el have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.' 19:15Yahweh said to him, 'Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Dammesek. And when you come, you shall anoint Chaza'el to be king over Aram; 19:16and Yahu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Yisra'el; and Elisha the son of Shafat of Avel-Mecholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room. 19:17It shall happen, that he who escapes from the sword of Chaza'el shall Yahu kill; and he who escapes from the sword of Yahu shall Elisha kill. 19:18Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Yisra'el, all the knees which have not bowed to Ba`al, and every mouth which has not kissed him."
Based on Eliyah's replies to Yahweh it appears that it was in Eliyah's heart to turn the children of Yisrael back again to Yahweh's covenant.
Yahweh Preserves the Righteous
It should also be noted that Yahweh preserves the righteous. For he reserved for himself seven thousand people in Yisrael who had remained faithful to him, and had not prostituted themselves in serving Baalim or Asherahs.
Yahweh Understood Eliyah's Frail Human Condition
It should also be noted from 1 Melakhim 19: 16 that Yahweh indeed heard a portion of Eliyah's prayer. For even though he refused to take away his life, he nevertheless informed him that there was coming a time when he would no longer bear the burden of his prophetic office. For he instructed Eliyah to anoint Elisha in Eliyah's stead. Yahweh therefore understood the burden of Eliyah's prophetic office, and set about to reduce it. But his manner of reducing Eliyah's burden was according to Yahweh's design, and not according to that Eliyah had proposed in his prayer to him. For Eliyah sought to rest from his labours immediately. But Yahweh instructed him on a planned resting from his labours, for he instructed him to anoint Elisha in Eliyah's stead.
It should therefore be noted that it is Yahweh's will that rules. But he also understands the frail condition of humans, and makes appropriate allowance for the frail condition of humans when his will is being performed.
Distinction Between "the Word of Yahweh" and the "Voice" Eliyah Heard
It should be noted from 1 Melakhim 19: 9 and 1 Melakhim 19: 12-13 that there is a distinction between "the word of Yahweh" and "the still small voice" that Eliyah heard. For before Eliyah "heard" the still small voice the word of Yahweh had already "come to him" and given him Yahweh's words. Later, when he heard the still small voice he received again the same words he had received a short while before by the word of Yahweh.
It should be noted that "the word of Yahweh" IS NOT "heard" with the ears, as "voices" are heard with ears! "The word of Yahweh" is communicated DIRECTLY INTO THE MIND, without hearing of ears, or seeing of eyes, or touching with any part of the body. The word of Yahweh is communicated directly into the mind independently of the five human senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell!
It should also be noted that the word of Yahweh is SEPARATE FROM human thoughts. For human thoughts come from the human mind. But the word of Yahweh is put into the human mind by Yahweh's Spirit, and Yahweh's Spirit is external to the human mind!
Eliyah Casts His Mantle on Elisha
1 Melakhim 19: 19-21 reads, "19:19So he departed there, and found Elisha the son of Shafat, who was plowing, with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Eliyah passed over to him, and cast his mantle on him. 19:20He left the oxen, and ran after Eliyah, and said, 'Let me, I pray you, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.' He said to him, 'Go back again; for what have I done to you?' 19:21He returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Eliyah, and ministered to him."
It should be noted that when Elisha realised that his work of ploughing in the field had been superseded by the work Yahweh had set for him he simply left his work, and even did away with the tools he used for his work. His work had now come to an end. He was now commencing a new work of working for Yahweh!
1 Melakhim 21: 1-29 reads, "21:1It happened after these things, that Navot the Yizre`eli had a vineyard, which was in Yizre`el, hard by the palace of Ach'av king of Shomron. 21:2Ach'av spoke to Navot, saying, 'Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it. Or, if it seem good to you, I will give you the worth of it in money.' 21:3Navot said to Ach'av, 'Yahweh forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you.' 21:4Ach'av came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Navot the Yizre`eli had spoken to him; for he had said, 'I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.' He laid him down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 21:5But Izevel his wife came to him, and said to him, 'Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?' 21:6He said to her, 'Because I spoke to Navot the Yizre`eli, and said to him, "Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it." And he answered, I will not give you my vineyard.' 21:7Izevel his wife said to him, 'Do you now govern the kingdom of Yisra'el? Arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be merry. I will give you the vineyard of Navot the Yizre`eli.' 21:8So she wrote letters in Ach'av's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the Zakenim and to the nobles who were in his city, and who lived with Navot. 21:9She wrote in the letters, saying, 'Proclaim a fast, and set Navot on high among the people. 21:10And set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, "You did curse the Mighty One and the king." Then carry him out, and stone him to death.' 21:11The men of his city, even the Zakenim and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Izevel had sent to them, according as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them. 21:12They proclaimed a fast, and set Navot on high among the people. 21:13The two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him. And the base fellows bore witness against him, even against Navot, in the presence of the people, saying, 'Navot did curse the Mighty One and the king.' Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones. 21:14Then they sent to Izevel, saying, 'Navot is stoned, and is dead.' 21:15It happened, when Izevel heard that Navot was stoned, and was dead, that Izevel said to Ach'av, 'Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Navot the Yizre`eli, which he refused to give you for money; for Navot is not alive, but dead.' 21:16It happened, when Ach'av heard that Navot was dead, that Ach'av rose up to go down to the vineyard of Navot the Yizre`eli, to take possession of it.
21:17
The word of Yahweh came to Eliyah the Tishbi, saying, 21:18'Arise, go down to meet Ach'av king of Yisra'el, who dwells in Shomron. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Navot, where he is gone down to take possession of it. 21:19You shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, Have you killed and also taken possession?" You shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Navot shall dogs lick your blood, even your own blood."' 21:20Ach'av said to Eliyah, 'Have you found me, my enemy?' He answered, 'I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh. 21:21"Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ach'av every man-child, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Yisra'el. 21:22And I will make your house like the house of Yarov`am the son of Nevat, and like the house of Ba`sha the son of Achiyah for the provocation wherewith you have provoked me to anger, and have made Yisra'el to sin." 21:23Of Izevel also spoke Yahweh, saying, "The dogs shall eat Izevel by the rampart of Yizre`el. 21:24Him who dies of Ach'av in the city the dogs shall eat; and him who dies in the field shall the birds of the sky eat." 21:25(But there was none like Ach'av, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Izevel his wife stirred up. 21:26He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amori did, whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Yisra'el.) 21:27It happened, when Ach'av heard those words, that he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. 21:28The word of Yahweh came to Eliyah the Tishbi, saying, 21:29'See you how Ach'av humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son's days will I bring the evil on his house.'"Yahweh's tender mercy should be noted. For despite Achav having sold himself to do evil in the sight of Yahweh, under the stirring of his wife Izevel, when he humbled himself before Yahweh, Yahweh forgave him facing the evil pronouncement on his family. Yahweh postponed the calamity on his family, such that it would come about after his death.
It should therefore be evident that Yahweh desires that our hearts be turned to him. That we abandon any false mighty ones that we follow, and follow fully after him, upholding in our conduct all his words, including his covenant. We should also humble ourselves before him and conduct our affairs in humility. For when we do so he forgives our iniquity and imparts life to us.
Achazyah Sends to Inquire of Baal-Zevuv
2 Melakhim 1: 1-18 reads, "1:1Mo'av rebelled against Yisra'el after the death of Ach'av. 1:2Achazyah fell down through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Shomron, and was sick. And he sent messengers, and said to them, 'Go, inquire of Ba`al-Zevuv, the mighty one of `Ekron, whether I shall recover of this sickness.' 1:3But the angel of Yahweh said to Eliyah the Tishbi, 'Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Shomron, and tell them, "Is it because there is no Mighty One in Yisra'el, that you go to inquire of Ba`al-Zevuv, the mighty one of `Ekron?" 1:4Now therefore thus says Yahweh, "You shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die."' Eliyah departed. 1:5The messengers returned to him, and he said to them, 'Why is it that you have returned?' 1:6They said to him, 'There came up a man to meet us, and said to us, "Go, turn again to the king who sent you, and tell him, 'Thus says Yahweh, Is it because there is no Mighty One in Yisra'el, that you send to inquire of Ba`al-Zevuv, the mighty one of `Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die.'"' 1:7He said to them, 'What manner of man was he who came up to meet you, and told you these words?' 1:8They answered him, 'He was a hairy man, and girt with a belt of leather about his loins.' He said, 'It is Eliyah the Tishbi.' 1:9Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. He went up to him. And, behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. He spoke to him, 'Man of the Mighty One, the king has said, "Come down."' 1:10Eliyah answered to the captain of fifty, 'If I be a man of the Mighty One, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty.' Fire came down from the sky, and consumed him and his fifty. 1:11Again he sent to him another captain of fifty and his fifty. He answered him, 'Man of the Mighty One, thus has the king said, "Come down quickly."' 1:12Eliyah answered them, 'If I be a man of the Mighty One, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty.' The fire of the Mighty One came down from the sky, and consumed him and his fifty. 1:13Again he sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. The third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Eliyah, and begged him, and said to him, 'Man of the Mighty One, please let my life, and the life of these fifty your servants, be precious in your sight. 1:14Behold, fire came down from the sky, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.' 1:15The angel of Yahweh said to Eliyah, 'Go down with him. Don't be afraid of him.' He arose, and went down with him to the king. 1:16He said to him, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Ba`al-Zevuv, the mighty one of `Ekron. Is it because there is no Mighty One in Yisra'el to inquire of his word? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die."' 1:17So he died according to the word of Yahweh which Eliyah had spoken. Yehoram began to reign in his place in the second year of Yehoram the son of Yehoshafat king of Yahudah; because he had no son. 1:18Now the rest of the acts of Achazyah which he did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Yisra'el?"
Do Not Inquire of False Mighty Ones
It should be noted that Yahweh's people, the children of Yisrael, are NOT to inquire of any mighty one other than Yahweh, the Mighty One of Yisrael.
Eliyah Was an Ordinary Human Being
It should also be noted that Eliyah was just an ordinary human being as anyone else. When his life was in danger, he had fear just as much as other human beings have fear when faced with similar circumstances.
Eliyah Undertook His Works at Yahweh's Command
It should also be reiterated that Eliyah undertook the various acts that he did at Yahweh's word. When Yahweh told him to respond in a particular manner, he did. When Yahweh told him to respond in a different manner, he did. In other words, he undertook Yahweh's works in the manner Yahweh instructed him to undertake them. He did not do them according to his own thoughts. Thus when he called down fire from heaven it was at Yahweh's command. And when he went together with the third captain of the fifties, together with his fifty, it was at the command of Yahweh. Eliyah undertook the works of Yahweh in the manner Yahweh commanded him to undertake them, not according to his own thoughts.
Yahweh's Servants Ought to be Respected
It should also be noted that Yahweh's prophets ought to be respected by others. When the first two captains of fifties came to Eliyah, lacking the respect the third captain of the fifties had, they perished, together with their fifties. But the third captain of the fifties, who showed Yahweh's prophet respect, was spared. Thus Yahweh's prophets ought to be accorded due respect.
Eliyah Taken Up by a Whirlwind Into Heaven
2 Melakhim 2: 1-15 reads, "2:1It happened, when Yahweh would take up Eliyah by a whirlwind into Heaven, that Eliyah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2:2Eliyah said to Elisha, 'Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Beit-El.' Elisha said, 'As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.' So they went down to Beit-El. 2:3The sons of the prophets who were at Beit-El came forth to Elisha, and said to him, 'Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?'
He said, 'Yes, I know it; hold your shalom.'
2:4
Eliyah said to him, 'Elisha, please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to Yericho.' He said, 'As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.' So they came to Yericho. 2:5The sons of the prophets who were at Yericho came near to Elisha, and said to him, 'Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?'He answered, 'Yes, I know it. Hold your shalom.'
2:6
Eliyah said to him, 'Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to the Yarden.'He said, 'As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.' They two went on. 2:7Fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off. And they two stood by the Yarden. 2:8Eliyah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that they two went over on dry ground. 2:9It happened, when they had gone over, that Eliyah said to Elisha, 'Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.' Elisha said, 'Please let a double portion of your spirit be on me.' 2:10He said, 'You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you; but if not, it shall not be so.' 2:11It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both apart; and Eliyah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven. 2:12Elisha saw it, and he cried, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Yisra'el and the horsemen of it!' He saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes, and tore them in two pieces. 2:13He took up also the mantle of Eliyah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Yarden. 2:14He took the mantle of Eliyah that fell from him, and struck the waters, and said, 'Where is Yahweh, the Mighty One of Eliyah?' And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha went over. 2:15When the sons of the prophets who were at Yericho over against him saw him, they said, 'The spirit of Eliyah does rest on Elisha.' They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him."
Which Heaven Was Eliyah Taken Up Into?
Someone may ask, WHICH heaven was Eliyah taken up into?
It should be noted that the scriptures speak of various heavens. There is the heaven that is the location of Yahweh's throne. There are the heavens that are the various heavenly bodies, such as stars and planets. And there is the heaven that is the earth's atmosphere, where the clouds are.
It should also be noted that Eliyah was taken up by a WHIRLWIND into heaven. Therefore, the heaven he was taken into is one where whirlwinds exist. It should therefore be evident that the heaven Eliyah was taken up into was the earth's atmosphere, where whirlwinds exist!
Where Did Eliyah Come From When He Appeared And Spoke With Yah'shuah?
Someone may then ask, if Eliyah did not go up to the heaven that is the location of Yahweh's throne, then where did he come from in order to appear with Moshe and talk with Yah'shuah prior to Yah'shuah's death at Yerushalayim?
Father Yahweh Resides in Heaven
Mattityahu 5: 16 reads, "5:16Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven."
It is therefore evident that Father Yahweh resides in heaven.
Father Yahweh's Throne is in Heaven
Mattityahu 5: 33-35 reads, "5:33Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to Yahweh your vows,' 5:34but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by Heaven, for it is the throne of the Mighty One; 5:35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Yerushalayim, for it is the city of the great King."
It is also evident that Father Yahweh the Mighty One's throne is in heaven.
Only Yah'shuah Had Ascended to Heaven
Yahchanan 3: 13 reads, "3:13No one has ascended into Heaven, but he who descended out of Heaven, the Son of Man, who is in Heaven."
It should be clear, from Yah'shuah's words, that no human being had at the time he was speaking ever ascended into heaven. The only one who had done so was he Yah'shuah, he who descended from heaven.
Seeing that Yah'shuah was speaking several generations after Eliyah's time, it is evident that Eliyah did not go to the heaven Yah'shuah was referring to. And seeing that Yah'shuah descended from the heaven that is the location of the throne of Father Yahweh, it is evident that Eliyah did not ascend to the heaven that is the location of Father Yahweh's throne. Eliyah therefore ascended to where "whirlwinds" exist, the heaven that is the earth's atmosphere, and did not ascend to the location that is Father Yahweh's throne!
The Sons of the Prophets Thought Eliyah Was on Earth
It should also be noted that the sons of the prophets did not think that Eliyah had ascended to the throne of Yahweh the Mighty One, but had just been deposited to some other location of the earth. For 2 Melakhim 2: 16-18 reads:
"2:16They said to him, 'See now, there are with your servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray you, and seek your master, lest the Spirit of Yahweh has taken him up, and cast him on some mountain, or into some valley.' He said, 'You shall not send.' 2:17When they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, 'Send.' They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but didn't find him. 2:18They came back to him, while he stayed at Yericho; and he said to them, 'Didn't I tell you, "Don't go?"'"
It should therefore be clear that the sons of the prophets, over whom Eliyah presided, understood that the Spirit of Yahweh indeed took him from that particular geographic locality and deposited in some other geographic locality. What they did not know was the geographic locality where Eliyah was deposited. And that was why they sought, both mountains and valleys, in an effort to locate Eliyah. But their search proved unfruitful.
It should therefore be clear that the heaven Eliyah was taken up into was the earth's atmosphere, much like several human beings are taken up into the same heaven. The difference between them and Eliyah is that Eliyah was taken up by the Spirit of Yahweh, while humans are taken up by aircrafts. And just as aircrafts take humans from one geographic location to another, so also did the Spirit of Yahweh take up Eliyah from one geographic location to another.
Eliyah Alive on Earth After Being Taken Up Into Heaven
It should also be noted that Eliyah was indeed alive on earth several years after he was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind. The following account in Divre Hayamim proves that Eliyah was indeed alive on earth several years after he was taken up into heaven.
2 Divre Hayamim (Chronicles) 21: 1-20 reads, "21:1Yehoshafat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Yehoram his son reigned in his place. 21:2He had brothers, the sons of Yehoshafat: `Azaryah, and Yechi'el, and Zekharyah, and `Azaryah, and Mikha'el, and Shefatyahu; all these were the sons of Yehoshafat king of Yisra'el. 21:3Their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Yahudah. But the kingdom gave he to Yehoram, because he was the firstborn. 21:4Now when Yehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and various also of the princes of Yisra'el. 21:5Yehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Yerushalayim. 21:6He walked in the way of the kings of Yisra'el, as did the house of Ach'av; for he had the daughter of Ach'av as wife. And he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh. 21:7However Yahweh would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a lamp to him and to his children always. 21:8In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Yahudah, and made a king over themselves. 21:9Then Yehoram passed over with his captains, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and struck the Edom who surrounded him, along with the captains of the chariots. 21:10So Edom revolted from under the hand of Yahudah to this day. Then did Livna revolt at the same time from under his hand, because he had forsaken Yahweh, the Mighty One of his fathers. 21:11Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Yahudah, and made the inhabitants of Yerushalayim to play the prostitute, and led Yahudah astray. 21:12There came a writing to him from Eliyah the prophet, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh, the Mighty One of David your father, "Because you have not walked in the ways of Yehoshafat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Yahudah, 21:13but have walked in the way of the kings of Yisra'el, and have made Yahudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim to play the prostitute, like as the house of Ach'av did, and also have slain your brothers of your father's house, who were better than yourself. 21:14Behold, Yahweh will strike with a great plague your people, and your children, and your wives, and all your substance; 21:15and you shall have great sickness by disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day."' 21:16Yahweh stirred up against Yehoram the spirit of the Pelishtim, and of the `Aravi'im who are beside the Kushim: 21:17and they came up against Yahudah, and broke into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Yeho'achaz, the youngest of his sons. 21:18After all this Yahweh struck him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 21:19It happened, in process of time, at the end of two years, that his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness, and he died of sore diseases. His people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. 21:20Thirty-two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Yerushalayim eight years. And he departed without being desired; and they buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings."
2 Divre Hayamim 21: 12 clearly shows that Eliyah was alive and wrote to Yehoram king of Yahudah, the son of Yehoshafat king of Yahudah.
When Eliyah Wrote to Yehoram son of Yehoshafat
2 Melakhim 3: 1-19 reads, "3:1Now Yehoram the son of Ach'av began to reign over Yisra'el in Shomron in the eighteenth year of Yehoshafat king of Yahudah, and reigned twelve years. 3:2He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, but not like his father, and like his mother; for he put away the pillar of Ba`al that his father had made. 3:3Nevertheless he cleaved to the sins of Yarov`am the son of Nevat, wherewith he made Yisra'el to sin; he didn't depart therefrom. 3:4Now Mesha king of Mo'av was a sheep-master; and he rendered to the king of Yisra'el the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams. 3:5But it happened, when Ach'av was dead, that the king of Mo'av rebelled against the king of Yisra'el. 3:6King Yehoram went out of Shomron at that time, and mustered all Yisra'el. 3:7He went and sent to Yehoshafat the king of Yahudah, saying, 'The king of Mo'av has rebelled against me. Will you go with me against Mo'av to battle?' He said, 'I will go up. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.' 3:8He said, 'Which way shall we go up?' He answered, 'The way of the wilderness of Edom.' 3:9So the king of Yisra'el went, and the king of Yahudah, and the king of Edom; and they made a circuit of seven days' journey. And there was no water for the host, nor for the animals that followed them. 3:10The king of Yisra'el said, 'Alas! For Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Mo'av.' 3:11But Yehoshafat said, 'Isn't there here a prophet of Yahweh, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?' One of the king of Yisra'el's servants answered, 'Elisha the son of Shafat is here, who poured water on the hands of Eliyah.' 3:12Yehoshafat said, 'The word of Yahweh is with him.' So the king of Yisra'el and Yehoshafat and the king of Edom went down to him. 3:13Elisha said to the king of Yisra'el, 'What have I to do with you? Get you to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother.' The king of Yisra'el said to him, 'No; for Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Mo'av.' 3:14Elisha said, 'As Yahweh-Tzva'ot lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Yehoshafat the king of Yahudah, I would not look toward you, nor see you. 3:15But now bring me a minstrel.' It happened, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Yahweh came on him. 3:16He said, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Make this valley full of trenches." 3:17For thus says Yahweh, "You shall not see wind, neither shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your animals." 3:18This is but a light thing in the sight of Yahweh. He will also deliver the Mo`avim into your hand. 3:19You shall strike every fortified city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all springs of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.'"
It should therefore be noted that at the time Elisha became prophet in Eliyah's stead Yehoshafat was still reigning in Yahudah. Therefore, after Eliyah had been taken up into heaven, after Elisha had become prophet in Eliyah's stead, after Yehoshafat had died, and after his son Yehoram had began to reign in his stead, Eliyah sent a letter to Yehoram son of Yehoshafat king of Yahudah. It should therefore be clear that Eliyah was indeed alive and in some geographical part of the earth, and still a prophet of Yahweh, several years after he was taken up into heaven!
The Heaven Eliyah Was Taken Up Into
It should therefore be clear that the heaven Eliyah was taken up into by a whirlwind was the earth's atmosphere, and not the location of Father Yahweh's throne!
It therefore appears, as is the way of all men, that Eliyah did indeed die once his appointed days for living had come to an end.
Moshe Was Both Dead and Buried
Now coming back to the matter of where both Moshe and Eliyah came from, to appear in glory and talk to the glorified Yah'shuah, before Yah'shuah's death at Yerushalayim.
It is clearly evident that Moshe died and was buried. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 34: 5-6 reads, "34:5So Moshe the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Mo'av, according to the word of Yahweh. 34:6He buried him in the valley in the land of Mo'av over against Beit-Pe`or: but no man knows of his tomb to this day." It is also evident, from our examination above, that Eliyah did not ascend up to the heaven that is Yahweh's throne, but was on earth several years after his being taken up into the heaven he was. Eliyah, as is common with other men, also died when his appointed days were complete.
Moshe and Eliyah Rose from the Dead to Speak with Yah'shuah
Seeing that both Moshe and Eliyah were dead, and seeing that both Moshe and Eliyah appeared in glory and talked with Yah'shuah before he died at Yerushalayim, it appears that both Moshe and Eliyah came from the dead to appear in glory and talk with Yah'shuah! Also, noting that they talked about what Yah'shuah was to accomplish by his impending death at Yerushalayim, it should indeed be clear that they came from the dead to have this conversation that they had with Yah'shuah, a conversation pertaining to an event that was shortly to take place. In other words, what the disciples saw WAS NOT a vision of the future kingdom of the resurrected Yah'shuah, but an event that was taking place right before their eyes!
Can human beings rise from the dead, and appear in glory? Did human beings rise from the dead and appear in glory before Yah'shuah's death? And seeing that they were not in heaven, for no human being had ascended to heaven, Father Yahweh's throne, by the time Yah'shuah was here on earth, where did Moshe and Eliyah come from?
Shemuel the Seer Rose from the Dead
1 Shemuel (Samuel) 28: 1-25 reads, "28:1It happened in those days, that the Pelishtim gathered their hosts together for warfare, to fight with Yisra'el. Akhish said to David, 'Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me in the host, you and your men.' 28:2David said to Akhish, 'Therefore you shall know what your servant will do.' Akhish said to David, 'Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.' 28:3Now Shemu'el was dead, and all Yisra'el had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Sha'ul had put away those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 28:4The Pelishtim gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem. And Sha'ul gathered all Yisra'el together, and they encamped in Gilboa. 28:5When Sha'ul saw the host of the Pelishtim, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 28:6When Sha'ul inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn't answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 28:7Then said Sha'ul to his servants, 'Seek me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her.' His servants said to him, 'Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at En-dor.' 28:8Sha'ul disguised himself, and put on other clothing, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night. And he said, 'Please divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whoever I shall name to you.' 28:9The woman said to him, 'Behold, you know what Sha'ul has done, how he has cut off those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. Why then lay you a snare for my life, to cause me to die?' 28:10Sha'ul swore to her by Yahweh, saying, 'As Yahweh lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.' 28:11Then said the woman, 'Whom shall I bring up to you?' He said, 'Bring me up Shemu'el.' 28:12When the woman saw Shemu'el, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Sha'ul, saying, 'Why have you deceived me?' For you are Sha'ul. 28:13The king said to her, 'Don't be afraid: for what do you see?' The woman said to Sha'ul, 'I see a mighty one coming up out of the earth.' 28:14He said to her, 'What form is he of?' She said, 'An old man comes up; and he is covered with a robe.' Sha'ul perceived that it was Shemu'el, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance. 28:15Shemu'el said to Sha'ul, 'Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up?' Sha'ul answered, 'I am sore distressed; for the Pelishtim make war against me, and the Mighty One is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.' 28:16Shemu'el said, 'Why then do you ask of me, seeing Yahweh is departed from you, and is become your adversary? 28:17Yahweh has done to you, as he spoke by me. And Yahweh has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to David. 28:18Because you didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, and didn't execute his fierce wrath on `Amalek, therefore has Yahweh done this thing to you this day. 28:19Moreover Yahweh will deliver Yisra'el also with you into the hand of the Pelishtim; and tomorrow shall you and your sons be with me. Yahweh will deliver the host of Yisra'el also into the hand of the Pelishtim.' 28:20Then Sha'ul fell immediately his full length on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Shemu'el. And there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. 28:21The woman came to Sha'ul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, 'Behold, your handmaid has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.' 28:22Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way. 28:23But he refused, and said, 'I will not eat.' But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed. 28:24The woman had a fattened calf in the house; and she hurried, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake matzah of it. 28:25And she brought it before Sha'ul, and before his servants; and they ate. Then they rose up, and went away that night."
It should be clear from 1 Shemuel 28 that Shemuel had been long dead and buried at the time the woman with a familiar spirit brought him up out of the earth. His form was distinctly human, that of an old man covered with a robe, but also different, for he came up as a "mighty one"! It should also be noted that the Scripture clearly calls this old man, this mighty one, Shemuel! In other words, this was indeed Shemuel, and NOT some other person. If it was some other person Yahweh would have seen to it that he was so described. But since he was called Shemuel, and all references, even to his speech, show that he was indeed Shemuel, it should be clear that this indeed was Shemuel, and not some other person. Therefore Shemuel came up from the dead, out of the earth! And his appearance was as the form of a "mighty one"!
That his appearance was as that of a "mighty one" suggests that he was indeed in some form of glory!
The Habitation of the Dead is Under the Earth
It should also be noted that Shemuel told Shaul that both he and his sons would the following day join Shemuel wherever he was under the earth. In other words, Shemuel was telling Shaul that the habitation of the dead is under the earth! And it made no difference whether those dead had been righteous or not. For Shemuel was righteous, yet he was under the earth. And Shaul was evil, yet even he, once dead, was joining Shemuel under the earth. Therefore the habitation of the dead is under the earth!
It should also be remembered, from our examination of the death of the Tzarfat widow's son, and how Yahweh gave him life again, that what gives life to human beings, flesh, is the spirit in them, otherwise called soul. When this spirit is in man, in flesh, man lives, the flesh lives. When this spirit departs from man, departs from flesh, man dies, the flesh dies. Therefore it is the spirit in man that gives him life.
Also, the spirit in man can depart from flesh, and come back into again. For that is what happened in the case of the widow's son. To come again into flesh implies that it was in some locality from which it came. With our knowledge gleaned from 1 Shemuel 28 it is evident that the spirits of the dead are somewhere under the earth.
Are the Dead Aware of Events on Earth?
In 1 Shemuel 28: 15 Shemuel asked Shaul why Shaul had disquieted or disturbed Shemuel in bringing him up from the dead. This would suggest that Shemuel was not expected to have known of the reason why Shaul had disturbed him in bringing him up from the dead. If so, why was he not expected to have so known the reason? Is it the case that the dead are indeed unaware of the events here on earth when they are dead? For had Shemuel known why Shaul had disturbed him from his dead state, he would not have needed to ask him why he was disturbed from his dead state, unless he was only doing so rhetorically.
In 1 Shemuel 28: 16-19 it should be noted that Shemuel spoke about events that had occurred while he was still alive, and also about an event that would occur in the future from the time that he was speaking to Shaul. He did not comment about events that had occurred between the time of his death and the time that he was then speaking to Shaul.
Why was there a gap of time in Shemuel's comments? Why did he speak about the future, and about the past when he was alive, and not about the past when he was dead? Might it have been the case that he was not aware of events that had been occurring on earth during the time that he was dead? And how did he come to be aware of an event that was to occur in the future?
With respect to Shemuel being aware of events that were to occur in future it appears that he obtained revelation from Yahweh even as when he was still alive. For when he was alive the word of Yahweh used to come to him to reveal to him events to take place in future. Therefore, concerning this prophecy he gave to Shaul, it appears that the word of Yahweh did indeed come to him to have enabled him to prophesy of the future. But why did he not speak about the past between the time of his death and the time that he was communicating with Shaul?
Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) 9: 3-5b reads, " 9:3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all. Yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 9:4For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 9:5For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything."
Kohelet 9: 3 shows that there is indeed a place that houses the dead. For it says that once the sons of men have completed their living, their days of life on this earth, they go to the dead. Implying that there is a particular location where the dead are indeed located.
Kohelet 9: 5 shows that the dead DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING! They do not even know that they are dead! They do not even know that they will live! They know nothing! Therefore, in the habitation of the dead, where the dead are, they know nothing!
It therefore appears that Shemuel, when he was indeed dead, when his spirit had departed from his body, his flesh, knew nothing! He did not know of any event taking place from the time that he died. He therefore did not know of events that took place between the time of his death, and the time that Shaul disturbed him from his habitation with the dead. This would explain why there was a time gap in his comments to Shaul. In that he spoke about events before he died, and also spoke about an event to take place in the future, but did not speak about events that took place between his death and his being disturbed from his dead state.
It should therefore be clear that the dead are NOT aware of events taking place on earth while they are in a dead state. It therefore appears that the spirits of the dead are not aware of events taking place on earth once they depart from the human body, once they depart from flesh.
Where Moshe and Eliyah Came From When they Appeared to Yah'shuah
Therefore, coming back to Moshe and Eliyah appearing in glory and talking with Yah'shuah about the things Yah'shuah was to accomplish by his impending death at Yerushalayim, it should be clear what happened. It appears that what the disciples saw were the spirits of Moshe and Eliyah, with a glorious appearance, talking with Yah'shuah, also in a glorious appearance. And seeing that Shemuel spoke about the future when he appeared and communicated to Shaul, so also did Moshe and Eliyah speak about the future when they appeared in glory and spoke with Yah'shuah. It therefore appears that both Moshe and Eliyah came up out of the earth to communicate with Yah'shuah about Yah'shuah's impending death at Yerushalayim.
It should also be noted that Moshe and Eliyah are not stated in the scriptures as having spoken about events that took place in the periods between their respective deaths, and the time they rose from the dead to speak with Yah'shuah about Yah'shuah's impending death at Yerushalayim. For, noting Yahweh's words in Kohelet 9: 5, they indeed knew nothing while they were in a dead state. It therefore appears that they were indeed risen from the dead, and in glory, for the purpose of fulfilling Yah'shuah's words to his disciples, that some of Yah'shuah's disciples would not die before they saw the kingdom of the Mighty One.
It should also be noted that Scripture does not discount the possibility of a spirit appearing to men, even the spirit of a dead person.
Luke 24: 36-43 reads, " 24:36As they said these things, Yah'shuah himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Shalom be to you.'
24:37
But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they saw a spirit.24:38
He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? Why do questionings arise in your hearts? 24:39See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.' 24:40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41While they still didn't believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, 'Do you have anything here to eat?'24:42
They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 24:43He took it, and ate in front of them."