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Elijah’s Miracles in a Time of Drought
In 1 Kings 17:1-24, the prophet Elijah tells King Ahab that there will be a severe drought because the people have turned away from God. During the drought, God takes care of Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food and leading him to a widow who has only a little flour and oil left. Miraculously, her food never runs out as long as Elijah stays with her. Later, when her son dies, Elijah prays, and God brings the boy back to life.
Elijah and the Fire from Heaven
In 1 Kings 18:16-46, the prophet Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to prove whose God is real. They set up two altars, one for Baal and one for the Lord, and agree that the true God will send fire from heaven. The prophets of Baal pray all day, but nothing happens. Then Elijah prays to God, and immediately, fire falls from heaven, burning up the sacrifice. The people realize that the Lord is the true God. Soon after, Elijah prays, and rain finally comes after a long drought.
Elijah Finds Strength in God
In 1 Kings 19:1-21, after Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill him. Afraid, Elijah runs into the wilderness, feeling alone and hopeless. But God provides food and water for him and leads him to a mountain, where Elijah waits for God to speak. A powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire pass by, but God is not in them. Then, Elijah hears a gentle whisper—God’s voice. God encourages him and gives him a new mission.
Naboth’s Vineyard and God’s Justice
In 1 Kings 21:1-29, King Ahab wants to buy a vineyard from a man named Naboth, but Naboth refuses to sell it because it is his family’s land. Queen Jezebel takes matters into her own hands by falsely accusing Naboth of a crime and having him killed. Ahab then takes the vineyard, but God sends the prophet Elijah to confront him, warning that he and Jezebel will face severe consequences for their evil actions. Ahab humbles himself before God, so God delays the punishment.
The Fall of King Ahab
In 1 Kings 22:29-40, King Ahab ignores a warning from the prophet Micaiah and goes into battle disguised, thinking he can avoid danger. However, a random arrow strikes him, and he is fatally wounded. He dies later that day, and his blood is washed from his chariot in the same place where Naboth was killed. Just as God had warned, Ahab’s downfall comes as a result of his disobedience.
Elijah Taken to Heaven
In 2 Kings 2:1-12, the prophet Elijah knows his time on earth is ending, so he travels with his follower, Elisha. Along the way, Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha refuses, saying he will not leave his side. When they reach the Jordan River, Elijah strikes the water with his cloak, and it parts so they can cross on dry ground. Then, a chariot of fire with horses appears, and Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha watches in awe, knowing that God has taken his teacher.
Elisha Begins His Work
In 2 Kings 2:13-25, after Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha picks up his cloak and returns to the Jordan River. He strikes the water, and it parts just as it did for Elijah, showing that God’s power is now with him. As he travels, people recognize him as Elijah’s successor. Later, some young boys mock him, and Elisha calls on God, leading to a serious consequence for their disrespect. These events show that God had truly chosen Elisha as His prophet and that honoring God’s messengers is important.
Naaman Is Healed
In 2 Kings 5:1-27, Naaman, a powerful army commander, suffers from a terrible skin disease. A servant girl tells him about the prophet Elisha, who can help. When Naaman visits Elisha, he is told to wash seven times in the Jordan River. At first, Naaman is angry because he expected a dramatic healing, but his servants convince him to obey. When he does, he is completely healed. Grateful, he offers Elisha gifts, but the prophet refuses. However, Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, secretly takes the gifts for himself and is punished with the same disease that had afflicted Naaman.
Joash Becomes King
In 2 Kings 11:1-21, a wicked queen named Athaliah takes control of Judah and tries to kill all the royal heirs. However, Joash, a young prince, is secretly saved by his aunt and hidden in the temple for six years. When Joash is seven years old, the priest Jehoiada gathers supporters and reveals the true king. They crown Joash, and the people rejoice. Athaliah tries to stop them but is removed from power. The nation returns to worshiping God, and Joash begins his reign as king.
King Josiah Finds God’s Law
In 2 Kings 22:1-23:3, Josiah becomes king of Judah at just eight years old and later decides to repair the temple. During the work, a priest finds a long-lost book of God’s law. When Josiah hears its words, he realizes the people have not been following God’s commands. Deeply moved, he tears his clothes in sorrow and seeks guidance from God. Wanting to lead his people back to the right path, Josiah gathers everyone and publicly reads the law. He then makes a promise to obey God and encourages the people to do the same.