Scripture References 1 Kings 17–19 1 Kings 21 2 Kings 1–2 Malachi 4:5–6 Matthew 17:1–3 First Impression and Observations Elijah (meaning “My God is Yahweh”) bursts onto the scene in 1 Kings 17 with boldness and authority. Without introduction or genealogy, he declares to King Ahab that there will be no rain except at his word. He appears suddenly, speaks fearlessly, and disappears just as dramatically. Elijah was a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead during a time of intense apostasy in Israel. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had led the nation into Baal worship. Elijah stood almost alone in confronting this corruption. He performed powerful miracles: multiplying a widow’s flour and oil, raising her son from the dead, calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and parting the Jordan River before being taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Yet he also experienced deep discouragement and fear, fleeing from Jezebel and asking God to take his life. Elijah’s life combines bold courage with human vulner...
Scripture References Luke 2:36–38 First Impression and Observations Anna (meaning “Grace”) was a prophetess mentioned briefly but powerfully in the Gospel of Luke. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for seven years before becoming a widow and was very advanced in age—eighty-four years old (or possibly a widow for eighty-four years, depending on interpretation). Anna never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. At the very moment Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple, Anna came up, gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Though only three verses are devoted to her, Anna stands as a model of faithfulness, perseverance, and hope. She represents a remnant of Israel who waited expectantly for the Messiah. Outline of Life Anna was born into the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel. She married but was widowed after only ...