The Hebrew name Eliyyah (Elijah) is composed of eli (my God) and Yah (the LORD). It means 'my God is Yahweh' — a declaration of exclusive covenant loyalty. Elijah the Tishbite is the greatest prophet of the northern kingdom of Israel and one of the most dramatic figures in all of Scripture.
Elijah the Tishbite burst onto the scene announcing a drought by the word of the LORD (1 Kings 17:1), then spent years in miraculous provision and confrontation with Israel's apostasy. His challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel — 'If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him' (1 Kings 18:21) — is one of the most electrifying moments in the Old Testament. His name was his message: 'My God is Yahweh.' He fled to Horeb in despair, only to hear the still small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12). He was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11) without dying. Malachi prophesied his return before the great Day of the LORD (Malachi 4:5), which Jesus identified as fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14).