Elijah
If asked, most Christians believe that Elijah was one of two Old Testament characters who were taken to heaven: the other being Enoch. Is this what Scripture is telling us? This article will show what the truth of Scripture reveals.
Before showing what came of Elijah from the event of 2 Kings 2:11 – 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. – a foundation needs to be established on why most believe he is in heaven today, without seeing death. This belief contradicts Scripture and all Scripture harmonizes from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21. This being the case Paul’s letter to the Corinthians harmonizes with 2 Kings 2:11.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV)
It needs to be asked, where does this disconnect come from?
The foundations of all the religious faith systems that encompass each of our lives were established long before our birth. For Christians, depending on the religion or lack thereof of our parents, we have been groomed on what to believe or think the Bible teaches before the Book is opened. There is one Bible, yet there are over twenty-two hundred “Christian” denominations/organizations in the world today, each with its own version/interpretation in meaning of the verses. Most people look upon the leaders of these “churches” as the experts who will teach what Scripture says. This leads to bias when reading with very little biblical understanding because reading the Bible comes with a preconceived acceptance. This point is made regarding those who actually read the Bible. Statistics show, few Christians read God’s word and very few study.
What has come from this fallacious religious system has suppressed the search for God’s truth which Christ spoke of in, John 17:17 – 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. If one is not set apart by God’s TRUTH, they will end up following the false teachings, doctrines and traditions of men, which are the foundations of today’s Christian churches. Most denominations (churches) today are the harlot (daughter) organizations (churches) of Roman Catholicism (mother), and they don’t even know it.
4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH.
Revelation 17:4-5 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
Since most Christians base their faith on the teachings, doctrines and traditions of these organizations, they themselves are not sanctified in truth!
One of the many problems past and present Bible teachers and scholars have is they do not understand God’s clock and how He tracks time. Instead they rely on our current Gregorian calendar to try to fit declared biblical timelines. It is not possible to figure out the order of events in the Bible using the Gregorian system of time and applying it to Scripture because God used the Hebrew calendar to mark time. For example, without knowing God’s calendar the following verse from Ezekiel would be impossible to figure out. Without true understanding of this revelation from God to Ezekiel, “church” leadership cannot know the importance of what was witnessed and how big of a deceptional role it plays in the Christian faith system practiced today.
1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell upon me there.
Ezekiel 8:1 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
This is one example of how time is set in Scripture and the lack of knowledge regarding God’s clock will cause one to simply read past this important information. Ezekiel 8 is all about the abominations that Judah was committing then and are being committed today by people who claim Christ!
6 Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations.”
Ezekeil 8:6 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
The abominations were shown, all the way up to the greatest of all.
15 Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these.” 16 So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east.
Ezekiel 8:15-16 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
Verse 16 gives us the information that should cause a great pause to ANY “Christian” if they knew the importance of this event. This abomination was not only the worship of the sun god in the temple (CHURCH), but this day was on our day called Sunday, which was established as the PAGAN worship day of the sun god! This IS NOT God’s called for Sabbath day but Satan’s day which most Christians follow, brought to the daughter (harlot) churches by Roman Catholicism which was solidified by another false doctrine that Christ rose on Sunday. For true understanding to the death and resurrection see the article: THE BIBLICAL VERSION OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION at www.unlocktheword.com.
The reason this information shown in Ezekiel can be understood today, is God has revealed His calendar for those who have interest in John 17:17 sanctification. The day and year this happened was 3519 (AM – after man – creation) or 528 (BC). To find the information on this timeline visit: www.biblicalcalendarproof.com.
Now that it has been established that there is non-subjective proof that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, one can start to search out Scripture in ways that were not possible before. However, there lies another problem for those who search for TRUTH. The problem that will present itself is Scripture will reveal that many, if not most of the past held beliefs have no biblical basis of fact, creating the need to change one’s POSITION. This is one of the most difficult things for people, especially “church” leadership to overcome. This is explained in the article The Word That Controls Everyone which can be found at: www.unlocktheword.com.
Before sharing what Scripture bares regarding Elijah, a few points of understanding need to be established which most readers of the Bible are unaware or misunderstand.
There have been many biblical scholars who have made timelines in the past that were incorrect before they calculated their first guess on the dates. These people were giving dates arbitrarily because they had no foundation for fact. This is not meant to be a derogatory attempt to discredit their efforts since we all only know what we know. At the time of their work, God’s true calendar was not revealed to them, nor anyone else.
Now having indisputable proof on how God tells time, putting together a proper timeline of events by years can still have some challenges due to missing information in Scripture. One thing that needs to be taken into consideration, which is not always shared, is the time of the year (month) of the start and the end. As an example, it is written that Jehoshaphat ruled for twenty-five years without sharing what day and month he started. His kingdom was from 3192 (AM) or 855 (BC) until he died in 3216 (AM) or 831 (BC) equaling twenty-four years. This does not make the timeline inaccurate, but close enough based on the information that is revealed.
There are also many times when the Bible is not chronological. The event of Elijah being taken up, however, is not one of those times, as will be seen. These events were clearly laid out in Scripture to give a clear picture of what really happened to Elijah. Even though they are clearly laid out, the task of determining the dates is not easy and does take effort to unfold. There also must be interest in finding the truth when doctrinal positions have been set (in stone). Not many people have interest in searching out false narratives even though other Scripture clearly challenges the established story-line.
Another item missed by most readers is there are times when kings overlap and have dual ruler-ship. An example of this is King David turning over his throne to Solomon while he was still alive. David still ruled when Solomon was anointed king until his death. Dual ruler-ship will be witnessed in the story of Elijah.
The last point that needs to be understood before continuing – after the reign of King Solomon, one united nation became the two separate nations of Israel and Judah. Since there is a lack of understanding today, most Christians believe that the modern-day nation of Israel is the biblical Israel; it is not! The present nation is that of Judah.
Onto what really came of Elijah – according to Scripture.
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
This is the verse which tells us that Elijah was removed from his current location. Christianity teaches that Elijah ended up in heaven dwelling with God from that day on. Who could argue this fact? It clearly says “heaven” at the end of the verse! Since most Christians do not read the Bible and even fewer study, they would not understand that there are three heavens.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:2 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
The word heaven in Hebrew is Strong’s #8064 which means clouds/sky or atmosphere (1st heaven), celestial bodies/space (2nd heaven) and heaven, where God’s throne resides (3rd heaven). In the Greek the word is Strong’s #3772 which has the same definitions. Thus, there is nowhere in 2 Kings 2:11 that indicates any other “heaven” than the clouds/sky.
Scripture does not hide the fact that it was an impossibility for Elijah to enter the third heaven with God.
13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
John 3:13 (NKJV)
It is understandable why most Christians, even reading this verse many times, still would believe that Elijah had entered heaven because Jesus clearly has a believability problem.
This is easily provable by asking how many Christians adhere to what Christ said would demonstrate if He is loved.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:15 (NKJV)
The vast majority do not believe there are consequences for not following His commandments because He loves everyone. He died for our sins, so it is ok if sin persists, believability problem. We don’t need to love Him because He loves us. We just need to claim we “believe” in Jesus; John 3:16!
Christ was and is the only man who has entered heaven. This will be news to most Christians (including Christian leadership) even though Scripture is very clear what happens to each of us upon our death.
Having established that Elijah certainly did not attain entry into the third heaven, we will timeline the order of events according to Scripture. The events and times will be accounted for with direct verses. It is encouraged that you verify this yourself as every one of us are called to do when presented with biblical information.
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
Acts 17:11 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
The timeline for Elijah starts in 1 Kings 17.
1 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”
1 Kings 17:1 (NKJV)
What this verse tells us from the very beginning of his story is that he was a prophet for the nation of Israel, with Ahab being the king. Elijah proved his position as a prophet of God when the word he gave came to pass.
44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” 45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel.
1 Kings 18:44-45 (NKJV)
Moving along the timeline for the event that takes Elijah into the sky, starting with information regarding the reign of Jehoshaphat.
3192 (AM) or 855 (BC) 1 Kings 22:41-42: 41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa had become king over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
3208 (AM) or 839 (BC) 1 Kings 22:51 – 51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.
During this timeframe while Ahaziah was alive, Elijah was still located in the nation of Israel as seen in the beginning verses of 2 Kings.
2 Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria, and was injured; so he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury.” 3 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4 Now therefore, thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So Elijah departed.
2 Kings 1:2-4 (NKJV)
From these events, timestamped by the rule of both Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah, the information relating to Elijah going up in the whirlwind from the city of Jericho takes place.
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
From this event the prophetic reigns for the nation of Israel were handed over to Elisha. During this time Ahaziah passed after his two-year reign in 3209 (AM) or 838 (BC). 2 Kings 3 tells us who was next to rule the nation of Israel with this chapter adding a little more important detail.
1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel at Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
2 Kings 3:1 (NKJV)
It will be seen that both nations were ruled a by Jehoram at the same time. However, they are not the same individuals. The Jehoram that took the reign from Ahaziah was the son of Ahab who was occupying a dual ruler-ship which we mentioned happened at times in the beginning of this article. We are told in 1 Kings 16:29 – 29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri became king over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. – Samaria was the capital of Israel, while Jerusalem was the capital of Judah. This puts Ahab’s death in 3210 (AM) or 837 (BC) where both father and son ruled together for a couple years until that time.
By working through the information presented thus far, it can be determined that Elijah was taken up sometime around 3209/3210 (AM) or 838/837 (BC). It is also verified a few verses later, when the kings of the two nations get together that Elijah was no longer the prophet to Israel.
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched on that roundabout route seven days; and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them. 10 And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”
2 Kings 3:9-11 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
2 Chronicles 21 shares important information that is simply read over and overlooked. Jehoshaphat gave gifts to all of his children, but to his son Jehoram he gave the throne.
3 Their father gave them great gifts of silver and gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
2 Chronicles 21:3 (NKJV)
In order for Jehoshaphat to give the gifts, he needed to be alive. This is a good example showing the Bible is not always chronological, as will be witnessed when the timeline comes to verse 1 of the same chapter.
There is more information regarding this gift of the kingdom which establishes another dual rule timeframe.
16 Now in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat having been king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat began to reign as king of Judah. 17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
2 Kings 8:16-17 (NKJV)
The gifting of the kingdom event happened in 3213 (AM) or 834 (BC) while Jehoshaphat was still alive and king of Judah. Jehoram did not take over the complete control of the kingdom until the death of his father in 3216 (AM) or 831 (BC) ending the twenty-five-year reign as explored earlier 1 Kings 22:41-42. Thus, for three years both father and son ruled together. Now we have each nation under the rule of Jehoram, again, not the same two people.
This event is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:1 – 1 And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. Then Jehoram his son reigned in his place.
Now Jehoram, king of Judah has taken the reign from his father, having full authority to do as he wishes.
6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 21:6 (NKJV)
Doing evil was a common problem among most of the kings throughout the years. Because of this, during Jehoram’s rule there was strife in the nation. Then out of nowhere, Elijah steps in to write a letter to the king of Judah.
12 And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying,
Thus says the Lord God of your father David:
Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, 14 behold, the Lord will strike your people with a serious affliction—your children, your wives, and all your possessions; 15 and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.
2 Chronicles 21:12-15 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
There are two very important timestamped pieces of information in this letter. There is also a third piece which makes this letter important in proof that Elijah did not go to heaven. Elijah had to face death like everyone else at some later time which is not recorded.
The most obvious point (third piece) – Elijah is now living in Judah and not Israel. Had he been in Israel, he would not have been interested in writing a letter to the king of Judah.
The first timestamp piece relates to Jehoram (king of Judah) not walking in the way of his father. Had he been alive, Jehoram would not have been allowed to do evil in the sight of the Lord. Jehoshaphat having died in 3216 (AM) or 831 (BC) puts the letter sometime after this event.
The second timestamped information is tied in with verse 15 and comes four verses later in the chapter.
19 Then it happened in the course of time, after the end of two years, that his intestines came out because of his sickness; so he died in severe pain. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning for his fathers.
2 Chronicles 21:19 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
Jehoram died in 3220 (AM) or 827 (BC) eight years after the gift he received from his father. From Elijah’s letter he was informed of the intestinal sickness which took two years placing the start of the illness about 3218 (AM) or 829 (BC). The letter was written about 3217 (AM) or 830 (BC) which makes it an approximate eight years in between Elijah sightings in Scripture!
Having shown this, many will still hold on to the false doctrine and teachings that Elijah went to heaven not realizing being moved to another location has happened at other times in Scripture.
19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
John 6:19-21 (NKJV)
39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:39-40 (NKJV)
The gospel of John tells us that not only was an individual transported, but a complete vessel. Phillip, just like Elijah, was taken to another location in the blink of an eye. Scripture is consistent and validates itself. The discovery of God’s calendar (www.biblicalcalendarproof.com) where each date lines up perfectly proves that the Bible is God’s word and not man’s thoughts written down.
Elijah is always tied to Enoch in Christian doctrine. This being the case, we will conclude with explaining the story of Enoch according to Scripture.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Hebrews 11:5 (KJV) (emphasis mine)
Translated is Strong’s #3346 which means transfer, carry over, change, remove.
See is Strong’s #1492 which means to know, be aware.
Here again, we can understand that since Enoch could not have entered heaven John 3:13: 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. – the proper understanding of Hebrews 11:5 is Enoch was removed from his location and was not aware of his death. Enoch did not face death in the same manner as the rest of humanity. One must consider what life was like on this earth during his days.
6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Genesis 6:6 (NKJV)
Because of his POSITION in God’s TRUTH, Enoch was spared living among the pervasive sin of his time. Just as Elijah died, Enoch did not escape death either – Scripture is very clear!
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)
The challenge for each of us is to read and study the Bible without bias. This is a difficult but necessary transition for each of us. In the end, Scripture stands on God’s TRUTH and those who are sanctified will receive blessings unknown to most others who would rather hold on to unbiblical doctrine.