Elijah between Judgement and Grace: Bible Commentary 1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 2

How do judgement and grace interrelate? The eight chapters of 1-2 Kings dedicated to Elijah s ministry revolve around the theme of immediate and distant retribution. This commentary explains how Elijah s ministry highlights God s patience during the unique time of Israel s monarchy (1-2 Kings). It explains and justifies the theology of postponement . It draws attention to the literary features of the text and uses the narrative characteristics of the stories to underline the author s main message. Elijah is known for his courage at Mt Carmel and his perseverance in prayer; but also for his fear before Jezebel, and his depression after failure. He is the first man implicated in a resurrection and the second to be raptured to heaven. Essentially, Elijah is the prophet of judgement but during his life he had to learn more about God s mercy.