Cheyne, T. K., The Hallowing of Criticism (1888), 141, 163
Cross, J., Knight-Banneret (1882), 62.
Ewing, A., Elijah and Ahab (1889), 276, 295, 330, 347.
McClure, J. G. K., Living for the Best (1903), 67.
Macduff, J. R., The Prophet of Fire (1864), 200.
Macintyre, R. G., Elijah and Elisha, 40, 49.
Maclaren, A., Expositions: 2 Samuel, etc. (1906), 285, 315, 322.
Maurice, F. D., The Prophets and Kings of the Old Testament (1892), 140.
Meyer, F. B., Elijah: and the Secret of his Power, 131, 139, 149, 157, 164.
Scott, W., in Sermons on the International Sunday-School Lessons, xxix. (1904) 271.
Stanley, A. P., Lectures on the History of the Jewish Church, ii. (1889) 266.
Taylor, W. M., Elijah the Prophet (1878), 149, 165, 185, 203, 222.
Vaughan, D. J., The Present Trial of Faith (1878), 270.
Wharton, M. B., Famous Men of the Old Testament (1903), 232.
Whitham, A. R., Old Testament History (1912), 293.
Churchman's Pulpit: The Lenten Season, v. 84 (A. M. Mackay).
Dictionary of the Bible, i. (1898) 687 (J. Strachan).
The Later Years
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.- 2Ki_2:11.
After its culmination in Carmel and Horeb, Elijah's life became less eventful. He came forth again once or twice, as of old, when special circumstances seemed to demand his reappearance in public life, but as a rule he lived in retirement, and in a manner which is less romantic and exciting. It would, however, be a great mistake to conclude that he spent the evening of his days as a hermit or in doing nothing. The truth is, that the last chapter of his life was probably the busiest. How it came about we do not know, but the age of persecution seemed to have passed. A spirit of comparative toleration prevailed. Schools of the prophets were allowed to be established in various places, and Elijah spent his closing years in active superintendence of these. Thus he was taught that the kingdom of darkness in this world is not a fortress which may be taken by assault, but one which will be reduced only by a long and laborious process of sapping and mining. The prophet, when he commenced his ministry, imagined that the idolatry of his country could be overthrown by a stroke. He closed his life-work by organizing a system of means which required the co-operation of many men, and which it took years to carry into effect. The silent and secret influence of these men in Israel would be like the little leaven hidden in the three measures of meal. They would keep alive the light of truth, they would transmit the knowledge of the true God to the next generation, and train up sons of the prophets to succeed them when they were called to their rest. Elijah was now content that his work should be slow and unobtrusive, knowing that only so could it be sure. He trusted no longer to the earthquake or the fire, but to the still small voice which convinces and inspires.
