Article November 8, 2010 Issue

2 prophets speaking up for God

BY KATHLEEN COLLINS

Did you know?

If you look in the Old Testament, you'll see that many of the books are named for prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah, for example. But there is no book called "Elijah" or "Elisha." You can find their stories in the books of First and Second Kings, which tell of the history of Israel.

Two of the most interesting characters in the Old Testament were the prophets Elijah and Elisha. They lived in the 9th century B.C. in Israel—almost 3,000 years ago. Each was called a "man of God"—a person who had a close relationship with God. Through the power of God, they both foretold events to come and performed miracles, such as parting the waters of the river Jordan. Both helped widows and raised a boy who had died. Both confronted kings who were turning away from God. And both their names tell about the purpose of their lifework. "Elijah" means: "The Lord is my God." And "Elisha" means: "My God saves."