A Review of Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel According to Elijah and Elisha

Elijah and Elisha lived in a time of apostasy. The eleven chapters in this volume open up their lives and times and, additionally, point forward to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first chapter provides an overview of cultural temptations to covenantal faithfulness that the Israelites faced. The chapter introduces the two prophets and references New Testament verses on Elijah.

Subsequent chapters open up the ministry of Elijah and his successor, Elisha. Dillard examines their faithfulness to God in the face of political opposition, as well as the silence among the laity who had been so influenced by Baal worship. The striking emphasis here is not so much on these men of God, as important as they were, but on the God of these men.

The triune God protected them in peril, ministered to Elijah in his despair, and through them performed miracle after miracle that brought glory to Himself. When their work was accomplished, He took them to heaven in diverse ways.

The chapters are divided into sections. Each section includes questions for individual reflection or group discussion. These questions provide an opportunity for readers to review main tenets in the passage but also to apply lessons appropriately.

Throughout this volume the author interweaves relevant New Testament passages into the text. This shows the importance of the Old Testament. The numerous miracles point us to God and often to the redemptive work of Christ.

I have recently used this book as a basis for a Sunday school class. I found it to be well-written and very helpful. It is a part of the Gospel According to the Old Testament series.