For sheer drama, there is little in fact or fiction that can surpass the stories of Elijah in 1 Kings. For interesting characters, unusual twists of plot and action, for excitement and adventure, one would be hard-pressed to find anything more entertaining. Elijah could star in an incredible mini-series.

The Bible gives little background on this majestic prophet other than to mention his hometown, Tishbe in Gilead on the eastern side of the Jordan. We are abruptly introduced to him in 1 Kings 17 as he appears on the scene to announce a drought that would afflict Israel as a judgment against them for neglecting Yahweh and worshiping Baal (something the nation did with some regularity). Elijah then escapes to the wilderness, camps out for a while, moves in with an impoverished widow and her…