Olney Hymns · Character

Elijah

The prophet of fire who called down drought on Israel, faced Ahab on Carmel, and then fled to a cave to hear God's still small voice.

supporting

Also known as Eli, great Elijah

First appearance: Elijah Fed by Ravens

As a supporting figure in Olney Hymns, Elijah is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The prophet who, despite famine, was fed by ravens, demonstrating faith in God's provision.

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Elijah storms through the narrative as the great confrontational prophet, fearless before kings and priests, yet the same man collapses into despair under a broom tree and hides in a cave fearing for his life. Ravens feed him, fire answers his prayer, and still he learns that God is not only in the earthquake and flame but in the whisper that follows. His presence in these hymns anchors the theme of divine provision for the exhausted servant who has done everything right and still wants to die.

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Character Web

41 connections

A slice of how Elijah sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Faith and Redemption Figures
Divine Judgment and Mercy
Wisdom and Testimony
Patriarchs and Grace

+36 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs in stanza V, where the speaker’s hope is violently extinguished as Satan obscures ev…

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Relationships

Jesus Christ
professional · positive
Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power,… How this plays out →
Jesus Christ
professional · positive
Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power,… How this plays out →
Jesus Christ
professional · positive
Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power,… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Elijah appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Elijah Fed by Ravens
The prophet who, despite famine, was fed by ravens, demonstrating faith in God's provision.
The Meal and Cruse of Oil
Sustained by the widow's oil and meal, illustrating God's provision.
Book II: On Occasional Subjects
Referenced for his prayer that ended a three-year drought.
Elijah's Prayer
The central figure who stands in faith and prayer, appealing to God to glorify His name and show Israel who He is.
Elijah's Mantle
Taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, leaving his mantle to Elisha.
Hoping for a Revival
The speaker compares himself to Eli, who trembled for the ark of God, showing his concern for the state of the church.
On Prayer
Prayed and it rained after three years of drought.
Power of Prayer
Elijah prayed and it rained after three long years of drought.
Providences
Referenced in the context of Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit.
Funeral Hymns
Mentioned in the same hymn as the prophet taken up to heaven, leaving Elisha to carry on.
On the Death of a Believer
Referenced in the final stanza as the great prophet whose departure was marked by Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit.
On the Death of a Minister
Taken from Elisha's head, symbolizing the loss of a spiritual leader.
IV: Creation
Ravens brought him flesh and bread.
The Creatures in the Lord’s Hands
Ravens brought him food, demonstrating God's control over creatures.
For the Poor
Mentioned as an example of God's provision through cake and cruse.

Chapter companion notes

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