# Elijah — Olney Hymns character guide > Elijah in Olney Hymns by John Newton. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Eli, great Elijah **First appearance:** 0037-35-elijah-fed-by-ravens ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ) _professional_ Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power, but subordinate to Jesus. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ) _professional_ Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power, but subordinate to Jesus. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ) _professional_ Elijah is a forerunner and type of Christ, sharing prophetic roles and miraculous power, but subordinate to Jesus. ## In the story ### [Elijah Fed by Ravens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/35-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/36-the-meal-and-cruse-of-oil) Sustained by the widow's oil and meal, illustrating God's provision. ### [Book II: On Occasional Subjects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-ii-on-occasional-subjects) Referenced for his prayer that ended a three-year drought. ### [Elijah's Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/14-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/19-elijah-s-mantle) Taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, leaving his mantle to Elisha. ### [Hoping for a Revival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/52-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/on-prayer) Prayed and it rained after three years of drought. ### [Power of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/61-power-of-prayer) Elijah prayed and it rained after three long years of drought. ### [Providences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iii-providences) Referenced in the context of Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit. ### [Funeral Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/72-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/73-on-the-death-of-a-minister) Taken from Elisha's head, symbolizing the loss of a spiritual leader. ### [IV: Creation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iv-creation) Ravens brought him flesh and bread. ### [The Creatures in the Lord’s Hands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/97-the-creatures-in-the-lord-s-hands) Ravens brought him food, demonstrating God's control over creatures. ### [For the Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/57-for-the-poor) Mentioned as an example of God's provision through cake and cruse. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/elijah - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters