Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility

Great Lives From God's Word

by Charles R. Swindoll

Now, more than ever, we're in need of men and women who aren't afraid to live courageously. Thankfully, the Bible gives us timeless examples of great leaders who gracefully stood up for what they believed in, including God's mighty prophet Elijah. Join bestselling author Charles Swindoll as he explores the life and legacy of this incredible man of faith. Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll doesn't gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. In Elijah , renowned Bible teacher Swindoll analyzes the impact of the Old Testament prophet. Elijah was uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath. The fifth book in Swindoll's Great Lives series, Elijah will give you the encouragement you need Within the pages of Elijah , you're sure to find a life worth emulating.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Kayce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful read by Charles Swindoll! Reading these books remind me of what my grandmother used to tell me. When I was in the 10-12 year old range, I read a lot of R.L. Stine novels (Fear Street series, anyone?) And my grandmother, a devout Christian with G rated thoughts, used to ask me, “Why don’t you read some nicer books like animal stories or biographies?” At the time that just sounded horrendous. But the older I get, the more I really do enjoy both! haha (Guess my Nana was on to something…)

And I can’t help but think she would have loved the Great Lives from God’s Word series by Charles Swindoll. Biographies dedicated to men and women of the Bible, this series teaches what we can learn and take away from their lives to better our own. I have previously read (and loved) Volume 2: Esther, A Woman of Strength and Dignity and Volume 3: Joseph, A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness.

I was thrilled when I was able to get my hands on a copy of Volume 5 (which was hard to track down; thanks to a local used bookstore I snagged one!) These books not only offer a great study of the person’s life, but Charles Swindoll does a fantastic job of sharing life application principles. I especially felt that the take away messages of Elijah’s story were very powerful. I’ve been talking about some lessons I’ve learned from this volume to anyone who will listen.

I didn’t know much about Elijah before reading this book but I’m glad I read this. His life is a wonderful example of how we can put ourselves through “boot camp” for God, trust in the Lord without hesitation, and do it all with a humble attitude. Humility is a lost art in today’s world and this was a wonderful refresher on the topic.

I highly recommend this book (and series!) to those interested. Other characters featured in the series are David, Moses, Paul, Job, and the greatest life of all: Jesus

[Nastienka Vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este estudio de Swindoll es un hermoso viaje por los procesos que hicieron de Elías, el profeta de Dios en tiempos de apostasía en Israel. 
Una y otra vez el autor nos hace ver dos características de Elías: heroísmo y humildad. Él no hacía nada sino conforme a la Palabra de Dios, en cuya presencia estaba. 
Elías viene y restaurará todas las cosas, creo que Jesús nos hace una invitación, a nosotros, como generación que necesita el poder y la unción de Elías, para la gran apostasía por venir. Este es un buen recurso para comenzar a responder a esa invitación. 

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful look at this amazing man of God

[Ian]

A solid study of Elijah's life, if a bit presumptuous in some places. There is plenty of insight and some useful historical insight as well.

[Poppy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! I love reading Charles Swindoll’s character studies. His imagination as he breaks down the situations of each person is crazy cool. Would definitely recommend

[Timothy Smallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great joy to read

I have always loved the Elijah of the Word of God. Swindoll really makes the character come alive with his easy to read style. He truly does remind us that our Bible heroes are simply men that yielded themselves to the will of Almighty God. They have flaws and weak moments, but our Master works in those weaknesses and flaws. He used them for our good and for the world to see His Grace and glory.

[Blake Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on the life of one of the most renowned prophets in the Bible, Elijah. I learned so much from him in this study that I just glossed over before. Fantastic read!

[Nicole Rollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Brian Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility takes a look at the life of Elijah in a way that is unlike any other book that I've encountered before. Dr. Charles Swindoll paints a picturesque image of him as someone akin to this nation's Robert E. Lee. Having faced a crucible that was very warlike in nature, Elijah had to show great humility and heroism throughout his life, whether it was in service to God as he faced those who wanted him dead or whether it was in the presence of a grieving woman who simply wanted her son.

I'd say this book is for anyone who truly wants a greater look into the life of this prophet and really has not grasped the heart of this man in relation to how he might be just like us. While at times I felt that this book was disjointed, I found that there was a method to the direction the author took to tell the story as I progressed. This is one that is most likely one that will stretch your understanding and provide you, your bible study, book club the material for greater dialog about faith, character,and life.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read the Story of Elijah many times, the Bible became fresh again as I read Swindoll's Character study of Elijah. When Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind and Elisha cries, "My Father! My Father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel." This was a capsule of the life of Elijah. Swindoll speaks of Elijah's despondancy, his discouagement, and his depression. "God looks for special people at difficult times and God's methods are often surpristing and we all stand before God." These are some comments regarding Elijah. Elijah lived in an evil and perverse world but most of the time he was a man of faith that commanded rather than spoke. Swindoll rminds us that there is an end to God's patience and that God keeps His word. "The heroism of godly men and women is demonstrated in their being willing to face unpleasant conditions, even threatening circumstance, with remarkable calm." Elijah is a man that belivers can use as an example to pattern their life after.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elijah is a character that provides hope for all of us in that he is a common man; unexceptional in most every way, as are most of us.

But, at the same time he is discouraging: would I be unhesitant in following the Lord's seemingly nonsensical commands like Elijah was? Would I be brave when squaring off with the wicked king of Israel, challenging his idols, dualing spiritually with his 'god' and slaying that god's priests? I wonder.

I do know that I would like God to give me the same 'thumbs up' that He gave Elijah, to be so pleasing to Him that He calls me home in a whirlwind without ever having to die physically.

I only gave this book a 3 star rating because it seemed predictable in its principles and applications. For me, though perhaps not for you, it was flat. That said, I still loved Elijah and Swindoll presented him fairly and accurately.

[Dan Curnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. Chuck does a great job in capturing not just the life of Elijah but then helping the reader (me) put into practical terms how I should apply the lessons Elijah learned to my own life.

I was particularly moved by the thought about how Elijah could get the best of 450 prophets of Baal, succeed in his contest with them, be at the top of his game emotionally and spiritually but then plunge into the depths of depression.

It gave me much to think about. It is a quick read, but then a slow read if you really stop to digest all of the lessons that you will learn from Elijah's life and Chuck's detail expository re-telling.

Enjoy.

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another biography book by Chuck Swindoll in a series covering g key biblical figures. This one on Elijah.

The key thing repeated often in the book and parrallel study I was doing of David Jeremiah’s was that Elijah always a man just like you or me. Implying we TOO can do great things and be used by God for great things if we just trust and obey.

Good book overall, maybe a little simplistic (the whole series) but I almost think it was written for seekers (which God bless if that is the case).

Good quick book.

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone gave me this because my son's nane is Elijah. This is a really good study of the Biblical Elijah and how it applies to modern life. I want to read more in thos series now!

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading this series and received this book for my last birthday. Elijah is one my favorite OT characters and the showdown at Mt. Carmel one of my favorite passages. I would have liked some more in depth analysis regarding some of the events in Elijah's life, but will look for other books to fill in those desires.

[Tiffany Ashcraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoy all of charles swindoll's great lives books. i liked that this particular book had more scripture than the others i have read. at the same time, this book probably had less personal reflection which i missed. overall, the book was great but esther and david are better:)

[Ireine Roosdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read this book I was ascertained to name my baby boy Elijah. I prayed he would take the full humanity of Prophet Elijah's service, be of full bravery in faith, yet humble enough to admit insecurity only to God in person.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swindoll takes the story of Elijah (from I & II Kings in the Bible) and breaks it down. He adds details and gives a better sense of the time that passes while Elijah is prophet for God. It brings to the forefront exactly how much Elijah is "A Man of Heroism and Humility."

[Matt Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

Once again Pastor Charles writes in ways that I can apply in my weirdly worldly life. We are certainly blessed that God has given such a spiritual gift to the good Pastor in order to spiritually help us.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Elijah. I feel that I spend so much time reading the New Testament that it was very refreshing to read about the life of someone in the Old Testament.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elijah was pretty good, but the author didn't expand on some of the parts of Elijah's life I was most interested in like the part where he runs for cover after Jezebel threatens to kill him.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about a great man. Very informative while applying Biblical concepts to everyday life. I highly recommend this book & hope to read others in the series.

[Christian Saputra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many repetitions; but still considered OK.

[Doris]

Powerful! Insightful! Want to read more books on Biblical characters.

[Jobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review isn't going to be very good. Are you ready? This book was really good. I enjoyed it immensely and encourage you to check out all of Swindoll's books in this series. The End.

[Darrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good look inside the life of this great man.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Charles Swindoll.

[Jt]

Loved it.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book

[Matt Maples · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice read about the life of one of the most extraordinary characters in the Bible.