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Elijah
The life of Elijah is presented afresh to our generation.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1976
10 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Pink
658 books305 followersArthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 5, 2024
One of those books (ALL of Pink's books?) I did not want to end. But knowing the life of Elijah, as each page drew closer to the chariot of fire, I knew it was coming. Pink is a master expositor. He pulls things out of the Word that I in my unfortunate simpleness had not seen. The life of Elijah is a life lesson for all believers. Certainly every chapter if not every page yielded a quote that I shared with my family and loved ones. "Thou hast asked a hard thing," said Elijah to Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit. Prior to reading this book I assumed that was near a prideful comment but, now, knowing Elijah better, I realize it was a humble comment about Elijah's knowledge of the severe life to be lived by one fully devoted to God and Elisha asked for even more! This book is a treasure and one EVERY believer should read and study.
May 31, 2023
This is an in-depth study of the Prophet Elijah, analyzing First and Second Kings Books of the Bible. I enjoyed this study and recommend this book to everyone interested in studying the life of Elijah.
January 26, 2021
This has become my new favorite book! The wisdom of A.W Pink is timeless, considering it was written in 1956 and here I am reading it nearly 65 years later. The story of Elijah is much richer and deeper than I might have ever discovered on my own. Pink goes verse by verse through the entire story of Elijah- from his mysterious origin to his supernatural death- and provides rich commentary and wisdom. I learned so much about living a life of faith from Elijah's own life of faith.
I think the true reason everyone should read this book is quoted here from the book itself: "The Bible is no defunct book recording historical events of the remote past, but a living book, enunciating vital principles applicable to every age and describing things as they are today. History repeats itself, not only because human nature is fundamentally the same in all ages, but also because the 'ways' of God, the principles of His government, remain unchanged." The life of Elijah is just as relevant for teaching and building up of the body as any other text in the Bible. This book is a helpful tool to deepen your understanding of Elijah's story and God's story through him.
Pink responds to some of the failings of the 'current' church (which was technically the church in the 1950s) and some of his criticisms are still relevant today. However, let this not discourage you, for he "restores us in a spirit of gentleness." I personally appreciated these because it indicates to me that this book was written by a man well aware of his audience and the world in which he lived. That makes his encouragements of holiness and right views of God, both of which were reflected in Elijah's life, even more relevant.
I think the true reason everyone should read this book is quoted here from the book itself: "The Bible is no defunct book recording historical events of the remote past, but a living book, enunciating vital principles applicable to every age and describing things as they are today. History repeats itself, not only because human nature is fundamentally the same in all ages, but also because the 'ways' of God, the principles of His government, remain unchanged." The life of Elijah is just as relevant for teaching and building up of the body as any other text in the Bible. This book is a helpful tool to deepen your understanding of Elijah's story and God's story through him.
Pink responds to some of the failings of the 'current' church (which was technically the church in the 1950s) and some of his criticisms are still relevant today. However, let this not discourage you, for he "restores us in a spirit of gentleness." I personally appreciated these because it indicates to me that this book was written by a man well aware of his audience and the world in which he lived. That makes his encouragements of holiness and right views of God, both of which were reflected in Elijah's life, even more relevant.
October 2, 2019
An excellent book about the life of Elijah. AW Pink had some very interesting insights into the life of Israel's prayerful prophet. I got a little annoyed at the end when he got up on his high horse and started using Elijah to attack modern culture and people, but overall still a worthy read if you can put up with a chapter or two towards the end.
“But why should we not place implicit confidence in God and rely upon his word of promise? Is anything too hard for the Lord? Has his word of promise ever failed? And let us not entertain any unbelieving suspicions of his future care of us. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not so his promises...."
"... God’s dealings with Elijah have been recorded for our instruction: O that they may speak loudly to our hearts, rebuking our wicked distrust and moving us to cry in earnest, ‘Lord, increase our faith.’ The God of Elijah still lives, and fails none who count upon His faithfulness.“
“The present day application of Elijah’s demand would be this: if the Christ of Scripture be the true Savior, then surrender to Him; if the christ of modern Christendom, then follow him. One who demands the denying of self, and another who allows the gratifying of self, cannot both be right.”
“But why should we not place implicit confidence in God and rely upon his word of promise? Is anything too hard for the Lord? Has his word of promise ever failed? And let us not entertain any unbelieving suspicions of his future care of us. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not so his promises...."
"... God’s dealings with Elijah have been recorded for our instruction: O that they may speak loudly to our hearts, rebuking our wicked distrust and moving us to cry in earnest, ‘Lord, increase our faith.’ The God of Elijah still lives, and fails none who count upon His faithfulness.“
“The present day application of Elijah’s demand would be this: if the Christ of Scripture be the true Savior, then surrender to Him; if the christ of modern Christendom, then follow him. One who demands the denying of self, and another who allows the gratifying of self, cannot both be right.”
August 2, 2020
An excellent account of this godly prophet. Used to supplement daily devotional and found it very helpful during this time of Coronvirus outbreak.
"It is the cries of life which reveal the secrets of our hearts and makes it manifest weather we are really new creatures in Christ or merely white-washed worldings. It is our reaction to the interpositions and judgement of God which brings out what is within.
The children of this world will spend their days in feasting and their nights in revelry though the world be hastening to destruction; but the children of the God will betake themselves to the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
"It is the cries of life which reveal the secrets of our hearts and makes it manifest weather we are really new creatures in Christ or merely white-washed worldings. It is our reaction to the interpositions and judgement of God which brings out what is within.
The children of this world will spend their days in feasting and their nights in revelry though the world be hastening to destruction; but the children of the God will betake themselves to the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
September 15, 2022
This book is packed full of rich biblical truth. I took my time reading it in order to take in as much as I possibly could.
The English and style of writing is not so modern but it has so much to offer.
The English and style of writing is not so modern but it has so much to offer.
July 27, 2023
As Pink’s leads his readers through the life of Elijah, Pink extracts and applies a whole host of gospel lessons that cover everything from prayer to pastoral expectations with direct, poignant, and biblical saturated pros.
October 31, 2023
The sole reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the wordiness of the book. Other than that, it is extremely, extremely thorough and well-researched, well-written, and instructive. Pink is one of the finest pastors, preachers, and theologians I’ve ever read.
March 9, 2022
A great read. Thought provoking.
June 27, 2023
This is a great book on the life of Elijah. Pink makes key events relative to today (albeit from the 20th Century). Very good start for a deep study into one of the Bible's greatest prophets!
September 30, 2024
Excellent book, with useful insights into the life of Elijah, with applications for Christians. And, thankfully, not “politically correct”.
June 9, 2025
Whilst often insightful, I couldn’t help but think that Pink was so critical in lambasting Christians but lacked a lot of pastoral support encouragement and advice. I also didn’t agree with all his conclusions.
He also employed antiquated language which is largely unnecessary and obfuscating to modern readers.
So I generally wouldn’t recommend this book, especially to a weak believer.
However, there is a lot of good here, and there are some great insights.
He also employed antiquated language which is largely unnecessary and obfuscating to modern readers.
So I generally wouldn’t recommend this book, especially to a weak believer.
However, there is a lot of good here, and there are some great insights.
July 7, 2011
Fantastic exposition and searching and penetrating application for the Christian, especially the preacher. A.W. Pink occassionally falls into allegory but that shouldn't diminish the great benefit this book has.
November 13, 2013
Elijah the Tishbite is one of the great Biblical characters, a remarkable servant of God. AW Pink draws many lessons from the Prophet's life, which strengthens faith in the God of Elijah. A 1st class read
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November 30, 2009ELIJAH by A. W. Pink (1968)
August 10, 2016
Great theology, lots of detail, but a bit dated. Still worth the time to gain some incredible insights from the story of Elijah
September 6, 2015
Not bad but not for me.
WaAr
WaAr
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews