victory over the prophets of Baal, a victory that should, yet does not, eradicate Baalism in Israel (18:16–40). Despite his prowess, however, Elijah is a very human figure. He can be afraid, and he can become discouraged (19:1–18). Elijah is no superman. Two extraordinary characters oppose Elijah in these accounts: King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Ahab views Elijah as his enemy and as a “troubler of Israel” (18:17). Jezebel retaliates against Elijah’s killing of Baal’s prophets by threatening Elijah’s
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