What happened to Elijah according to Quran vs Bible?

[InvestigateTruth]

What happened to Elijah according to Quran versus the Bible?
Was He killed? Was He taken up? Which one is saying the truth? Is it possible both are saying the same thing, in different ways?

 

[David1967]

My understanding is that God took him up to Heaven. I don't see why God would have rewarded him by killing him.

 

[Ellen Brown]

What happened to Elijah according to Quran versus the Bible?
Was He killed? Was He taken up? Which one is saying the truth? Is it possible both are saying the same thing, in different ways?

Um, well, Muslims are supposed to believe in and accept the "People of the Book" (OT). "And Elijah walked with God and he was not". Not sure how they got that Allah SWT killed him?

 

[David1967]

Um, well, Muslims are supposed to believe in and accept the "People of the Book" (OT). "And Elijah walked with God and he was not". Not sure how they got that Allah SWT killed him?

I think it was Enoch that "walked with God and was not because God took him." Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind. Two great much-debated mysteries from the OT. In my upbringing in a Baptist church, we were always taught that God took both Enoch and Elijah to heaven. I have a JW friend who believes that God Killed them both. Not sure if that is JW doctrine or simply his opinion. @Deeje could better answer that.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

My understanding is that God took him up to Heaven. I don't see why God would have rewarded him by killing him.

Well, Quran says, He was killed by some people.

 

[David1967]

Well, Quran says, He was killed by some people.

Interesting. Where did Mohammed get that information? Was that a different story contemporary with that of Elijah being taken up to Heaven?

 

[It Aint Necessarily So]

What happened to Elijah according to Quran versus the Bible?

According to the Jerry Garcia Band, Elijah went to shake things down as advised by Amanda, 'cause there waren't no bread in the breadbox.

Late into December
On a cold winter day
I'd just finished bringing wood into the kitchen
When I heard my Amanda say
She said "Elijah, you better look around
Things ain't like they used to be
Times getting hard for you and me
Come on daddy, it's time to shake things down

There ain't no bread in the bread box
'Cause we ain't got no dough
And it's seems like we ain't got enough time
To go foolin' around no mo'
I've been working so hard for oh so long
What've you got to show?
Open up your eyes little darling
Let's pack up your things and go
Open up your eyes little darling
Don't want to live here no more
Open up your eyes little darling
Been here for far too long
Open up your eyes little darling
It's time to move along

Listen (jump ahead to 1:45):

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Interesting. Where did Mohammed get that information? Was that a different story contemporary with that of Elijah being taken up to Heaven?

I believe Muhammad was a Manifestation of God, so, He knew past and the future. But He also confirmed Torah. So, in my view, both are correct. The Bible is speaking symbolically. Going to heaven means Elijah was killed, and His Soul was taken up to heaven. I dont believe the Soul physically moves, or there is literally a heaven up there. This is just how symbolically Bible is expressing the truth.
Remember, when Jesus said Elijah had returned. He did not mean literally, physically He returned. He was speaking spiritually. So, when God said Elijah went up, He must have been speaking spiritually, not physically, literally!

 

[Deeje]

I think it was Enoch that "walked with God and was not because God took him." Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind. Two great much-debated mysteries from the OT. In my upbringing in a Baptist church, we were always taught that God took both Enoch and Elijah to heaven. I have a JW friend who believes that God Killed them both. Not sure if that is JW doctrine or simply his opinion. @Deeje could better answer that.

Hey David.....Here are the basics of what we believe......

I don't think it is correct to say that God killed Enoch because that just sounds wrong.....more correct I think to say that, because of the dangerous circumstances in which Enoch was serving his God faithfully, that God closed his eyes in death to prevent him from future suffering at the hands of ungodly men. He was 365 years old, so not a youngster.
But we do not believe that he went to heaven.

John 3:13..."no man has ascended into heaven but the one who descended from heaven, the Son of man."

"...in view of Jesus’ clear statement at John 3:13, Enoch was not taken to the heaven of God’s residence. He died, as the apostle Paul, after naming Enoch and other ancient faithful witnesses of God, makes clear in saying: “In faith all these died, although they did not get the fulfillment of the promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.” (Heb. 11:13)"

As for Elijah, he did not die when God organised for his spectacular transference to another location, leaving Elisha to take up his assignment. Elijah trained Elisha for some years to become his successor.

"Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go into the invisible spirit realm, but he is transferred to another prophetic assignment. (Joh 3:13) This is shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any period of mourning for his master. A number of years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2Ch 21:12-15."

"...Elijah and Enoch, along with others, are in the grave, awaiting the Lord Jesus Christ’s action in putting his enemies under his feet by destroying them. (Acts 2:29) The glorious enthroned Christ will then resurrect these faithful men from the dead, making them “princes in all the earth.” (Ps. 45:16; Rev. 20:11-13) These trustworthy men will work well with the heavenly King to administer righteousness and justice in the earth."

Excerpts from WT publication "Insight on the Scriptures".

 

[2ndpillar]

Hey David.....Here are the basics of what we believe......

I don't think it is correct to say that God killed Enoch because that just sounds wrong.....more correct I think to say that, because of the dangerous circumstances in which Enoch was serving his God faithfully, that God closed his eyes in death to prevent him from future suffering at the hands of ungodly men. He was 365 years old, so not a youngster.
But we do not believe that he went to heaven.

John 3:13..."no man has ascended into heaven but the one who descended from heaven, the Son of man."

"...in view of Jesus’ clear statement at John 3:13, Enoch was not taken to the heaven of God’s residence. He died, as the apostle Paul, after naming Enoch and other ancient faithful witnesses of God, makes clear in saying: “In faith all these died, although they did not get the fulfillment of the promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.” (Heb. 11:13)"

As for Elijah, he did not die when God organised for his spectacular transference to another location, leaving Elisha to take up his assignment. Elijah trained Elisha for some years to become his successor.

"Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go into the invisible spirit realm, but he is transferred to another prophetic assignment. (Joh 3:13) This is shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any period of mourning for his master. A number of years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2Ch 21:12-15."

"...Elijah and Enoch, along with others, are in the grave, awaiting the Lord Jesus Christ’s action in putting his enemies under his feet by destroying them. (Acts 2:29) The glorious enthroned Christ will then resurrect these faithful men from the dead, making them “princes in all the earth.” (Ps. 45:16; Rev. 20:11-13) These trustworthy men will work well with the heavenly King to administer righteousness and justice in the earth."

Excerpts from WT publication "Insight on the Scriptures".

Jeremiah 31:30 "everyone dies for their own iniquities". You have failed to point out the iniquities of Enoch and Elijah. You also failed to point out who the two "anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth" (Zechariah 4:14). "The two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). "My two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3. And where is "the Lord of the earth" at this time?

 

[Deeje]

Jeremiah 31:30 "everyone dies for their own iniquities". You have failed to point out the iniquities of Enoch and Elijah.

I wasn't aware that we were discussing their iniquities.....? The only one who knows that is God. I am happy to leave that with him.

You also failed to point out who the two "anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth" (Zechariah 4:14).

Probably because we were not discussing that....

"The two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4).

Probably because we were not discussing that....

"My two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3. And where is "the Lord of the earth" at this time?

Probably because we were not discussing that....nothing to do with the OP.

 

[David1967]

Hey David.....Here are the basics of what we believe......

I don't think it is correct to say that God killed Enoch because that just sounds wrong.....more correct I think to say that, because of the dangerous circumstances in which Enoch was serving his God faithfully, that God closed his eyes in death to prevent him from future suffering at the hands of ungodly men. He was 365 years old, so not a youngster.
But we do not believe that he went to heaven.

John 3:13..."no man has ascended into heaven but the one who descended from heaven, the Son of man."

"...in view of Jesus’ clear statement at John 3:13, Enoch was not taken to the heaven of God’s residence. He died, as the apostle Paul, after naming Enoch and other ancient faithful witnesses of God, makes clear in saying: “In faith all these died, although they did not get the fulfillment of the promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.” (Heb. 11:13)"

As for Elijah, he did not die when God organised for his spectacular transference to another location, leaving Elisha to take up his assignment. Elijah trained Elisha for some years to become his successor.

"Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go into the invisible spirit realm, but he is transferred to another prophetic assignment. (Joh 3:13) This is shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any period of mourning for his master. A number of years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2Ch 21:12-15."

"...Elijah and Enoch, along with others, are in the grave, awaiting the Lord Jesus Christ’s action in putting his enemies under his feet by destroying them. (Acts 2:29) The glorious enthroned Christ will then resurrect these faithful men from the dead, making them “princes in all the earth.” (Ps. 45:16; Rev. 20:11-13) These trustworthy men will work well with the heavenly King to administer righteousness and justice in the earth."

Excerpts from WT publication "Insight on the Scriptures".

Thanks @Deeje !

 

[2ndpillar]

I wasn't aware that we were discussing their iniquities.....? The only one who knows that is God. I am happy to leave that with him.


Probably because we were not discussing that....

"I don't think it is correct to say that God killed Enoch because that just sounds wrong.....more correct I think to say that, because of the dangerous circumstances in which Enoch was serving his God faithfully, that God closed his eyes in death to prevent him from future suffering at the hands of ungodly men. He was 365 years old, so not a youngster.
But we do not believe that he went to heaven."


Probably because we were not discussing that....

"Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go into the invisible spirit realm, but he is transferred to another prophetic assignment. (Joh 3:13) This is shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any period of mourning for his master. A number of years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2Ch 21:12-15."



Probably because we were not discussing that....nothing to do with the OP.

Get real. You say John supposedly says "no man has ascended into heaven", and that Elijah and Enoch died, whereas in Revelation 11:4, the "two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth", who sits at the right hand of God, are described in Zechariah 4:14 as the "two anointed ones", who are apparently standing in heaven and are described as the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3. If you read the OP real careful, you find the words "what happened to Elijah". You are just avoiding questions you can't answer to apparently avoid having your brain short out if you get off script.

 

[Deeje]

Get real. You say John supposedly says "no man has ascended into heaven"

Actually, John did say it....are you saying he didn't? On whose authority do you discount scripture?

and that Elijah and Enoch died, whereas in Revelation 11:4, the "two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth", who sits at the right hand of God, are described in Zechariah 4:14 as the "two anointed ones", who are apparently standing in heaven and are described as the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3.

Let me get this straight......you are supposedly assuming that these "two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" and the "two anointed ones" are Enoch and Elijah? Am I reading you right? Can you provide scripture that names these "two" as Enoch and Elijah? Or are you running away with yourself here?

If you read the OP real careful, you find the words "what happened to Elijah". You are just avoiding questions you can't answer to apparently avoid having your brain short out if you get off script.

Elijah was transferred to another location, as I mentioned in my post "if you read it real careful".....Elijah wrote a letter to the king of Judah after his departure in the windstorm. He was not taken to heaven, but was taken away to another assignment. The Bible doesn't tell us how he died. Elijah was still alive and active as a prophet at least five years later, apparently over in the territory of Judah. The Bible tells us: “Eventually there came a writing to [Jehoram, king of Judah] from Elijah the prophet.” This letter foretold the sickness and death of Jehoram because of his wrong, idolatrous course. (2 Chronicles 21:12-15)

I understand that you hold beliefs that are peculiarly your own, but your interpretation does not line up with the rest of the Bible. You are free to believe whatever you like, but don't palm these interpretations off on others as if we must believe you. Why would we? Back up what you say with scripture....it is our only authority.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Actually, John did say it....are you saying he didn't? On whose authority do you discount scripture?



Let me get this straight......you are supposedly assuming that these "two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" and the "two anointed ones" are Enoch and Elijah? Am I reading you right? Can you provide scripture that names these "two" as Enoch and Elijah? Or are you running away with yourself here?



Elijah was transferred to another location, as I mentioned in my post "if you read it real careful".....Elijah wrote a letter to the king of Judah after his departure in the windstorm. He was not taken to heaven, but was taken away to another assignment. The Bible doesn't tell us how he died. Elijah was still alive and active as a prophet at least five years later, apparently over in the territory of Judah. The Bible tells us: “Eventually there came a writing to [Jehoram, king of Judah] from Elijah the prophet.” This letter foretold the sickness and death of Jehoram because of his wrong, idolatrous course. (2 Chronicles 21:12-15)

I understand that you hold beliefs that are peculiarly your own, but your interpretation does not line up with the rest of the Bible. You are free to believe whatever you like, but don't palm these interpretations off on others as if we must believe you. Why would we? Back up what you say with scripture....it is our only authority.

If someone asks a friend 'where is your father?'

And he replies 'he is gone. He is in heaven now'

This is obviously understood as, the father is passed away. Correct?

So, why when scripture says, Elijah went up to heaven. People imagine he went up physically alive?

 

[CG Didymus]

Jeremiah 31:30 "everyone dies for their own iniquities". You have failed to point out the iniquities of Enoch and Elijah. You also failed to point out who the two "anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth" (Zechariah 4:14). "The two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). "My two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3. And where is "the Lord of the earth" at this time?

From other threads, Baha'is have told me that the "two witnesses" are Muhammad and Ali. They told me something about the "two lampstands" also, but I don't remember what they said. But, it definitely was not Enoch and Elijah. More likely they will say their forerunner The Bab as one of them. Which they have also said is the "lamb that was slain" from Revelation. As you've probably seen, most everything is not literal to Baha'is, but even if it is written as if it is some historical, literal event, it is still seen as only symbolic... including Jesus' resurrection. So no real whirlwind taking Elijah, only a symbolic one. Which then means, Elijah is dead, same as Jesus. But the good news is, Baha'is believe their spirits are alive.

 

[2ndpillar]

Actually, John did say it....are you saying he didn't? On whose authority do you discount scripture?

Per Yeshua's statement, backed up Dt 19:15, "every matter" must be confirmed by two or more witnesses. That is why the JWs go out in pairs (Matthew 18:16). According to multiple accounts, there are others in heaven. The chariots brought Elijah straight to heaven (2 Kings 2), and there are two anointed ones beside the Lord of the Earth (Zechariah 4:14) & (Revelation 11:3-4), who is at the right hand of God.

New American Standard Bible Matthew 18:16
"But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.

2 Kings 2:1 Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, 2and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.”

 

[2ndpillar]

If someone asks a friend 'where is your father?'

And he replies 'he is gone. He is in heaven now'

This is obviously understood as, the father is passed away. Correct?

So, why when scripture says, Elijah went up to heaven. People imagine he went up physically alive?

And what do you say to your little friend if he asks if Santa Clause is real? The "father" is most likely in a grave, or possibly cremated.

 

[2ndpillar]

Let me get this straight......you are supposedly assuming that these "two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" and the "two anointed ones" are Enoch and Elijah? Am I reading you right? Can you provide scripture that names these "two" as Enoch and Elijah? Or are you running away with yourself here?

The "messenger" "I am going to send" "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD" is Elijah" (Malachi 3:1-2). Yeshua said that John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:13-14). The two lampstands are the messengers, of which one was Elijah, as John the Baptist (Revelation 11:3-4). Both John the Baptist, and Yeshua testified "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, for 42 months, which is 1260 days (Revelation 11:3).

Revelation 11: 3“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

 

[2ndpillar]

Elijah was transferred to another location, as I mentioned in my post "if you read it real careful".....Elijah wrote a letter to the king of Judah after his departure in the windstorm. He was not taken to heaven, but was taken away to another assignment. The Bible doesn't tell us how he died. Elijah was still alive and active as a prophet at least five years later, apparently over in the territory of Judah. The Bible tells us: “Eventually there came a writing to [Jehoram, king of Judah] from Elijah the prophet.” This letter foretold the sickness and death of Jehoram because of his wrong, idolatrous course. (2 Chronicles 21:12-15)

The "angel of the LORD" and his two companions ate with Abraham, and the guy, like a son of man, appeared to Daniel, and was reinforced by the Michael, one of the chief princes (Daniel 10:13). Apparently, unlike yourself, these guys can come and go when needed. Although your letter theory is a little thin. Did you find a dated energy receipt for the chariot that took Elijah. And why did the LORD need to send a chariot from heaven to take Elijah across town? No, I think the foundation of your house is not going to withstand the rain, wind, and floods (Matthew 7:24-27).