The title איש האלהים “man of God”
is frequently used in the Hebrew Bible, as Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah,
Elisha, Shemaiah, and some anonymous people are labelled with this epithet.
Among scholars there are conflicting opinions about the meaning of the
expression איש האלהים “man of God”.
. . .
However, the role of the איש האלהים
“man of God” is interchangeable with the prophet (nābî) in 1 Samuel 9:6-10, as well as in 1 Kings 13 in which
the anonymous personage, while on the one hand named man of God and working
miracles (vv. 4, 6), and the other hand has a prophetic role announcing the
word of God (vv. 1-3). In the same story, the prophet of Bethel will define the
man of God as a prophet like him (v. 18).
. . .
In 1 Kings, Elijah is in
Zarephath of Sidon, where he works wonders with a widow who has no more flour
and oil (1 Kgs 17:16). He then brings her son back to life (1 Kgs 17:22) and
the widow recognizes Elijah as איש האלהים “man of God” (1 Kgs 17:24)
In 2 Kings, Elijah is the foremost
prophet because he announces that the king will die because he has consulted
the god of Ekron (2 Kgs 1:6). Then, when the messengers of the king return to
him, Elijah is directly called איש האלהים “man of God” (2 Kgs 1:9). In this context,
Elijah איש האלהים “man of God” brings down fire form heaven against the
messengers of Aḥaziah (2 Kgs
1:11-14). In these events Elijah איש האלהים “man of God” appears as a charismatic
man endowed with supernatural forces and is also able to dispense happiness and
prosperity as well as curses. Furthermore, when Elijah performs wonders in the
name of God, he acts as a prophet (nābî)
and for that reason the roles seem confused. In the tale of 1 Kings 13:11-32,
the איש האלהים “man of God” and the prophet are put in parallel. IT seems to
show us the differences between them, because the איש האלהים “man of God” is a
man who announces prosperity, has supernatural force and accomplishes magic
rituals. Instead, the prophet appears as a passive man learning to announce the
word of God. In the case of Elijah, in the event with the prophets of Baal, as
the Lord made fire descend from heaven to consume the burnt offerings (1 Kgs
18:38), in the same way Elijah brought down fire from heaven against Aḥaziah (2 Kgs 1:11-4). Elijah acts
as איש האלהים “man of God”, but he also keeps the features of the prophet
because he announces the will of the Lord.
. . .
Even though there are many connections between Elijah and Elisha, scholars have contrasting opinions about them but I believe that Elijah really acts as איש האלהים “man of God” more than Elisha. Elijah has a particular relationship with God, he makes wonders only in the name of God and he also assumes a prophetic role and acts like a messenger. In short, the epithet איש האלהים “man of God” is not very clear. Surely the איש האלהים “man of God” is in intense communion with the divinity, inheriting His supernatural characteristics. These could define a prophet (nābî) because the title sometimes is applied to the same person (1 Sam 3:20; 9:6-8), or a messenger that is also able to predict the future and to foretell calamities. However, the epithet איש האלהים “man of God” shows some particular characteristics that define it in a specific way. (Scarso Teresa, “The Relationship Between Moses and Elijah in Ancient Judaism” [PhD Dissertation; University of Lausanne, 2021], 49, 50, 51)
