The following is a worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers. This is a fantastic study Bible, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to study more about biblical praise and worship.
Elijah
Elijah, whose name means "the Lord is God," abruptly appears on the scene in 1 Kings 17, fearlessly and dramatically confronting the idolatry and social injustices committed by Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah's first words proclaimed judgment: a devastating drought will oppress Israel. Months later Elijah ignored a threat on his life and challenged the king to a contest: the God of Israel versus Baal and Asherah. Gathering Baal's prophets and God's people on Mount Carmel, Elijah asked the people how long they could "waver between two opinions" (1 Kings 18:21). The Lord demanded their total allegiance. When fire from heaven consumed the water-drenched altar of the Lord, the people fell on their faces in worship. The might miracle roused the Israelites from their apathy.
Elijah the Worshiper
Elijah's mission focused on worship. His charge against Ahab was that he had disobeyed God and worshiped Baal instead.
After the dramatic episode on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled to a sacred site---Mount Sinai. There, at the birthplace of the law, Elijah was able to readjust his focus and gain a new vision of God.
Elijah came to symbolize God's redemptive work among His people. Malachi identifies Elijah as a reconciler of people (Malachi 4:5-6). John the Baptist is referred to as Elijah because he preached repentance and prepared the way for the Messiah (Matthew 11:11-15).
Learning from Elijah
The Lord demands unswerving loyalty from His followers, for He alone is worthy of worship. Elijah knew this and called the northern kingdom back to the worship of its covenant God.
Elijah recognized that he, as well as all believers, could stand before the Lord only through a covenant established by God himself. While praying at the altar, Elijah called upon the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (1 Kings 18:36).
Worship can become a way of evangelism and outreach. After Elijah prayed at the altar on Mount Carmel, the Lord answered his request and turned the hearts of the people back to Himself (1 Kings 18:37-39).
Following the Example
A refusal to compromise complete devotion to God often characterizes the true worshiper. Elijah passionately pursued God's concerns for Israel with little regard for his own well-being. Despite feeling alone and inadequate much of the time, Elijah continued to depend on God and refused to tolerate the idolatry that permeated Israel. Religiously, he was an exclusivist in an age of pluralism. Today God's people must continue to resist cultural forces that threaten to dilute wholehearted devotion to God. We may take encouragement from prophets like Elijah, who loved God wholeheartedly and was strengthened by Him.
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper