The Prayer of Elijah in James 5: An Example of Intertextuality

Abstract

The structure of James, particularly the conclusion, remains contested. In this article, I contend that the example of Elijah in Jas 5:17–18 ties the conclusion to the single-minded worship of God in faithfulness (cf. 1:27) as the central theme of the epistle. To support this claim, I will examine the way in which the author uses 1 Kgs 17–18, encapsulated in the succinct phrases “he prayed fervently that it might not rain…. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain” (Jas 5:17–18). When read intertextually with the narrative of 1 Kgs 17–18, the confusion surrounding the use of Elijah in its Jas 5 location disappears. This example concludes the epistle, highlighting the main theme of faithfulness, as well as the supporting topics of prayer, community worship, and accountability.

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