Can dead men write letters?

Question

According to the bible, Elijah died during the reign of Jehoshaphat. Jehoram succeeded Jehoshaphat to the throne. In fact according to the bible Elijah did not die. He was "translated" into heaven in a "chariot of fire". He had however, according to the bible, depart from this during the reign of Jehoshaphat. (See 2 Kings 1 & 2)

However, 2 Chronicles 21 says that Elijah wrote a letter to Jehoram after he succeeded his father Jehoshaphat as king of Judah. In the letter he lamented the fact that; "Jehoram did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh"

Now, how can a dead man write letters?

Answer 1

These are some of my favorite scriptures because they assist us in recognizing the fact that, contrary to what many people think, Elijah did not go to heaven – that is to say, he did not die and go to the heavenly abode of God. He merely got a job transfer. And that this is so can be seen in a comparison of the scriptures you cited. Years after he was supposed to have died and gone to heaven, he wrote that letter.

Very good, Zim

Hannah J Paul

Answer 2

2 Kings 2:1 Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.

Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible

2Ki 2:1 -
The events of this chapter are related out of their chronological order. Elijah’s translation did not take place until after the accession of Jehoram in Judah 2Ch_21:12, which was not until the fifth year of Jehoram of Israel 2Ki_8:16.

The writer of Kings, having concluded his notices of the ministry of Elijah in chapter 1, and being about to pass in 2 Kings 3 to the ministry of Elisha, thought it best to insert at this point the final scene of Elijah’s life, though it did not occur until several years later.

Gilgal - The modern Jiljilieh, on the highland between Nablous and Beitin (Bethel), about eight and a half miles from the latter, is now commonly supposed to be the Gilgal here mentioned. Some regard it as the ordinary residence of Elisha 2Ki_4:38.

Answer 3

In 2ND Kings1:17, it says that "Jehoram became king in his place(Ahaziah) IN THE SECOND YEAR OF JEHORAM" This means that Jehoram was 2 years old when he was appointed the next king. His father, Jehoshaphat took the office till Jehoram became of age to rule( I do not know what age that might be) Therefore Elijah was taken away during the reign of Jehoram, who was the appointed king. Remember that the books of the Kings tell us of their order of reign, with a few details of events(usually major ones) while the book of Chronicles goes in to more details of the same events that took place in 1st and 2nd Kings. I hope this clears it up for you. I know that with a book as old as the bible is, it can be somewhat confusing at times.

Answer 4

Elijah,did not die.many books were written in heaven also.you can goggle books written in Heaven or the one I am reading now, The book of Raziel,came from Heaven to Adam.

Answer 5

Ghosts write letters today hun

Answer 6

It's like saying can you walk on water well ummmm no you can so no i don't think dead men can write letters

Answer 7

No. Elijah is a myth.

Answer 8

in holy books and anime everything is possible :P

Answer 9

haven't you ever heard of a ghost writer?

Answer 10

i guess if your christian, and it's in the bible it must be true