On Thursday, 29 October 2026, Brother Łukasz Popko, O.P., Professor of Old Testament at the ÉBAF, gave a lecture in the “Jeudis de l’ÉBAF” series entitled: “What Is Elijah Doing on the Mountain? (2 Kings 1)”.
The first chapter of the Second Book of Kings portrays the prophet Elijah, withdrawn or stationed on a mountaintop, confronting the messengers of King Ahaziah. Through a close literary and exegetical analysis, Brother Łukasz Popko examined the spatial and theological dynamics of this striking text.
By exploring the metaphors of orientation (going up, coming down, being at the summit) and the ironic reversals that run through the narrative, his lecture showed how narrative geography serves biblical theological discourse and the revelation of divine sovereignty.
If you were unable to attend or would like to watch it again, the recording of the lecture is now available below, along with the accompanying handout (PDF).
The “Jeudis de l’ÉBAF” lectures are free and open to all, and their recordings remain freely available online. If you enjoyed this lecture, please help us continue our research and teaching in Jerusalem: every gift, however small, makes a difference.