33 Let’s climb it, he said. “It’s forbidden.” “Yes, it is forbidden. But doesn’t
mean it is dangerous.” He took him by both hands, and they began climbing toward the top. They stopped from time to time to gaze at the
valley below; the absence of rain had left its mark throughout the countryside, and with the exception of the cultivated fields around Akbar,
everything seemed a desert as harsh as those of Egypt. 235
4. Kind
Although Elijah is gifted with some special talents, he never thinks to use it for his own sake. He never admits that he can do everything with his own two
hands. On the contrary, he believes that it is God who is powerful. Everything comes from Him, he affirms.
Yes, replied Elijah. “But the angels of the Lord do not converse with men; they only transmit the orders that come from God.” “Use thy power,” said
the guardian angel. Elijah did not understand what was meant by that. “I have no power but which comes from the Lord,” he said “Nor hath
anyone. But all have the power of the Lord, and use it not.” 59
When the City of Akbar is threatened by the coming war, Elijah is the only person who proposes the negotiation so as to overcome the war. In his opinion,
the good warrior is not the one who can kill hundreds of enemies but the one who is good at the diplomacy affair.
The governor explained that peace, the great pride of his people, had reigned in Phoenicia for almost three centuries. What would the
generations yet unborn say if he were to interrupt this era of prosperity? “Send emissary to negotiate with them,” said Elijah. “The best warrior is
the one who succeeds in transforming an enemy into a friend.” 75
Like the high priest, the commander of Akbar is also the antagonist character in the story. Both of them conspire to kill Elijah as they think that he is a
menace or threat for the local security. Nevertheless, the commander confesses that Elijah is such a good country people. He knows that Elijah is willing to help
the people in Akbar and well accepted there. It seems that the commander is
34 envious of the Elijah’s presence since the governor respects him. As what Murphy
proposes, Elijah is considered as a kind person through what the commander says about him.
The Israelite has comforted the sick, visited the imprisoned, and fed the hungry”. When anyone has a dispute to settle with his neighbor, he calls
on him, and all accept his judgment, because they are just. The governor is using him to increase his own standing among the people, but no one sees
this. 93
5. Wise
