But I cannot draw the same inference from it. On the other hand, there is a remarkable passage in Mechilta on Ex. xvi. It has been noted in the text that the activity of Elijah, from the time of his appearance in the days of Ahab to that of his return as the forerunner of the Messiah, is represented in Jewish tradition as continuous , and that he is almost constantly introduced on the scene, either as in converse with some Rabbi, or else as busy about Israel's welfare, and connected with it. 14, last line, ed. Indeed, he is connected with the initiatory rite of the covenant, in acknowledgement of his zeal 5 in the restoration of circumcision, when, according to tradition, it had been abrogated by the ten tribes after their separation from Judah.
Tradition goes even further.
In this passage also reference is made to the zeal of Phinehas as corresponding to that of Elijah. We purposely pass over the activity of Elijah in connection with Israel, and especially its Rabbis and saints, during the interval between the Prophet's death and his return as the Forerunner of the Messiah, such as Jewish legend describes it. No good purpose could be served by repeating what so frequently sounds not only utterly foolish and superstitious, but profane. This probably is the idea underlying the many, often grotesque, legends about his sayings and doings. But most frequently is he the adviser an friend of the Rabbis, in whose meetings and studies he delighteth.