Scholarly Reflections
Daniélou, Jean, S.J. "Chapter Six: Types of Baptism: Elias and the Jordan." The Bible and the Liturgy." Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1956, pp. 99-113.
Elijah's miraculous crossing of the Jordan figures as a type of baptism, especially in eastern catechetical and liturgical works (Daniélou 1956, 99). The image is joined with other situations in which Elijah or Elisha appear with water as well. The material was generally not associated with Easter but with Epiphany and the baptism of Christ (Daniélou 1956, 100). Here the important rite is the consecration of holy water, rather than the actual baptism of converts. Therefore, the emphasis is on the purifying use of water.
The Jordan is of great importance as we consider baptism. Joshua, bearing the same name as Jesus, crossed the Jordan and began his work and ministry. This foreshadowed Jesus' baptism and his crossing of the Jordan so as to raise Lazarus from the dead (Daniélou 1956, 102). Daniélou illustrates the statements of the Fathers at some length.
In speaking of the crossing of the Jordan, Daniélou has primarily spoken of Joshua. However, Elijah is also of great importance (Daniélou 1956, 105). The New Testament describes Jesus as the fulfiller of the typology found in Elijah. Daniélou observes this is particularly the case as Luke's Gospel is concerned (Daniélou 1956, 106). In numerous placese Elijah serves to foreshadow Christ, including in a threefold reception of water, in the falling fire of God and in his rising to heaven (Daniélou 1956, 107). The more we examine the life and works of Elijah, the more roles he seems to play. Elisha, as the successor to Elijah, carrys on a number of the prominent roles (Daniélou 1956, 109-110). Daniélou finds many of these episodes to pertain directly to the power of baptism.