’14 In popular Jewish thought Elijah came to be regarded as «the ever - present prophet,
wandering incognito
over the earth,
sometimes in the garb of a nomad, to aid in moments of distress and danger, appearing to mystics and scholars to teach them hidden truths, and acting as celestial messenger».15 He was thought to be present at every ceremony of circumcision as the guardian spirit and witness, and on such occasions a special chair was reserved for him.