9 Then he came there to a cave and lodged there ; and behold , the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here , Elijah ?" 10 He said , " I have been very zealous for the Lord , the God of hosts ; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant , torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword . And I alone am left ; and they seek my life , to take it away." 11 So He said , " Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord ." And behold , the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord ; but the Lord was not in the wind . And after the wind an earthquake , but the Lord was not in the earthquake . 12 After the earthquake a fire , but the Lord was not in the fire ; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing . 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave . And behold , a voice came to him and said , "What are you doing here , Elijah ?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9-13
Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9-13
(Read 1 Kings 19:9-13)
The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elijah come hither to meet with God? he shall find that God will meet him. The wind, and earthquake, and fire, did not make him cover his face, but the still voice did. Gracious souls are more affected by the tender mercies of the Lord, than by his terrors. The mild voice of Him who speaks from the cross, or the mercy-seat, is accompanied with peculiar power in taking possession of the heart.