When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" When Elijah heard itThe phrase "heard it" refers to the gentle whisper or "still small voice" that Elijah perceived after the dramatic manifestations of wind, earthquake, and fire. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment, where Elijah recognizes God's presence not in the tumult but in the quiet. It serves as a reminder that God often speaks in subtle ways, requiring us to be attentive and receptive. he wrapped his face in his cloak
The act of wrapping his face in his cloak signifies reverence and humility before God. The Hebrew word for "cloak" is "אַדֶּרֶת" (adderet), which can also mean a mantle or a garment of distinction. Elijah's action reflects the biblical tradition of covering oneself in the presence of the divine, acknowledging God's holiness and our own unworthiness. This gesture is reminiscent of Moses covering his face when speaking with God, emphasizing the continuity of God's revelation to His prophets. and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave
Elijah's movement to the mouth of the cave symbolizes a transition from isolation to engagement with God's mission. The cave represents a place of refuge and introspection, but stepping out signifies readiness to listen and act. Historically, caves in the region were often used as shelters, and this setting underscores the theme of God meeting His servants in their places of retreat and vulnerability, preparing them for renewed purpose. Suddenly a voice came to him
The "voice" is the divine communication that follows the silence. The Hebrew word "קוֹל" (qol) can mean voice, sound, or noise, but here it is the personal and direct address of God to Elijah. This moment underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His prophets, where He speaks directly and intimately, guiding them with clarity and purpose. It is a reminder that God knows us individually and communicates in ways that are unmistakable and transformative. and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'
God's question, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" is both a challenge and an invitation for self-reflection. It prompts Elijah to consider his actions, motivations, and the state of his heart. The use of Elijah's name personalizes the encounter, emphasizing God's intimate knowledge of and care for His prophet. This question invites believers to examine their own lives, encouraging them to align their actions with God's will and to seek His guidance in times of doubt or fear. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA prophet of God who played a significant role in the spiritual history of Israel, known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal and his subsequent flight from Jezebel. 2. The CaveA place of refuge and solitude where Elijah sought shelter during his flight from Jezebel, symbolizing a place of encounter with God. 3. The Voice of GodRepresents God's direct communication with Elijah, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of God's relationship with His prophets. 4. Mount HorebAlso known as Mount Sinai, a significant location in biblical history where Moses received the Ten Commandments, symbolizing a place of divine revelation. 5. The CloakA garment used by Elijah to cover his face, signifying reverence and humility in the presence of God. Teaching Points The Importance of SolitudeElijah's retreat to the cave teaches us the value of seeking solitude to hear God's voice amidst life's chaos. God's Gentle WhisperGod's communication with Elijah through a gentle whisper reminds us that God often speaks in quiet, subtle ways rather than through dramatic events. Reverence in God's PresenceElijah's act of covering his face with his cloak demonstrates the appropriate reverence and humility we should have when approaching God. Divine Purpose and CallingGod's question, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" challenges us to reflect on our purpose and calling in life, encouraging us to align our actions with God's will. Renewal and StrengthElijah's encounter with God at the cave serves as a reminder that God provides renewal and strength for those who are weary and discouraged. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elijah's experience in the cave challenge us to find moments of solitude in our own lives to hear God's voice? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a sensitivity to God's gentle whisper amidst the noise and busyness of our daily routines? 3. How does Elijah's reverence in God's presence inspire us to approach God with humility and respect in our personal prayer life? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged or weary. How can Elijah's account encourage you to seek God's renewal and strength? 5. How does the question "What are you doing here?" prompt us to evaluate our current life direction and align it with God's purpose for us? Consider other biblical figures who faced similar questions about their calling. Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3The encounter of Moses with God at the burning bush, highlighting the theme of divine calling and revelation at Mount Horeb. 1 Kings 18Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, providing context for his flight and subsequent encounter with God in the cave. Psalm 46:10The call to be still and recognize God's presence, paralleling Elijah's experience of hearing God's voice in the stillness. Matthew 17:1-3The Transfiguration of Jesus, where Elijah appears alongside Moses, connecting the themes of divine revelation and prophetic fulfillment. James 5:17-18Reference to Elijah's fervent prayer life, emphasizing the power of prayer and faith in the life of a believer. People Abel, Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Hazael, Israelites, Jehu, Jezebel, Nimshi, ShaphatPlaces Abel-meholah, Beersheba, Damascus, Horeb, Jezreel, SyriaTopics Behold, Cave, Cloak, Covering, Doest, Elijah, Eli'jah, Elijah's, Entering, Entrance, Face, Hearing, Hole, Mantle, Mouth, Opening, Pass, Pulled, Robe, Saying, Standeth, Stood, Voice, Wrapped, WrappethDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 19:13 5144 cloak
5167 mouth 1 Kings 19:3-21 8131 guidance, results 1 Kings 19:7-15 8150 revival, personal 1 Kings 19:9-13 5548 speech, divine 1 Kings 19:9-18 5092 Elijah 1 Kings 19:11-13 4254 mountains 1 Kings 19:12-13 5196 voice
8328 quietness 1 Kings 19:13-14 8370 zeal Library Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
'And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to-morrow about this time. 3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhat Doest Thou Here?
"And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?"--1 KINGS xix. 9. There is a sound of rebuke in these words. They seem to imply that the lonely mountain of Horeb was not the place in which God expected to find such a servant as Elijah, and that there should be no indefinite tarrying, no lingering without an aim in such a solitude. As you read the familiar history you see how the record of the prophet's retirement and his vision in Horeb is a …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby God's Gentle Power
"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so. when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"--1 Kings 19:11-13. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 "Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 12.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh," &c. All things in Christianity have a near and strait conjunction. It is so entire and absolute a piece, that if one link be loosed all the chain falls to the ground, and if one be well fastened upon the heart it brings all alongst with it. Some speak of all truths, even in nature, that they are knit so together that any truth may be concluded out of every truth, at least by a long circuit of deduction …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in with the Design of the Gospel.
1. Universal success not to be expected.--2-4. Yet, as unwilling absolutely to give up any, the author addresses thou who doubt the truth of Christianity, urging an inquiry into its evidences, and directing to prayer methods for that purpose.--5 Those who determine to give it up without further examination.--6. And presume to set themselves to oppose it.--7, 8. Those who speculatively assent to Christianity as true, and yet will sit down without any practical regard to its most important and acknowledged …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul What Doest Thou Here?
'Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here!'--1 SAMUEL xxix. 3. 'The word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?'--1 KINGS xix. 9. I have put these two verses together, not only because of their identity in form, though that is striking, but because they bear upon one and the same subject, as will appear, if, in a word or two, I set each of them in its setting. David was almost at the lowest point of his fortunes when he fled into …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
James I. 18. James I. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. I INTEND the words which I have now been reading, only as an introduction to that address to the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, with which I am now to conclude these lectures; and therefore shall not enter into any critical discussion, either of them, or of the context. I hope God has made the series of these discourses, in some measure, useful to those …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Uses of the Law
Yet, pardon me my friends, if I just observe that this is a very natural question, too. If you read the doctrine of the apostle Paul you find him declaring that the law condemns all mankind. Now, just let us for one single moment take a bird's eye view of the works of the law in this world. Lo, I see, the law given upon Mount Sinai. The very hill doth quake with fear. Lightnings and thunders are the attendants of those dreadful syllables which make the hearts of Israel to melt Sinai seemeth altogether …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Seven Sanctified Thoughts and Mournful Sighs of a Sick Man Ready to Die.
Now, forasmuch as God of his infinite mercy doth so temper our pain and sickness, that we are not always oppressed with extremity, but gives us in the midst of our extremities some respite, to ease and refresh ourselves, thou must have an especial care, considering how short a time thou hast either for ever to lose or to obtain heaven, to make use of every breathing time which God affords thee; and during that little time of ease to gather strength against the fits of greater anguish. Therefore, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the Mother of all the Godly.
1. The church now to be considered. With her God has deposited whatever is necessary to faith and good order. A summary of what is contained in this Book. Why it begins with the Church. 2. In what sense the article of the Creed concerning the Church is to be understood. Why we should say, "I believe the Church," not "I believe in the Church." The purport of this article. Why the Church is called Catholic or Universal. 3. What meant by the Communion of Saints. Whether it is inconsistent with various …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity Grace Before Meat.
O most gracious God, and loving Father, who feedest all creatures living, which depend upon thy divine providence, we beseech thee, sanctify these creatures, which thou hast ordained for us; give them virtue to nourish our bodies in life and health; and give us grace to receive them soberly and thankfully, as from thy hands; that so, in the strength of these and thy other blessings, we may walk in the uprightness of our hearts, before thy face, this day, and all the days of our lives, through Jesus …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,"
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," &c. The gospel is an entire uniform piece, all the parts of it are interwoven through other, and interchangeably knit together, so that there can be no dividing of it any more than of Christ's coat that was without seam. If you have it not altogether by the divine lot, you cannot truly have any part of it, for they are so knit together, that if you disjoin …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Conflicts with Giant Mistake
CONFLICTS WITH GIANT MISTAKE I make so many mistakes, it seems I am just a bundle of contradictions. I try to do good; but at times my efforts are so crude that I seem to do more harm than good. What shall I do? And though all the time I try hard not to make mistakes, yet I still make them. It seems to me that surely I am not sanctified, or else I should be more perfect. Do not the Scriptures command us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect? I am not perfect; far from it. Really I …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures and Excommunication.
1. Of the power of the keys, or the common discipline of the Church. Necessity and very great utility of this discipline. 2. Its various degrees. 1. Private admonition. 2. Rebukes before witnesses. 3. Excommunication. 3. Different degrees of delinquency. Modes of procedure in both kinds of chastisement. 4. Delicts to be distinguished from flagitious wickedness. The last to be more severely punished. 5. Ends of this discipline. 1. That the wicked may not, by being admitted to the Lord's Table, put …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Links 1 Kings 19:13 NIV1 Kings 19:13 NLT1 Kings 19:13 ESV1 Kings 19:13 NASB1 Kings 19:13 KJV
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