A Still, Small Voice

A Still, Small Voice

When Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain all the prophets of Baal, Jezebel was furious. She sent this message to Elijah: "Let the gods do the same to me if I do not take your life, as you took the lives of the prophets, by this time tomorrow."

Therefore Elijah once more fled from the city.

While Elijah hid in a cave on Mount Horeb, the Lord asked him, "What are you doing here?" Elijah told the Lord all that had happened in Israel. "The people have forsaken your law, thrown down your altars, and even killed your prophets. I am the only one left," Elijah said sadly, "and now they want to kill me."

God answered, "Come out of the cave and stand on the mountain." And Elijah obeyed.

God caused such a strong wind to sweep across the mountain that even the rocks crumbled. But Elijah knew God was not in the great, strong wind. Then God sent an earthquake, and the ground trembled beneath Elijah's feet. Still Elijah knew God was not in the earthquake. When the ground was steady again, fire broke out on the mountain and burned many trees. But Elijah knew God was not in the fire.

When everything was quiet after the fire, Elijah heard a still, small voice. At once, he knew this was the voice of God. Wrapping his coat about his face, Elijah stood in the door of the cave to listen.

Again God asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" And Elijah answered the question just as he had before. But God said, "You are wrong, Elijah. There are seven thousand people in Israel who have never worshiped Baal."

Then God said, "Go back to Israel and anoint Elisha to take your place when you die."