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Prophets and Kings
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.”
Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small
voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. He desired
to teach Elijah that it is not always the work that makes the greatest
demonstration that is most successful in accomplishing His purpose.
While Elijah waited for the revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled,
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the lightnings flashed, and a devouring fire swept by; but God was
not in all this. Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet
covered his head before the presence of the Lord. His petulance was
silenced, his spirit softened and subdued. He now knew that a quiet
trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever find for him a present help in
time of need.
It is not always the most learned presentation of God’s truth that
convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s
hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which
operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It
is the still, small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change
the heart.
“What doest thou here, Elijah?” the voice inquired; and again the
prophet answered, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts:
because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown
down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even
I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”
The Lord answered Elijah that the wrongdoers in Israel should
not go unpunished. Men were to be especially chosen to fulfill the
divine purpose in the punishment of the idolatrous kingdom. There
was stern work to be done, that all might be given opportunity to
take their position on the side of the true God. Elijah himself was to
return to Israel, and share with others the burden of bringing about a
reformation.
“Go,” the Lord commanded Elijah, “return on thy way to the
wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be
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king over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be
king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt
thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that