Verse 13
13. Wrapped his face in his mantle Conscious of his infirmities and shortcomings, he was, like Moses, “afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:6. He began to realize that as yet he knew comparatively little of the Divine nature and will.
There came a voice unto him It was the voice of Jehovah; perhaps the same as that whose soft whisper followed the lightning flash; but, if so, it now rose to a clearer and more intelligible sound.
What doest thou here The Lord’s question and the prophet’s answer are repeated (compare 1 Kings 19:9) in order to deepen the impression of the scene. The repetition also shows Elijah still presuming to justify his flight. He was guilty of no wilful sin. His error was not one of the heart, but of the understanding; and his flight to Horeb, though not blameless, was largely the result of disappointment and discouragement. He had, indeed, been very zealous for the Lord, and had expected too much from the triumph at Carmel. Jehovah proceeds to show him there are other ways of taking off the wicked than by miraculous interference.
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