1 Kings 19:13

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, when Elijah {H452} heard {H8085} it, that he wrapped {H3874} his face {H6440} in his mantle {H155}, and went out {H3318}, and stood {H5975} in the entering in {H6607} of the cave {H4631}. And, behold, there came a voice {H6963} unto him, and said {H559}, What doest thou here, Elijah {H452}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When Eliyahu heard it, he covered his face with his cloak, stepped out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Eliyahu?"

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:13 captures a profound moment in Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb. After experiencing powerful natural phenomena that did not contain the divine presence, Elijah responds with reverence and humility to the "still small voice" by wrapping his face in his mantle and standing at the cave's entrance. In this posture of awe, God reiterates His probing question, "What doest thou here, Elijah?", inviting the prophet to articulate his despair and re-engage with his divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a deeply personal and transformative encounter between God and Elijah. Preceding it, Elijah, having fled from Jezebel's threats after his dramatic victory on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"), arrives at [Mount Horeb](/1_kings/19-8 "1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's Journey to Horeb"), feeling utterly alone and despairing ([1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "1 Kings 19:10 - Elijah's Lament")). God first asks him, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" ([1 Kings 19:9](/1_kings/19-9 "1 Kings 19:9 - God's First Question to Elijah")). Then, God passes by, demonstrating His power through a mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire, yet explicitly stating that He was not in these overwhelming displays. Instead, God's presence is revealed in a "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:12](/1_kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - The Still Small Voice")), which immediately precedes Elijah's action in verse 13, prompting his reverent response and the reiteration of God's question. This sequence underscores God's chosen mode of intimate communication over raw power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mount Horeb is also known as Mount Sinai, the sacred mountain where Moses encountered God and received the Law ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Descent on Sinai")). This connection imbues Elijah's experience with profound significance, linking him to Israel's foundational covenant history and suggesting a renewal of prophetic commission. The act of covering one's face in the presence of divinity was a common expression of reverence and humility in the ancient Near East, acknowledging the overwhelming holiness of God (e.g., [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - Moses at the Burning Bush")). Prophets often wore a distinctive mantle or cloak, which symbolized their authority and spiritual covering (e.g., [2 Kings 2:8](/2_kings/2-8 "2 Kings 2:8 - Elijah's Mantle Divides the Jordan")). Elijah's use of his mantle in this context is both an act of personal reverence and a symbolic recognition of the divine authority he serves.

* **Key Themes:** The passage highlights several crucial themes. First, it emphasizes **God's presence and communication**, particularly His preference for a quiet, intimate approach over dramatic displays of power, challenging human expectations of divine encounter. Second, it explores the theme of **prophetic despair and divine restoration**, showing God's compassionate pursuit of His servant even in his darkest hour, not to condemn, but to re-engage him in his mission. Third, the repeated question, "What doest thou here, Elijah?", underscores **divine inquiry and accountability**, serving not as an interrogation born of ignorance, but as a pastoral invitation for Elijah to articulate his inner state, confront his fears, and realign with God's purpose. This entire narrative arc in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Flight and Encounter with God") is a powerful testament to God's tender care for His prophets and His commitment to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mantle (Hebrew, _addereth'_):** This term refers to a large, often heavy, outer garment or cloak, frequently associated with prophets and symbolizing their authority, spiritual covering, and sometimes their very identity (e.g., [2 Kings 2:13-14](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13-14 - Elisha Takes Elijah's Mantle")). Elijah's act of wrapping his face in his mantle signifies profound reverence, humility, and a recognition of the sacredness of God's immediate, intimate presence, echoing ancient practices of covering the face before holiness (cf. [Isaiah 6:2](/isaiah/6-2 "Isaiah 6:2 - Seraphim Covering Faces")).
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qol'_):** While "voice" can denote a loud sound, in this specific context, following the description of the "still small voice" (קוֹל דְּמָמָה דַקָּה, _qol demamah daqqah_) in [1 Kings 19:12](/1_kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - The Still Small Voice"), it emphasizes a gentle, subtle, yet clear and direct communication from God. It contrasts sharply with the preceding powerful natural phenomena, highlighting God's ability to speak intimately and personally, often in quiet moments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it], that he wrapped his face in his mantle,"**: This clause describes Elijah's immediate, reverent response to the divine presence manifested in the "still small voice." His act of wrapping his face in his prophetic mantle is a gesture of profound humility, awe, and submission before the holy God, acknowledging the sacredness and overwhelming nature of the encounter. It signifies a posture of worship and readiness to receive divine communication.
* **"and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave."**: Elijah, having been inside the cave, now moves to its entrance. This movement suggests a readiness to engage with God, stepping out of his hiding place (symbolic of his despair and isolation) while still maintaining a humble and respectful distance at the threshold. It indicates a shift from passive reception to active engagement with the divine presence.
* **"And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"**: As Elijah positions himself, the "voice" of God reiterates the question previously posed in [1 Kings 19:9](/1_kings/19-9 "1 Kings 19:9 - God's First Question to Elijah"). This repetition is not for God's information, but for Elijah's reflection. It is a probing, pastoral question designed to draw Elijah out of his self-pity, challenge his current state of being and location, and invite him to articulate his despair, thereby opening the door for divine guidance and renewed purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "mantle" representing Elijah's prophetic identity and authority, and his use of it to cover his face symbolizing reverence and humility before God's holiness. The "cave" itself serves as a symbol of Elijah's despair, isolation, and hiding, from which God gently draws him out. **Contrast** is central to the narrative, as God's presence is found not in the overwhelming wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:11-12](/1_kings/19-11 "1 Kings 19:11-12 - God Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire")), highlighting God's subtle yet profound modes of communication. Finally, **Repetition** of the question "What doest thou here, Elijah?" from [1 Kings 19:9](/1_kings/19-9 "1 Kings 19:9 - God's First Question to Elijah") emphasizes its significance as a divine invitation for self-examination and a catalyst for Elijah's restoration and renewed commission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Kings 19:13 deeply enriches our understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is not confined to overwhelming displays of power but often chooses to meet His servants in quiet, intimate ways, valuing personal encounter over spectacle. Elijah's reverent response underscores the appropriate posture of humility and awe before divine holiness. Furthermore, God's repeated, probing question, "What doest thou here, Elijah?", demonstrates His compassionate pursuit of His weary servant, inviting self-reflection and a re-articulation of one's purpose and struggles, rather than condemnation. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that even in our deepest despair, God seeks to gently lead us back to His will and our calling.

* [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - Moses Hides His Face from God")
* [Job 40:4](/job/40-4 "Job 40:4 - Job's Humility Before God")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elijah's encounter in 1 Kings 19:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating moments of despair, fear, or spiritual exhaustion. Like Elijah, we may flee from challenges, feeling isolated and believing our efforts are futile. This passage reminds us that God does not abandon us in our wildernesses but actively seeks us out. It challenges us to cultivate an attentiveness to God's presence, recognizing that His guidance may not always come in dramatic, overwhelming ways, but often in the quiet, subtle promptings of His Spirit. Our posture before God, marked by humility and reverence, prepares us to hear His voice. The divine question, "What doest thou here?", is a timeless invitation for self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess our spiritual and physical "location," our motives, and our alignment with God's will. It's an opportunity to articulate our struggles, surrender our anxieties, and allow God to reorient us toward His purpose, reminding us that His care is deeply personal and restorative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "cave" (of despair, fear, or isolation) might you be hiding from God or your calling today?**
* **How does Elijah's act of wrapping his face in his mantle inspire your own posture of reverence and humility before God?**
* **Are you listening for God's "still small voice" amidst the noise and distractions of your life, or are you expecting Him to speak only in dramatic ways?**
* **What is God asking you, through your circumstances or inner promptings, when He says, "What doest thou here?" How might you honestly answer Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elijah cover his face with his mantle?**

Answer: Elijah covered his face with his mantle as a profound act of reverence and humility in the immediate presence of God. This gesture is rooted in ancient Near Eastern cultural practices where individuals would cover their faces when encountering divine holiness, acknowledging God's overwhelming glory and their own unworthiness or fear (e.g., [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - Moses at the Burning Bush") where Moses hides his face from God, or [Isaiah 6:2](/isaiah/6-2 "Isaiah 6:2 - Seraphim Covering Faces") where seraphim cover their faces in God's presence). For Elijah, a prophet whose mantle also symbolized his authority, using it to cover his face was a powerful demonstration of submission and awe before the very source of his prophetic calling.

**Why does God ask "What doest thou here, Elijah?" a second time?**

Answer: God's repeated question, first asked in [1 Kings 19:9](/1_kings/19-9 "1 Kings 19:9 - God's First Question to Elijah") and then again in [1 Kings 19:13](/1_kings/19-13 "1 Kings 19:13 - God's Second Question to Elijah"), is not because God is ignorant of Elijah's situation or whereabouts. Instead, it serves as a pastoral and probing inquiry designed to draw Elijah out of his self-pity and despair. It's an invitation for Elijah to articulate his feelings, confront his fears, and reflect on his purpose. By asking the question again after revealing Himself in the "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:12](/1_kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - The Still Small Voice")), God gently prompts Elijah to move beyond his initial lament and consider his situation in light of God's intimate and compassionate presence. It's a call to re-engage with his divine commission and find renewed strength.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between God and Elijah in 1 Kings 19:13, particularly God's gentle inquiry and revelation in the "still small voice," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's intimate and personal communication with humanity, the very "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Where God spoke through a "still small voice" to Elijah, in Christ, God speaks directly and fully, revealing His character and will in a way that transcends all previous revelations ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus often met people in their despair, not with condemnation, but with probing, redemptive questions that invited them to articulate their needs and receive healing or purpose, echoing God's compassionate inquiry to Elijah (e.g., "What do you want me to do for you?" in [Mark 10:51](/mark/10-51 "Mark 10:51 - Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced profound weariness and isolation, yet always found strength and direction through intimate communion with the Father ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He is the one who invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), offering a deeper and more profound comfort than Elijah experienced. The gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, continues this divine pattern, guiding believers not through overwhelming force, but through quiet conviction and inner prompting ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Thus, Elijah's encounter foreshadows the tender, personal, and restorative relationship God offers humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 19:9

¶ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD [came] to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Exodus 33:23

And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 6:2

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Genesis 16:8

And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.