1 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 12
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַ֣ר
And after
H310
וְאַחַ֣ר
And after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְהוָ֑ה
but the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
but the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Job 4:16It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,Zechariah 4:6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.Deuteronomy 4:33Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?Job 33:7Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.Exodus 34:6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,Exodus 3:2And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.Genesis 15:17And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.Hebrews 12:29For our God is a consuming fire.Acts 2:2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.1 Kings 18:38Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah flees to horeb, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.