Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse from 1 Kings 19:13 together. It's a really interesting and dramatic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Elijah is traveling through the wilderness – a vast, empty area – and he’s feeling very lost and confused. He’s running out of water and food, and he’s starting to doubt himself. Let's unpack each part: “And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it]…” This is a bit poetic, but it means that something happened – a specific event – that triggered Elijah’s distress. "It was so" suggests something significant and perhaps unsettling. “…that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out…” Elijah puts on a cloak or shawl (a “mantle”) and starts walking away from the familiar landscape. He’s distancing himself from everything he knows. “And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?” This is the key part! A mysterious voice – a voice – speaks to Elijah. It's not like a friendly greeting; it’s a questioning, perhaps even a bit stern. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of doubt and isolation . Elijah is facing a crisis – he feels abandoned and alone. The voice represents a divine presence, possibly testing him or confronting him with his own struggles. It's like a test, asking him a fundamental question: "What are you doing here?" Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a sign that Elijah was in a very difficult and spiritually challenging situation. It suggests: He’s questioning his purpose: He’s doubting why he's traveling and what he’s meant to do. He's facing a test of faith: The voice could be a challenge from God, pushing him to rely on his trust in Him. It’s a classic example of a story designed to evoke emotion and encourage reflection. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this passage within the larger story of Elijah's journey? Discuss potential interpretations of the voice? Compare it to other stories with similar themes (like the Test of Faith)?