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 169 for the revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled, 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.

Engelen bød nu profeten gå ud af hulen og stille sig på bjerget for Herrens åsyn for at lytte til hans ord. "Og se, Herren gik forbi, og et stort og stærkt vejr, der sønderrev bjerge og sprængte klipper, gik foran Herren, men Herren var ikke i vejret. Efter vejret kom der et jordskælv, men Herren var ikke i jordskælvet. Efter jordskælvet kom der ild, men Herren var ikke i ilden. Men efter ilden kom der en stille, sagte susen, og da Elias hørte den, hyllede han sit hoved i sin kappe og gik ud og stillede sig ved indgangen til hulen."