12 After the earthquake there was a fire,h but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.i 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantlej and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies,” he replied, “but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they’re looking for me to take my life.”k