Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 19:11

11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And behold, the LORD passed by , and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind : and after the wind and earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

Either, First, By his Harbengers: for, as it follows, the Lord was not yet there. Or, Secondly, Himself. And so this is a brief and general description of the thing, after which the manner of it is particularly explained.

Whereby he both prepares Elijah to receive this discovery of God with greatest humility, reverence, and Godly fear; and signifies his Almighty and Irresistible Power, to break the hardest hearts of the Israelites, and to bear down all opposition that was or should be made against him in the discharge of his office.

The Lord did not vouchsafe his Special and Gracious Presence to Elijah in that Wind, where he confidently expected him: which possibly was, Either, First, To qualify the excessive fervour and passion of Elijah, which mixed it self with his zeal for God, and to make him more mild in his Censures, and more meek and patient in waiting for the Conversion of Israel; wherein he might sooner expect Gods Presence and Blessed Success, than in the Storm of Anger or Impatience. Or, Secondly, To teach him not to▪ wonder if God did not accompany his terrible Administration at Mount Carmel with the Presence of his Grace, to turn the hearts of the Israelites to himself, as he desired, but God for Wise and Just Reasons saw fit to deny.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1+ letters]uk. 1. 4. and 37. 9.