After the earthquake a fire passed; but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a still small voice.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Air. Something similar happened at the giving of the law, and at the propagation of the gospel. Exodus 19:9, 16. Acts 2:2. The Lord was pleased to shew his prophet the difference between the two laws: the own was full of terror, the other of mildness. Grotius—He insinuated likewise, that he could easily exterminate the offenders, but he chose to bear patiently with them; ( Tirinus.) and taught his prophet to moderate his zeal, and, after terrifying sinners, to being them to a sense of their duty by gentle means. Sanctius. Calmet.—“His spirit is most indulgent and mild.” … est teneræ serenitatis, apertus et simplex. Tert. c. Marcion xxiii.