The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

Episode Title: Elijah: The Still, Small Voice
Date: August 21, 2025
Host: Yael Eckstein
Podcast: Pray.com

Episode Overview

In this gripping retelling of one of the Old Testament’s most profound stories, the podcast dramatizes the aftermath of Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal, his subsequent despair, and his transformative encounter with God on Mount Horeb. Through vivid narration and powerful character voices, the episode explores themes of faith, fear, spiritual exhaustion, and the pursuit of divine purpose amid adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Structure

1. Aftermath of Mount Carmel: Triumph and Threat

• Elijah’s Victory and Anticipated Change
  The episode opens with a dramatic recap of the Mount Carmel showdown where Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal with a miraculous display of God’s power. Elijah expects this spectacle to finally turn Israel’s heart back to God.
  • “Well, Lord, that was quite the spectacle, wasn’t it? You got their attention. Now, I may be wrong, but it seems like perhaps you are enjoying yourself, huh? I know I was.”
    — Elijah (05:23)
• Jezebel's Threat and Elijah’s Fear
  The mood shifts as Elijah receives a chilling death threat from Jezebel, written in the blood of Baal's prophets, causing sudden terror and triggering flight.
  • “By this time tomorrow, your blood will stain the earth. Your bones will lie unburied... You will die as a man, abandoned, screaming for a God who will not answer. And only the rats will mourn you…”
    — Jezebel’s letter (07:28)

2. Elijah's Flight: Despair and Isolation

• Despite his recent victory, Elijah flees in fear. He’s bewildered by Israel’s continued unfaithfulness and feels utterly alone.
• Spiritual and Emotional Breakdown
  Elijah collapses in the wilderness, overwhelmed by anger, disappointment, and exhaustion.
  • “Enough. I can't do this anymore. Do you hear me, Lord? I can't do this.”
    — Elijah (11:52)
  • “This is what you wanted, isn't it? To waste my life on these people who don't care... Was Moses wasting his time too?”
    — Elijah (12:06)

3. God’s Gentle Provision and Reassurance

• The Unexpected Companion
  An angelic figure (Elisha) appears, bringing food and encouraging rest.
  • “Eat, drink. A little food would do you well.”
    — Elijah’s Companion (13:56)
  • “You'll need your strength for all the flailing and whining you plan on doing later.”
    — Elijah’s Companion (14:04)
• Elijah, sustained, journeys forty days to Mount Horeb.

4. Encounter on Mount Horeb: The Still, Small Voice

• Divine Confrontation
  Alone in the cave at Horeb, Elijah is asked by God:
  • “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
    — Yahweh / God (16:13)
• Elijah vents his grievances, sorrow, and frustration, feeling isolated and abandoned.
  • “My God, I have been very zealous for you. I fought for you, stood alone for you. And what has it gotten me?... You're asking me what I'm doing here, Lord? What are you doing here?”
    — Elijah (17:03)
• Manifestations and Revelation
  God demonstrates power with wind, earthquake, and fire — but is not present in any of them.
  • “And Yahuwah was not there.”
    — Narrator on wind, earthquake, fire (19:49, 20:44, 21:51)
• God Speaks in the Whisper
  In a moment of stillness, God draws near not with spectacle, but with a quiet, intimate voice.
  • “Elijah.”
    — Yahweh / God (22:45)
  • “You are not alone, Elijah. You never have been.”
    — Yahweh / God (23:52)

5. Commissioning and Renewal of Purpose

• God gently recommissions a humbled Elijah, giving him new tasks: anoint new kings and appoint Elisha as a successor.
  • “Your mission is not over. Go. Anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Anoint Jehu... Elisha, son of Shaphrat, shall be a prophet in your place.”
    — Yahweh / God (24:14; 25:16)
• Elijah’s spirit revives, hope is rekindled, and he prepares to pass the mantle.

6. The Calling of Elisha

• Elisha’s Ordinary Life Interrupted
  The narrative pivots to Elisha, working his father's fields, longing for purposeful calling.
• Elijah’s Arrival and Symbolic Act
  Without introduction, Elijah throws his cloak upon Elisha, signaling divine commission.
  • “No, no. I think it is you who will be helping me.”
    — Elijah (28:28)
  • “Apprentice, disciple, prophet in training, herald of the empire’s doom. Take your pick.”
    — Elijah (28:45)
• Elisha’s Response and Sacrifice
  Elisha accepts, symbolically burning his plough and oxen to follow Elijah wholeheartedly.
  • “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I only ask. Let me go, kiss my father and mother goodbye.”
    — Elisha (30:52)
  • “Because Elisha knew when Yahweh called, you do not hesitate. Because a prophet’s life was not a life of safety or comfort or return. It was a life of fire. And Elisha was ready.”
    — Narrator (31:19)

7. Conclusion: Hope Moving Forward

• Elijah and Elisha set out together, with the promise of new beginnings and God’s continued work.
• “Elijah and Elisha. Well, I'm sure that won't get confusing at all.”
  — Elisha (32:55)
• “Good. You’ve got some wit in you. In this line of work, you’ll need it.”
  — Elijah (33:03)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Elijah’s Sarcasm and Bitterness
  “Well, Lord, that was quite the spectacle, wasn’t it? ... I know I was.”
  — Elijah (05:23)
• Jezebel’s Threat (Chilling Villainy)
  “By this time tomorrow, your blood will stain the earth... You will not die a hero. ... Your name will be ash.”
  — Jezebel (07:28)
• Elijah’s Despair
  “Enough. I can't do this anymore. Do you hear me, Lord? I can't do this.”
  — Elijah (11:52)
• Elijah’s Confrontation with God
  “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
  — God (16:13) “My God, I have been very zealous for you. I fought for you, stood alone for you. And what has it gotten me?... You're asking me what I'm doing here, Lord? What are you doing here?”
  — Elijah (17:03)
• God’s Gentle Reassurance
  “You are not alone, Elijah. You never have been.”
  — God (23:52)
• Powerful Visual/Narrative Moments
  • The bloody scroll from Jezebel (07:28–08:21)
  • Elijah’s primal, exhausted collapse under the broom tree (11:31–13:09)
  • The journey through the wilderness and arrival at Horeb (15:11–16:13)
  • God’s manifestation in natural forces, yet true presence in a gentle whisper (18:11–22:47)
  • Passing the prophetic mantle to Elisha (28:28–32:00)
  • Elisha burning his past to embrace his calling (31:19)

Tone and Style

The episode is rich in dramatic narrative, emotional intensity, and biblical authenticity. The language alternates between gritty realism (Elijah’s anguish and sarcasm) and poetic solemnity (narrator descriptions, divine encounters). The dialogue is sharp, often laced with sardonic wit, yet always undergirded by reverence for the scriptural account.

Essential Takeaways

• God’s Presence Is Found in Compassion, Not Just Power
  Despite his longing for grand signs, Elijah learns that God is most present in quiet intimacy, a “still, small voice.”
• Spiritual Exhaustion is Valid—But Never the End
  Even the greatest prophets can break under pressure, but God responds with tenderness and continued purpose.
• Passing the Mantle:
  The calling of Elisha signifies renewal—faithful leadership never depends on a single person.
• Radical Commitment:
  Elisha’s immediate, sacrificial response is a model for wholehearted faith in action.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-------------| | Elijah reflects after Mount Carmel | 03:42–05:40 | | Jezebel’s threat delivered | 06:16–08:21 | | Elijah flees and despairs in wilderness | 09:48–13:09 | | God’s provision by an angelic companion | 13:09–15:11 | | Elijah’s encounter with God at Horeb | 16:13–24:40 | | Divine commission and calling of Elisha | 24:40–32:00 |

This episode masterfully weaves ancient narrative and emotional depth, casting Elijah’s story not only as a tale of prophetic power and trial, but as a timeless exploration of how God meets broken people—gently, faithfully, and always with a purpose.