Physically & Psychically Exhausted

[1 Kgs. 18:10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the L-RD G-d of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
A message from the incensed and hard-hearted queen, Jezebel, vowing speedy vengeance for her slaughtered priests, dispelled all Elijah’s bright visions of the future. It is probable, however, that in the present temper of the people, even she would not have dared to lay violent hands on the L-rd's servant, and purposely threatened him because she could do no more. The threat produced the intended effect, for his faith suddenly failed him. The result of Jezebel’s threat was all she could have hoped for. Fearing for his life, the stalwart prophet of Mt. Carmel flees to Beer-sheba in Judah. In one decisive stroke Jezebel rids the country of Elijah’s troubling presence and brings discredit on the prophet and his G-d. He fled out of the kingdom into the southernmost part of the territories in Judah; nor did he deem himself safe even there, but, dismissing his servant, he resolved to seek refuge among the mountain recesses of Sinai, and there longed for death (James 5:17). This sudden and extraordinary depression of mind arose from too great confidence inspired by the miracles wrought at Carmel, and by the disposition the people evinced there. Had he remained steadfast and immovable, the impression on the mind of Ahab and the people generally might have been followed by good results. But he had been exalted above measure (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), and being left to himself, the great prophet, instead of showing the strong spirit of a martyr, fled from his post of duty.
Although Elijah wants to die, it does not occur to him to commit suicide. He requests G-d to take his life because life belongs to G-d and it is not within the province of humans to dispose of life. “I have lived long enough for Thy service, and am not like to do Thee any more service; neither my words nor works are like to do any good upon these unstable and incorrigible people.” How easily we fall into ‘lacking hope’ of a future.
Elijah’s wish expresses a deep sense of failure. He had thought he would make a difference in the life of Israel, by just as his prophetic forebears had failed so had he, physically and psychically exhausted, Elijah seeks escape in sleep.
As Elijah abandons responsibility for himself, an elusive heavenly presence comes to him. His gracious G-d did not lose sight of His fugitive servant, but watched over him, and, miraculously ministering to his wants, enabled him, in a better but not wholly right frame of mind, by virtue of that supernatural supply, to complete his contemplated journey. He needed not to complain of the unkindness of men, when it was thus made up by the ministration of angels. Wherever G-d's children are, they are still under their Father's eye. He is reminded of an appointment he has yet to keep; G-d is not finished with you yet!
By an awful exhibition of divine power, he was made aware of the divine speaker who addressed him; his attention was arrested, his bad temper was silenced, his heart was touched, and he was bid without delay return to the land of Israel, and prosecutes the
Father's work there. Elijah’s answer was “I have executed my office with zeal for G-d's honor, and with the hazard of my own life, and am fled in seclusion, not being able to endure to see the dishonor done to Your name by their obstinate idolatry and wickedness. Of all Your prophets, who boldly and publicly plead Your cause: for the rest of Your prophets who are not slain, hide themselves, and dare not appear to do You any service.
I despair of doing them any good: for instead of receiving my testimony, they hunt for my life”. It does by no means appear that he was at all to blame, for fleeing from Jezebel. If they persecute you in one city flee into another. Besides, the angels feeding and preparing him for his journey, and the peculiar blessing of G-d upon that food, indicated the divine approbation. Haven’t you ever felt all alone, thrown out, unwanted, the last one that really cares about G-d’s Word?
As a magnet shapes iron filings, so the behavior of a head of state shapes the behavior of the nation. Elijah is bitter. He had given his best effort and victory had been within his grasp. The defeat smote Elijah at the core of his being, calling into question that which gave his life meaning and purpose, his function as a prophet. This is why he wanted to die.
Companion to this profound sense of failure are feelings of self-pity and self-righteousness. Elijah’s reference to his zeal for the L-rd and to himself as the only loyal one left is a plaintive tribute to himself. It is clear that he expected, not G-d’s question, but a well-done-good and faithful-servant commendation and expressions of compassion for his hardship. When the pity party is over G-d both prepares Elijah to receive this discovery of G-d with greatest humility, reverence, and G-dly fear; and signifies His 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.
By a still small voice (sound, noise, voice - denotes calmness, stillness, silence, whisper), this reference must be to a filled, gripping, perceptible silence or stillness. To intimate, that G-d would do his work in and for Israel in His own time, not by might or power, but by His own spirit, Zechariah 4:6, which moves with a powerful, but yet with a sweet and gentle gale.