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Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Utley on destroyed - The MT has the Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT (BDB 503, KB 500) which basically means "to cut down." She was killing (cf. 1 Sam. 24:22; 1 Kgs. 11:16; 18:4; 2 Chr. 22:7) YHWH's speakers. One wonders if she was blaming them for the drought or wanted only Ba'al and Asherah to be worshiped. As YHWH used ravens (or Arabs) to provide bread for Elijah, now Obadiah provided bread and water for the prophets of YHWH (cf. v. 13). Obadiah was not only a man of faith, but of action, dangerous action. He name means "servant of YHWH," and he surely was. Patterson - That Obadiah would have little difficulty in finding caves for the sons of the prophets can be seen in that over two thousand caves have been counted in the Mount Carmel area. (See 1 and 2 Kings) 1 Kings 18:5 Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys; perhaps we will find grass and keep the horses and mules alive, and not have to kill some of the cattle.” grass: Ps 104:14 Jer 14:5,6 Joe 1:18 2:22 Hab 3:17 Ro 8:20-22 DESPERATELY SEARCHING FOR GRASS FOR ANIMALS Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys; perhaps we will find grass and keep the horses and mules alive, and not have to kill some of the cattle - This passage is clear evidence that there was a drought as Elijah had predicted and clearly it was so severe that one could hardly find green grass! Obadiah saves prophets, but Ahab saves horses
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Utley - This verse shows that Obadiah was part of Ahab's inner circle of leadership. 1 Kings 18:7 Now as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him, and he recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is this you, Elijah my master?” he recognized him: 1Ki 11:29 he recognized him: 2Ki 1:6-8 Mt 3:4 11:8 fell on: Ge 18:2 50:18 1Sa 20:41 2Sa 19:18 Isa 60:14 my master: Ge 18:12 44:16,20,33 Nu 12:11 THE LORD LEADS ONE PROPHET TO ANOTHER Now as Obadiah was on the way - Note the providence of God. This was not an accidental encounter! Behold, Elijah met him, and he recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is this you, Elijah my master - How Obadiah knew this was Elijah is not clear. That he fell prostrate and Elijah did not tell him to arise for he too was a mere man is somewhat surprising. 1 Kings 18:8 He said to him, “It is I. Go, say to your master, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” your master,: 1Ki 18:3 Ro 13:7 1Pe 2:17,18 MY GOD IS YAHWEH IS READY AND WAITING! He said to him, “It is I. Go, say to your master (lord), ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” - Elijah says in essence tell Ahab "My God is Yahweh (Meaning of Elijah's name) is hear!" Although Obadiah called Elijah his master (v7), Elijah commands him to go to his master Ahab to inform him Elijah was here (and ready to rumble, so to speak). While one might accuse Obadiah of divided loyalties as some commentators do, I would beg to differ, because (1) he clearly feared the Master of masters greatly (1Ki 18:3) and (2) he was willing to risk life and limb to (a) hide 100 prophets and then (b) to actually feed and water them. This hardly sounds like a man who had divided loyalties (in my opinion). Warren Wiersbe agrees asking of Obadiah "Was he a courageous servant of God (his name means “servant of Jehovah”) or a timid compromiser who was afraid to let his witness be known? The text informs us that Obadiah “feared the Lord greatly” and proved it during Jezebel’s “purge” by risking his life to rescue and support one hundred prophets of the Lord. That doesn’t sound like a man who was compromising his testimony!...Not all of God's servants are supposed to be in the public eye like Elijah and the other prophets. God has His servants in many places, doing the work He's called them to do. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea didn't make a big fuss about their faith in Christ, yet God used them to give proper burial to the body of Jesus (John 19:38-42). Esther kept quiet about her Jewish heritage until it was absolutely necessary to use it to save the life of the nation. Over the centuries, there have been numerous believers who have kept a low profile and yet made great contributions to the cause of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Ian Paisley - The Sudden Appearance of Elijah "Behold Elijah is here" I Kings 18:8, 11, 14 The sudden appearance of Elijah after three and a half years was startling. Three times we read "Behold Elijah is here" (see verse 8, 11 and 14). God's man Elijah is here— I. Here in God's Calendar Ahab, for three years, wanted to force the time of his appearing but all his royal power was useless. God's man only moves in God's time. God sets His own calendar. II. Here at God's Command God ruled Elijah, not Ahab or circumstances. Only when the heavenly command comes can God's man shew himself. III. Here to Deliver God's Condemnation The message of Elijah was total condemnation of the Baal apostasy. Elijah was no trimmer. His was a message of death unto death as well as of life unto life. IV. Here to Issue God's Challenge The issue was clean cut-Jehovah or Baal? It was white or black. There were no greys. V. Here to Seek God's Conflagration The fire alone was the confirming seal. Lord send the fire! VI. Here to Re-Establish God's Control There must be no appeasement of apostasy. Slay them utterly is God's command. VII. Here to Pray for a Break in God's Closed Heaven After the fire must come the rain. Judgment first then mercy, see James 5:17-18. 1 Kings 18:9 He said, “What sin have I committed, that you are giving your servant into the hand of Ahab to put me to death? What have I sinned: 1Ki 18:12 1Ki 17:18 Ex 5:21 OBADIAH WAFFLES WITH FEAR & PANIC He said, “What sin have I committed - This reminds us of the widow's remark about her sin in 1Ki 17:18. Elijah's presence seems to have a way of making people think of their sins! That you are giving your servant into the hand of Ahab to put me to death? - This is presumptive and surprising. Presumptive because he does not know Elijah's purpose. And surprising because Obadiah had already risked his life in hiding prophets and in being a believer in Yahweh. It goes to show that in a moment, the courage we may have manifest can be dismantled by a new trial or test. Isn't that the nature of our fallen flesh? William
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Utley- What a large number of fertility prophets who Jezebel fed! The prophets of Asherah are mentioned only in this verse. Only the prophets of Ba'al are killed in v. 40. Possibly Jezebel did not let them come to the contest. Payne - “Jezebel was not content with a private chapel, nor with her husband’s readiness to pay lip-service to Baal; she meant to dethrone the God of Israel, and make her Baal the chief deity and her faith in the official state religion.” (Kingdoms of the Lord: A History of the Hebrew Kingdoms) QUESTION - What is the significance of Mount Carmel in the Bible? ANSWER - Rather than being a single mountain, Mount Carmel is actually a high, wooded mountain ridge. In the Bible, Mount Carmel is best known as the site of the prophet Elijah’s dramatic showdown with 850 pagan prophets. (ED: TEXT IS NOT CLEAR THE PROPHETS OF ASHTAROTH SHOWED UP). Carmel means “vineyard,” “orchard,” or “garden” and reflects the fertile beauty of Mount Carmel’s picturesque slopes. The mountainous ridge starts on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest part of Israel at the south shore of the Bay of Acre. From there, the range runs southeast down to the plain of Dothan. Running along the northeast side of the ridge is the Valley of Jezreel. At its highest point, Mount Carmel reaches over 1,700 feet above sea level. Most notably, Mount Carmel is the scene of a spectacular head-to-head confrontation between the false prophets of Baal and Asherah and the One True God of Israel. The episode takes place during one of Israel’s worst times of crisis under King Ahab. To please his wife, Jezebel, Ahab set up an altar to Baal at the top of Mount Carmel. Baal, the favorite deity of Jezebel, was reputed to be the god of rain and vegetation. In 1 Kings 17:1–24, Elijah the Tishbite enters the story as an emissary of the Lord. The prophet confronts Ahab and predicts a drought in response to Ahab and Jezebel’s unholy devotion to Baal. When the end of the drought neared, to prove that the Lord God was the only true God, Elijah proposes a contest. All of Israel was summoned to Mount Carmel to witness the confrontation between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19). The match would show whose god was able to send fire from heaven to consume their offerings. The prophets of Baal prayed all day and cut themselves violently to get Baal’s attention, but no one answered (verses 28–29). By evening it was Elijah’s turn. He rebuilt the ruined altar of God that existed on Mount Carmel. He set the offering on top of the wood and then drenched the whole thing with water and prayed aloud: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36–37). God answered with a spectacular display of fire from heaven, consuming the offering, licking up the sodden wood as well as every drop of water that had been poured over the altar. Even the rocks of the altar were consumed. The people fell on their faces, proclaiming, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39). Elijah then ordered the people to execute the 850 false prophets according to the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 13). It seems that the prophet Elisha later used Mount Carmel as a home base (2 Kings 4:25). From ancient times, Mount Carmel has been regarded as a holy place and a symbol of beauty and fertility. In the tribal divisions, Mount Carmel was part of the territory of (western) Manasseh. Like the region of upper Galilee, Mount Carmel received plentiful rainfall in biblical times, producing lush, beautiful forests and rich grasslands on the lower slopes suitable for grazing. Isaiah associates God’s glorious restoration of redeemed humanity with the “splendor of Carmel” (Isaiah 35:2). Solomon compares the head of his beloved with the beauty and nobility of Mount Carmel (Song of Solomon 7:5). James Smith - ELIJAH ON CARMEL; OR, FAITH VINDICATED 1 KINGS 18:19–39 There are only two religions: (1) The Religion of Man; (2) The Religion of God. Man’s religion may have much that is attractive and pleasing to men, but it lacks power and authority. It is a lifeless body. The religion of God is attested as Divine by miraculous fire from Heaven in answer to believing prayer (1Ki 18:37; Acts 2:3). We have here— I. The Religion of Form and its Followers. 1. THEY ARE MANY. “Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty” (1Ki 18:22). A depraved religion will always be popular with a depraved humanity (Matt. 27:21). The proverb, “Vox populi, vox Dei,” is in spiritual matters untrue (Matt. 7:13). 2. THEY ARE EARNEST. They cried aloud and cut themselves with knives,” etc. (1Ki 18:28). Zeal, but not according to knowledge (Rom. 10:3), is like a steam-engine on the wrong track. Good misdirected. 3. THEY ARE DECEIVED. “Neither was there voice, nor any to answer” (1Ki 18:29). The favour and power of God is not to be purchased with self-effort (Titus 3:5; Acts 8:20). The fire of the heavenly baptism will not come upon us by leaping upon the altar and cutting ourselves (1 Cor. 13:3), it is by faith (Gal. 3:14; John 7:38, 39). II. The Religion of God and His Worshippers. It cannot be said of Christians that they worship they know not what (1 John 5:20). 1. THEY are COMPARATIVELY FEW. “I only remain” (1Ki 18:22). Here is but one against four hundred and fifty, but that one is not Elijah, but God, whom Elijah trusted. The battle is the Lord’s (read 1 John 4:4). 2. THEY ARE DELIBERATELY FAITHFUL. “Come near unto Me.” See the calmness of Elijah. No “leaping and cutting” with him. He makes not haste, because he believes in God (Isa. 28:16). Oh, for such faith (James 5:17). 3. THEY ARE DIVINELY FAVOURED. “Then the fire of the Lord fell” (v. 38). Our God is a consuming fire. When He comes He consumes the stony heart, and licks up the dust of sin (Matt. 3:11, 12). III. The Call of the Prophet for Decision. “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (1Ki 18:21). Notice— 1. THAT THERE ARE TWO OPINIONS. God’s and man’s. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord.” They are as wide apart as light and darkness. Which do you follow? (See Psalm 139:17). 2. THAT THERE ARE MANY WHO HALT BETWEEN THEM. The choice is between the “wisdom of man” and the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:19–30), between sin unto death and obedience unto righteousness (Rom. 6:16). 3. THAT THEY ONLY ARE SAFE WHO DECIDE FOR GOD. When the people saw it they said, “The Lord, He is God,” but the prophets were slain at the brook (v. 39). What are the results of seeing the “goodness and severity of God” at the Cross of Christ? Bob Gass - On the Way to Carmel Now bring all the people … to Mount Carmel. (I Kings 18:19, TLB) Elijah’s destiny was to stand on Mount Carmel and call down fire out of heaven. But he could only get there progressively—for that’s how God works. First, God sent him to a brook at Cherith, which means “covenants.” At some point in your spiritual journey, you’ve got to learn that your God is a covenant-making, covenant-keeping God. To do it, He’ll dry up rivers, make axe heads swim, and order fish into a net, but He’ll keep His promise to you, come what may. Note, God told Elijah, “… I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there” (1 Kings 17:4). Had he gone anywhere else, God wouldn’t have met his need, for a covenant is two-sided. You must fulfill your part! Take a moment and ask yourself honestly, “Have I? Am I where God wants me to be?” Next God sent Elijah to Azrephath saying, “… I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee” (1 Kings 17:9). God uses ravens and widows and whatever He likes—so stop trying to second-guess Him. One day, Sarah Utterbach said to me, “Bob, since your steps are already ordered of the Lord, why are you trying to figure it out?” (See Psalm 37:23.) Good question! Zarephath means “the melting pot.” It’s where metal was refined. If you’re “going through the fire” today, rejoice. God’s just separating the gold from the impurities in your character. HANG IN THERE! WHEN YOU’VE PASSED THE TESTS AT CHERITH AND ZAREPHATH, THEN YOU’LL BE READY TO GO TO MOUNT CARMEL. James Smith - ELIJAH ON CARMEL; or, Faith Vindicated, 1 Kings 18:19-39 There are only two religions: (1) The Religion of Man; (2) The Religion of God. Man's religion may have much that is attractive and pleasing to men, but it lacks power and authority. It is a lifeless body. The religion of God is attested as Divine by miraculous fire from Heaven in answer to believing prayer (v. 37; Acts 2:3). We have here— I. The Religion of Form and its Followers. 1. THEY ARE MANY. "Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty" (v. 22). A depraved religion will always be popular with a depraved humanity (Matt. 27:21). The proverb, "Vox populi, vox Dei," is in spiritual matters untrue (Matt. 7:13). 2. THEY ARE EARNEST. They cried aloud and cut themselves with knives," etc. (v. 28). Zeal, but not according to knowledge (Rom. 10:3), is like a steam-engine on the wrong track. Good misdirected. 3. THEY ARE DECEIVED. "Neither was there voice, nor any to answer" (v. 29). The favour and power of God is not to be purchased with self-effort (Titus 3:5; Acts 8:20). The fire of the heavenly baptism will not come upon us by leaping upon the altar and cutting ourselves (1 Cor. 13:3), it is by faith (Gal. 3:14; John 7:38, 39). II. The Religion of God and His Worshippers. It cannot be said of Christians that they worship they know not what (1 John 5:20). 1. THEY ARE COMPARATIVELY FEW. "I only remain" (v. 22). Here is but one against four hundred and fifty, but that one is not Elijah, but God, whom Elijah trusted. The battle is the Lord's (read 1 John 4:4). 2. THEY ARE DELIBERATELY FAITHFUL. "Come near unto Me." See the calmness of Elijah. No "leaping and cutting" with him. He makes not haste, because he believes in God (Isa. 28:16). Oh, for such faith (James 5:17). 3. THEY ARE DIVINELY FAVOURED. "Then the fire of the Lord fell" (v. 38). Our God is a consuming fire. When He comes He consumes the stony heart, and licks up the dust of sin (Matt. 3:11, 12). III. The Call of the Prophet for Decision. "How long halt ye between two opinions?" (v. 21). Notice— 1. THAT THERE ARE TWO OPINIONS. GOD'S AND MAN'S. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord." They are as wide apart as light and darkness. Which do you follow? (See Psalm 139:17). 2. THAT THERE ARE MANY WHO HALT BETWEEN THEM. The choice is between the "wisdom of man" and the "wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:19-30), between sin unto death and obedience unto righteousness (Rom. 6:16). 3. THAT THEY ONLY ARE SAFE WHO DECIDE FOR GOD. When the people saw it they said, "The Lord, He is God," but the prophets were slain at the brook (v. 39). What are the results of seeing the "goodness and severity of God: at the Cross of Christ? 1 Kings 18:20 So Ahab sent [a message] among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel. brought the prophets together: 1Ki 22:9 Mt Carmel North AHAB CALLS A CONVENTION So - Term of conclusion. This indicates Ahab is "game" for Elijah's request, but apparently he does not yet clearly understand what would soon transpire. Obviously he has confidence in his wife's bevy of false prophets to be able to "hold their own" against a single prophet of God. Remember, that when a person is deceived, like Ahab clearly was, by definition of the word "deceived," they do not actually know they are deceived! Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel - So apparently there were representatives from all 10 tribes of Israel present. This would assure that the news that Yahweh was the true God would be disseminated throughout the land.
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Utley- It has always been a question among commentators whether the severe drought was in Judah as well as Samaria. During the plagues of Egypt, they were limited to Egypt, but not Goshen (i.e., Exod. 8:22; 9:4,6,25-26; 10:22-23; 11:7). Why was there a famine in Samaria? Moses had warned Israel that one of the consequences of disobedience would be famine writing that "if you will not obey the LORD your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you...And the heaven which is over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you, iron. The LORD will make the rain of your land powder and dust; from heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed." (Deut 28:15, 23, 24+) That's God's recipe for a famine of devastating proportions! ESV Study note - A famine was sometimes a divine scourge (Deut. 11:14; 32:24; cf. Lev. 26:3-4), but it could also advance God’s purposes, as it did for the sons of Israel in Joseph’s time (Gen. 42:5; 45:5-8; Ps. 105:16-17, 23). (Borrow ESV Study Bible) THOUGHT - God is clearly in control from the beginning (famine in land). God is sovereign, (what word do you see in "sovereign"?) which in simple terms means that He is in complete control over ALL the affairs of nature and history and has the absolute right to act according to His perfect will and His good pleasure. The Bible is history which is "His-Story" in which He is working out His sovereign plan of redemption for the world toward a conclusion which is so certain that we can stake our very life on it. It follows that no "famine" just "happens" in Samaria, but God sovereignly controls every famine. What "famine" are you going through beloved child of God? Is He in control? Do you believe that is true? Most of us are either in a "famine," getting ready to go into a "famine" or just coming out of a "famine!" "Famines" are the classrooms (or "divine pop tests") in which the Father gives us the opportunity for our faith to be tested and to grow (if we yield to His loving hand). (Meditate on James 1:2-8+ and 1 Peter 1:6-7+) The lesson for each of us to learn is that pressures and trials wrought by the ''famines'' in our life are sovereignly sent (or allowed) by God not to destroy us but to humble us (repeated in Dt 8:2, 3+) and to teach us to "trust in Jehovah with all (our) heart and...not (to) lean on (our) own understanding" but "in all (our) ways (to) acknowledge Him", fully confident that "He will make (our) paths straight." (Pr 3:5, 6+) May we all grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe 3:18+) and learn what Habakkuk learned so that we respond the way he did to "bad news" --"Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." (Hab 3:17-19+) 1 Kings 18:3 Ahab called Obadiah who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly; Obadiah who was over the household: Ge 24:2,10 39:4,5,9 41:40 feared the Lord: 1Ki 18:12 Ge 22:12 42:18 2Ki 4:1 Ne 5:15 7:2 Pr 14:26 Mal 3:16 Mt 10:28 Ac 10:2,35 OBADIAH, AHAB'S CHIEF STEWARD Ahab called Obadiah ("servant of Jehovah") - This is probably not the Obadiah that wrote the book of Obadiah because he belonged to the southern kingdom and the Obadiah in this verse is identified with the Northern Kingdom (but we must avoid being dogmatic). who was over the household - Head of Ahab's house would signify he was trusted by Ahab. Spurgeon on Obadiah working for Ahab - Here was a dove living in the eagle’s nest. Obadiah was not a half-and-half man, but feared the Lord fully, hence his character won him confidence even from ungodly Ahab, and in his great trouble the king did not trust any of his idolatrous nobles as he trusted holy Obadiah. He lived in a wicked court, and yet was zealous for his God, and shewed his zeal by feeding the prophets when food was dear, and kindness to them might have cost him his life. If in so difficult a position Obadiah was so earnest, what manner of persons ought we to be who are so much more happily situated? Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly - This begins a parenthetical statement that will continue in the following verse. This is an amazing statement. Clearly Obadiah was a believer in Yahweh. He apparently was God's man on the scene for "such a time as this" much like the situation with Queen Esther (Esther 4:14+). God had him positioned to be able to secure supplies for the 100 faithful prophets who were in hiding. Had he not had access to the royal pantry (so to speak) it is doubtful he would have been able to provide them with bread and water for 3 years. “Fear” refers here to obedience and allegiance, the products of healthy respect for the LORD’s authority. Note that the Bible sometimes uses fear of the LORD as virtually synonymous with believe in the LORD. E.g., we see this in the last book of the Bible where John records "I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth (MOST PROBABLY AT THE MIDPOINT OF DANIEL'S 70TH WEEK), and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” (Rev 14:6-7+). That Ahab would have assigned Obadiah to be over his household is surprising given Jezebel's hatred of God's prophets. Did Ahab know he was a believer? We cannot be sure (in my opinion). Was Obadiah a "closet Christian?" I don't think we can say that either. One does wonder why he remained in the pagan Northern Kingdom and not defected to the Southern Kingdom? As the story unfolds it is clear God had a purpose for him in the Northern Kingdom. Related Resource: See my 100+ page article on The Fear of the Lord, a vital truth I fear is seldom emphasized in the modern church (when was the last time your heard a sermon on the fear of the Lord?) Some evangelicals think that fear is not even an aspect of God's attributes in the New Testament but that fear is reserved for the OT. Au contraire, the Bible clearly teaches that a holy, reverential fear of the LORD is foundational to a dynamic relationship with Yahweh. Even David says "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever." For how long? Forever! (Ps 19:9) Thus it should not surprise you that fear is used in the description of God's bondservants in heaven (Rev 19:5+). Philip Ryken has a very interesting application of the role of Obadiah writing "Though he had a secular calling, there is evidence that he was a secular saint; although he was in the world, he was not entirely of the world (cf. John 17:14–16; 2 Cor. 10:3). True, Obadiah was not as courageous as Elijah. Yet he was a believer in the God of Israel, and there are ways in which he serves as a godly example for Christians who have difficult, secular jobs." (Suggestion for an interesting, practical sermon on Obadiah, read Ryken's section on THE SECULAR SAINT in 1 Kings- digital edition or hardbound copy 1 Kings - Reformed Expository Commentary)
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Utley - "swear" Ahab made the surrounding nations swear an oath that they had looked for Elijah. I wonder in whose name they swore (i.e., YHWH, Ba'al, their national god). 1 Kings 18:11 “And now you are saying, ‘Go, say to your master, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’ Go: tell they lord, 1Ki 18:8,14 And now you are saying, ‘Go, say to your master, “Behold, Elijah is here 1 Kings 18:12 “It will come about when I leave you that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you where I do not know; so when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. the Spirit of the Lord: 2Ki 2:11,16 Eze 3:12-14 8:3 11:24 37:1 40:1,2 Mt 4:1 Ac 8:39 2Co 12:2,3 he shall slay me: 1Sa 22:11-19 Da 2:5-13 Mt 2:16 Ac 12:19 from my youth: 1Sa 2:18,26 3:19,20 2Ch 34:3 Ps 71:17,18 Pr 8:13 Ec 7:18 Isa 50:10 Lu 1:15 2Ti 3:15 GOD FEARING PROPHET FEARS AHAB'S WRATH It will come about when I leave you that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you where I do not know; so when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth - While Obadiah fears the LORD greatly, he is human and here expresses fear of man. He apparently did not know or was not able to put into practice Solomon's words "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." (Pr 29:25). I have a feeling most of the readers of Obadiah's words would have made a similar response to Elijah! Bob Utley - "will carry you where I do not know" Apparently there was a tradition of YHWH moving His prophets in a supernatural way (cf. Ezek. 3:14; 8:3; 11:1,24; 7:1; 43:5; Acts 8:39; Rev. 17:3; 21:10).
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Utley- before whom I stand" This is an idiom of being YHWH's servant (i.e., priests or prophets). It denotes intimacy and availability to YHWH's counsel Donald Wiseman: This first occurrence in Kings of ‘the Lord of Hosts’, which also occurs in other prophetic utterances (19:10; 2 Kgs 3:14; 19:31), denotes more than the heavenly hosts (Yahweh Sabaoth) or all subordinate gods or the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17:45). It includes the idea of God as the God of order and hence refers to his irresistible royal majesty and power (niv, the Lord God Almighty). 1 Kings 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah. OBADIAH OBEYS DESPITE HIS FEAR So - Term of conclusion. Obadiah is satisfied with Elijah's promise. Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah - Presumably Obadiah led Ahab to Elijah's location. Tony Merida offers a good character assessment on Obadiah - I think it’s worth noting that Obadiah and Elijah provide two ways to serve God. Not everyone will be called to formal ministry like Elijah, but many will be called to serve as “secular saints” like Obadiah. Davis says,"Elijah’s ministry is more public and confrontational; Obadiah works quietly in behind-the-scenes fashion and yet is faithful in the sphere where God placed him. The Bible never tells us that there is only one kind of faithful servant (1 Cor 12:4–6); it never demands that you must be an Elijah clone. ((1 Kings: The Wisdom And the Folly 231)" Obadiah is like the man or woman working for an unbelieving boss. How should you work in such an environment? Obadiah teaches us to do good work. He was elevated to his position because he apparently did a good job. Christians should be known for good work. Paul says, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord” (Col 3:23–24). Obadiah also illustrates how one should use one’s influence and resources. Obadiah had access to provisions and made them available to these persecuted prophets. Those who work in professions that allow them to have good salaries and benefits should consider how to use such blessings to advance the kingdom. One might object, claiming that Obadiah was being deceptive, but nothing in the text says that he lied or did anything unethical. He knew about suffering believers, and he used his resources to provide for them. Finally, Obadiah teaches us to be courageous. He ultimately followed Elijah’s instructions at great risk to his own life. The lesson here is that if you are ever in a position where it’s either obedience to God or obedience to man, choose God (Acts 5:29), even if it might cost you your job—or your life. (See Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings) 1 Kings 18:17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is this you, you troubler of Israel?” you troubler of Israel: 1Ki 21:20 Jos 7:25 Jer 26:8,9 38:4 Am 7:10 Ac 16:20 17:6 24:5 AHAB GREETS ISRAEL'S TROUBLER When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is this you, you troubler (akar; Lxx - diastrepho - perverter, corrupter) of Israel (the northern kingdom)? - This verse could aptly be entitled "Blame Shifting." This is a sad commentary on Ahab that he interprets the Word of God from Elijah as that which causes trouble. To the contrary the Word of God is heeded brings peace, not trouble. Of course the unheeded warnings from God will then bring trouble. Ahab is implying that the trouble in Israel was caused by Elijah. He is do deceived (see deceitfulness of sin) that he fails to see that he himself was the true troubler of Israel (see 1Ki 21:20). Tony Merida rightly opines that "The blame game is as old as the garden. Ahab doesn’t want to accept responsibility. God plainly told His people that famine would result if they worshiped idols (Deut 28:22–24). Ahab disregarded God’s word and received God’s judgment. After three years Ahab still won’t change his mind and heart. Instead of repenting, he blames Elijah." (See Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings) This is a false accusation by Ahab against Elijah which recalls Jesus' promise of reward not only to Elijah but to all saints who are falsely accused... “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) and be glad (agalliao - "jump for joy" - present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), for (term of explanation - a good one!) your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt 5:11-12+, cf Jn 15:18-20+) Warren
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Utley says pasach "means "to limp" (2Sa 4:4). It can denote hesitation between two options, as here a type of ritual fertility dance, v. 26 (NIDOTTE, V2, 45.,46) NIDOTTE (V3, 275-641), suggests crutches made from tree limbs QUESTION - What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - The account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal is recorded in 1 Kings 18. After Israel had gone more than three years without rain as a judgment for their idolatry, the prophet Elijah confronts the evil king Ahab and challenges him to a spiritual showdown. The king was to have all Israel gather at Mt. Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of the false god Baal and the 400 prophets of the false goddess Asherah (verse 19). On Mt. Carmel, Elijah said to the people of Israel, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). The people remained noncommittal at that point. Elijah then challenged the prophets of Baal to prepare a bull as an offering for their god—Elijah would do the same—with this catch: they could light no fire on their altar. The God who answered with fire from the sky would be considered the true God (verses 22–25). The people agreed that this was a good plan, and the prophets of Baal went first. The pagan prophets cried out and danced around their altar from morning till noon with no answer from Baal. Elijah began to mock them, saying, “Shout louder! . . . Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27). So the prophets of Baal “shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice” (1 Kings 18:28–29). Despite hours of effort, nothing happened. The historian’s comment hints at the emptiness of Baal-worship: “There was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention” (verse 29). Elijah then called the people to him as he repaired the altar of the Lord. He used twelve stones and dug a trench around the altar. He then placed wood on the altar and laid the cut pieces of the bull on it. Elijah then had the people douse the altar with twelve large jars of water. The water soaked the sacrifice and the wood and filled the trench (1 Kings 18:30–35). Once the sacrifice was ready, Elijah prayed, “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36–37). Then God did what Baal could never do: the fire of the LORD fell from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, “and also licked up the water in the trench” (verse 38). The people of Israel bowed down and declared the Lord as God (verse 39). Elijah then commanded the people to put the prophets of Baal to death, in keeping with God’s command in Exodus 22:20. Following this event, the Lord finally ended the drought and sent rain upon the land (1 Kings 18:45). The miraculous event of fire from heaven was an answer to the prayer of Elijah. God was seeking to turn the hearts of His people back to Himself. He used a time of drought to get their attention and then, through His prophet, performed a dramatic miracle right before their eyes. No one who witnessed that event doubted that the Lord was God and that Baal was a powerless wannabe. The repentance of the Israelites was soon followed by God’s provision of rain. James teaches us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16), and he uses Elijah’s prayer life as a case in point: “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:17–18). F B
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Utley - "Elijah mocked them" It is hard in English to communicate the exact meaning of these Hebrew words. Apparently Ellijah was poking fun at the theology of Ba'al. He asked perhaps Ba'al is involved in theological study, maybe Ba'al has gone to the rest room (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 1233), maybe he has gone on a trip to the underworld, maybe he has not come back to life this spring. TSK - Such were the absurd and degrading notions which the heathens entertained of their gods. "Vishnoo sleeps four months in the year; and to each of the gods some particular business is assigned. Vayoo manages the winds; Vuroonu the waters, etc. According to a number of fables in the pooranus, the gods are often out on journeys or expeditions." Ward's Views of the Hindoos, vol. ii. p. 324. (Interesting resource as Ward has comments on many other OT verses) (See comments in Volume 1) Spurgeon -Idolatry deserves contempt. The irony of Elijah was holy, though bitter as gall. How would Elijah laugh now at the Papists with their god of bread; and the Ritualists with their magical sacraments. His scorn would be unbounded as ours may well be; only as followers of Jesus we mix pity with our indignation. Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask 1 KINGS 18:27—Why was Elijah blessed for ridiculing the prophets of Baal when the Bible urges us to use kind words to our enemies? PROBLEM: The Bible says here that “Elijah mocked them” and suggested that their god was “meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” However, the Scriptures teach in other places to “love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44), “bless and do not curse” (Rom. 12:14), and “let your speech always be with grace” (Col. 4:6). Elijah’s conduct hardly seems exemplar of these truths. SOLUTION: First, it should be pointed out that the text does not specifically commend every word Elijah uttered. It simply says that God answered his prayer to vindicate him by sending fire to consume the sacrifice and the prophets of Baal (v. 38). Further, it can be argued that Elijah did not violate any of these scriptural exhortations. Nowhere does the Bible say Elijah hated the prophets of Baal or cursed them. As for Elijah’s alleged ridicule, it was no doubt cutting, but not outside the limits of a forceful but legitimate use of irony. The same passage that exhorts us to always speak with “grace” also notes that it can be “seasoned with salt.” This was perhaps an example of a more salty remark. In any event, there is no indication that Elijah did it with malice. Ultimately, his act was benevolent in that it saved the lives of those who were witnesses of this marvelous intervention of God. Some "Out-of-Context" Scripture Texts to be used in Church Buildings For the janitor's closet — I Chronicles 11:9 — "So David waxed greater and greater; for the Lord was with him." For the kitchen or fellowship hall — Isaiah 55:2 — "Eat ye that which is good and let your soul delight itself in fatness." For the Pastor's door when he is out — I Kings 18:27 — "Cry aloud . . . either he is talking or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or per adventure he sleepeth, and must be awakened." For the door of the Church nursery — I Corinthians 15:51 — "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." 1 Kings 18:28 So they cried with a loud voice and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them. cut themselves: Lev 19:28 De 14:1 Mic 6:7 Mk 5:5 9:22 SELF-MUTILATION BY PROPHETS OF BAAL So they cried with a loud voice and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them (Hebrew = "they poured out blood upon them"). Loud prayer to a god who does not exist is futile and foolish (THOUGHT - pray for all the millions around the world caught in this deceptive lie!) Ancient texts portray the Phoenician Baal as a bloodthirsty as well as lascivious god. His priests slashed themselves with knives in hopes the smell of blood might attract his attention.
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Utley - "cut themselves" This (BDB 151, KB 177, Hithpolel IMPERFECT with waw) was a sign of mourning for the dead, forbidden to the Jew (cf, Lev. 19:28; Deut. 14:1; Jer. 16:6; 41:5; 47:5; Hosea 7:14). Here, it refers to part of worship ritual for Ba'al, probably to get his attention! 1 Kings 18:29 When midday was past, they raved until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention. KJV 1 Kings 18:29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. BGT 1 Kings 18:29 καὶ ἐπροφήτευον ἕως οὗ παρῆλθεν τὸ δειλινόν καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ὁ καιρὸς τοῦ ἀναβῆναι τὴν θυσίαν καὶ οὐκ ἦν φωνή καὶ ἐλάλησεν Ηλιου ὁ Θεσβίτης πρὸς τοὺς προφήτας τῶν προσοχθισμάτων λέγων μετάστητε ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν καὶ ἐγὼ ποιήσω τὸ ὁλοκαύτωμά μου καὶ μετέστησαν καὶ ἀπῆλθον LXE 1 Kings 18:29 And they prophesied until the evening came; and it came to pass as it was the time of the offering of the sacrifice, that Eliu the Thesbite spoke to the prophets of the abominations, saying, Stand by for the present, and I will offer my sacrifice. And they stood aside and departed. NET 1 Kings 18:29 Throughout the afternoon they were in an ecstatic frenzy, but there was no sound, no answer, and no response. CSB 1 Kings 18:29 All afternoon they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound; no one answered, no one paid attention. ESV 1 Kings 18:29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. NIV 1 Kings 18:29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. NLT 1 Kings 18:29 They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response. NRS 1 Kings 18:29 As midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice, no answer, and no response. NJB 1 Kings 18:29 Midday passed, and they ranted on until the time when the offering is presented; but there was no voice, no answer, no sign of attention. NAB 1 Kings 18:29 Noon passed and they remained in a prophetic state until the time for offering sacrifice. But there was not a sound; no one answered, and no one was listening. YLT 1 Kings 18:29 and it cometh to pass, at the passing by of the noon, that they feign themselves prophets till the going up of the present, and there is no voice, and there is none answering, and there is none attending. they raved: 1Ki 22:10,12 1Sa 18:10 Jer 28:6-9 Ac 16:16,17 1Co 11:4,5 the offering of the evening sacrifice; 1Ki 18:36 voice: 1Ki 18:26 Ga 4:8 2Ti 3:8,9 Related Passages: Jeremiah 10:5 “Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, For they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good.” BAAL'S PROPHETS PUT ON SHOW OF FRENZY UNTIL 3PM When midday was past, they raved (naba = "PROPHESIED"; Lxx - propheteuo) until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention - No one answered because no one was home. I'm sure the demons would have loved to try to create some form of answer, but the sovereign God was in full control and He Alone would be exalted this day on Mt Carmel!
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Utley - "raved" This VERB'S (BDB 612, KB 659, Hithpael IMPERFECT with waw) etymology is uncertain. Arabic ‒ to announce Arabic ‒ to bubble Akkadian ‒ to call on the name of the deity. Here, the prophets of Ba'al and Asherah were acting in a ritual frenzy, hoping to attract Ba'al's attention. Even YHWHistic prophets acted in this manner (cf. Num. 11:25-27; 1 Sam. 10:5-6,10-13; 18:10; 19:24; 1 Kgs. 22:10; 2 Chr. 18:9; Jer. 23:13; 29:26). Paul Apple summarizes their failure: – Maybe your god can’t hear you; Cry out louder – Maybe your god is sitting on the toilet and can’t respond – Maybe your god is away and not able to hear you at this time – Maybe your god is asleep – Maybe your god is impotent and can’t respond because he doesn’t exist! 1 Kings 18:30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD which had been torn down. he repaired: 1Ki 19:10,14 2Ch 33:16 Ro 11:3 Related Passages: 1 Kings 19:10 He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” ELIJAH FIRST REPAIRS THE ALTAR OF YAHWEH Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD which had been torn down - The sad state of God's altar was symbolic of the sad spiritual state of the nation of Israel! Whitcomb: The calm assurance and dignity of Elijah provides a startling contrast to the heated frenzy of the pagan prophets. Alan Carr: true faith, unlike false worship, has absolutely nothing to hide! You had better watch the group that talks of secret things and hidden truth! My friend, do not be afraid to put Christianity under the microscope, it can stand the test! Henry
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Utley - "he repaired the altar of the Lord which had been torn down" This clearly shows the radical change in Israel's worship (cf. 1 Kgs. 19:10,14). YHWH's altar, unlike Ba'al's, must be made of uncut stones (cf. Exod. 20:25; Deut. 27:5-6). TSK - This altar of Jehovah was probably built in the time of the judges; and it was even known among the heathen by the name of the altar of Carmel. Both Tacitus and Suetonius mention an altar on mount Carmel, which Vespasian went to consult: there was no temple nor statue, but simply an altar, venerable for its antiquity.