Keraia
1 Kings 18

1 Kings 18:4

Elijah’s Message to Ahab · 1 Kings 18:1–15
Read 1 Kings 18

Translations

Modern
…for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)
Traditional
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
Literal
…for it was in Jezebel cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and he sustained them with bread and water.)
Latin
Nam cum interficeret Jezabel prophetas Domini, tulit ille centum prophetas, et abscondit eos quinquagenos et quinquagenos in speluncis, et pavit eos pane et aqua.

Original

Hebrew
English
…for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)

Notes

1 Kings 18:4

Obadiah's care for 100 of the Lord's prophets suggests a group of prophets that existed since Samuel's time (1 Samuel 10:5–18; 19:20, 24). These groups met for study and spiritual support and are mentioned several times (2 Kings 4:1, 38; 9:1). Elijah and Elisha likely led some of these groups (2 Kings 2:3–7, 15; 6:1–7).

1 Kings 18:3–6

Because of the severe drought, Ahab and Obadiah, his chief officer (see 1 Kings 4:6; 16:9), went to find enough water and grass for the king’s horses. These supplies were essential for military readiness. Assyrian King Shalmaneser III wrote that Ahab used about 2,000 horse-drawn chariots in the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BC. Solomon also had many horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:26).

1 Kings 17:1–19:21

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Events

People

Jezebel: Queen of Israel; wife of King Ahab Obadiah: Ahab's palace administrator, protected prophets

Glossary

Carmel God-Fearer Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Obadiah (Person) Pagans Sons of the Prophets

Topics

Cave: Place of Refuge Caves were Used as Places of Concealment Elijah: Returns, and Sends a Message to Ahab Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Israel: Famine Prevails During the Reign of Ahab Jezebel was an Idolatress and Persecuted the Prophets of God King: Influential Queens: Jezebel Love to Man: Obadiah Love: Obadiah for the Prophets Martyrdom: Prophets and Saints of Old Martyrdom: Prophets Killed by Jezebel Obadiah: The Governor of Ahab's House: Conceals One-Hundred Prophets Persecuted by Jezebel in a Cave Obadiah: The Governor of Ahab's House: Meets Elijah and Receives a Commission from Him Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Prophets: Ordinary: Numerous in Israel Religious Zeal: Obadiah Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Women: Jezebel, in Her Persecution and Destruction of the Prophets of the Lord