1 Kings 18:5

Translations

Modern

Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.”

Traditional

And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.

Literal

And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go into the land, to all the springs of the waters and to all the brooks. Perhaps we may find grass and keep alive the horses and mules, so that we will not have to cut off any livestock.”

Latin

Dixit ergo Achab ad Abdiam: Vade in terram ad universos fontes aquarum, et in cunctas valles, si forte possimus invenire herbam, et salvare equos et mulos, et non penitus jumenta intereant.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.”

Notes

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Elijah Jezebel Persecution Prophets in 1 Kings

Events

Prophecies of Elijah

Related verses

Jeremiah 14:5–6
Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.
Joel 1:18
How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
Habakkuk 3:17
Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls,
Romans 8:20–22
For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope
Joel 2:22
Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best.
Psalm 104:14
He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth:

People

Ahab: Wicked king of Israel; husband of Jezebel Obadiah: Ahab's palace administrator, protected prophets

Glossary

Ahab (King) Carmel Horse Jehu Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Obadiah (Person) Pagans

Topics

Brooks: Borders of, Favourable to Grass Elijah: Returns, and Sends a Message to Ahab Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Ahab Fountains and Springs: Abound in Canaan Fountains and Springs: Afford: Fruitfulness to the Earth Grass: Destroyed by Drought Israel: Famine Prevails During the Reign of Ahab Obadiah: The Governor of Ahab's House: Meets Elijah and Receives a Commission from Him The Horse: Fed on Grain and Herbs The Mule: Food of The Mule: The Jews: Set a Great Value Upon Water: Collected in Brooks Water: Collected in Fountains

1 Kings 18:5

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