1 Kings 18:11

KJV

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here].

KJV (with Strong's)

And now thou sayest {H559}, Go {H3212}, tell {H559} thy lord {H113}, Behold, Elijah {H452} is here.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now you say, 'Go tell your master, "Eliyahu is here."'

Berean Standard Bible

And now you say, ‘Go tell your master that Elijah is here!’

American Standard Version

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:11 captures Obadiah's profound apprehension as Elijah instructs him to inform King Ahab of his presence. Amidst a devastating, divinely-sent drought, Obadiah, a faithful servant of Yahweh in Ahab's idolatrous court, expresses deep fear for his life. He anticipates that the Spirit of the Lord might miraculously transport Elijah away before Ahab arrives, leaving Obadiah to face the wrath of the king for a seemingly false report, a situation that could easily lead to his execution. This verse highlights the immense personal risk involved in serving God in a hostile environment and sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Elijah's ministry, specifically within the account of his reappearance after a three-and-a-half-year drought. In [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Declares the Drought"), Elijah had prophesied the drought, then went into hiding, sustained by God. Now, in [1 Kings 18:1](/1_kings/18-1 "1 Kings 18:1 - God Commands Elijah to Reappear"), God explicitly commands Elijah to "show himself unto Ahab," promising to send rain. The narrative then introduces Obadiah, a devout servant of Yahweh who had courageously hidden and fed one hundred prophets of God from Jezebel's persecution ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides the Prophets")). Obadiah's encounter with Elijah, and his subsequent fearful plea in verse 11, directly precedes his detailed explanation of his apprehension to Elijah in [1 Kings 18:12-14](/1_kings/18-12 "1 Kings 18:12-14 - Obadiah's Fear Explained"), which ultimately leads to Elijah's reassurance and the long-awaited confrontation with King Ahab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 18 unfold during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a period marked by unprecedented state-sponsored idolatry in Israel, particularly the widespread promotion of Baal worship. The severe drought, now in its third year, was understood as divine judgment for this apostasy. In this monarchical system, the king wielded absolute power, and failure to deliver on a promise or a perceived deception could result in immediate and brutal execution. Ahab had been desperately searching for Elijah, whom he blamed for the drought, even forcing neighboring kingdoms to swear they had not seen him ([1 Kings 18:10](/1_kings/18-10 "1 Kings 18:10 - Ahab's Search for Elijah")). Obadiah, despite his high position as "governor of Ahab's house," lived in constant danger due to his secret allegiance to Yahweh. His fear was not irrational but rooted in the very real and lethal political climate of the time, where his life was perpetually at risk if he angered the king or queen.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - Divided Kingdom and Prophets"). Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **human fear and divine faith**. Obadiah's understandable terror in the face of Ahab's wrath stands in sharp relief to Elijah's unwavering obedience and confidence in God's command. Secondly, the theme of **divine sovereignty and timing** is evident; Elijah's reappearance is not random but divinely orchestrated, signaling that a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual history is at hand. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **cost of discipleship** and faithfulness in a hostile environment, as Obadiah's internal struggle reveals the immense courage required to serve Yahweh under a wicked regime. Finally, Elijah's simple declaration, "Behold, Elijah is here," carries the weight of **prophetic authority** and God's direct intervention, setting the stage for the dramatic showdown on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - The Confrontation on Mount Carmel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"And now" (Hebrew, _wə‘attāh'_):** This conjunction introduces a sense of immediate urgency and consequence. It marks a turning point in the conversation, where Obadiah shifts from acknowledging Elijah's presence to expressing the dire implications of Elijah's command for himself. It emphasizes the sudden and critical nature of the predicament Obadiah finds himself in.
* **"Go, tell" (Hebrew, _lēḵ haggiḏ'_):** These are two imperative verbs, a direct command from Elijah to Obadiah. `Lēḵ` means "go," indicating movement, and `haggiḏ` means "tell" or "declare," emphasizing the act of conveying a message. The directness of Elijah's command highlights his divine authority, but for Obadiah, it represents a perilous mission that could cost him his life.
* **"Behold, Elijah" (Hebrew, _hinnēh ’Ēlīyāhû'_):** The Hebrew interjection `hinneh` (rendered "behold" or "here is") is crucial. It is not merely a statement of presence but an emphatic declaration designed to draw immediate and often surprised attention to what follows. In this context, it underscores the monumental and divinely orchestrated significance of Elijah's sudden reappearance after years of hiding, signaling a dramatic turning point for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now thou sayest":** Obadiah directly addresses Elijah, acknowledging the prophet's instruction. This phrase sets up Obadiah's immediate and desperate objection, revealing his deep fear and the perceived impossibility of Elijah's command given the political realities. It highlights the tension between Elijah's divine mandate and Obadiah's human vulnerability.
* **"Go, tell thy lord":** This specifies the recipient of the message: King Ahab. The phrase "thy lord" emphasizes Ahab's absolute authority and the power dynamic at play. For Obadiah, delivering such a message to a king who had been relentlessly searching for Elijah was an act fraught with extreme peril, as failure to produce Elijah would be met with severe punishment.
* **"Behold, Elijah [is here]":** This is the core message Elijah commands Obadiah to deliver. The KJV's bracketed "is here" clarifies the meaning of the Hebrew `hinneh Eliyahu`. This simple statement is loaded with theological weight, announcing God's direct and dramatic intervention through His chosen prophet after a prolonged period of divine judgment and silence. It is an announcement of God's presence and impending action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience knows Elijah is truly present and divinely protected, yet Obadiah's profound fear is based on the very real possibility of Elijah's miraculous disappearance, which he attributes to the Spirit of the Lord. This creates tension and sympathy for Obadiah. The use of the Hebrew `hinneh` ("Behold") serves as a device of **Emphasis**, drawing immediate and urgent attention to Elijah's unexpected and significant reappearance, signaling a pivotal moment in the narrative. Furthermore, the verse sets up a powerful **Juxtaposition** between Elijah's unwavering faith and bold obedience to God's command, and Obadiah's understandable human fear and practical concerns for his life, highlighting the contrasting responses to divine instruction under duress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 18:11 is a poignant illustration of the tension between divine command and human fear, a recurring theme throughout biblical narratives. It underscores God's sovereign control over events and His chosen messengers, even in the most hostile environments. Obadiah's fear, while understandable given Ahab's tyrannical rule and the severe consequences of failure, contrasts sharply with Elijah's confident obedience, highlighting the nature of faith that trusts God's protection and timing. The verse also implicitly points to the courage required to stand for truth in a corrupt world, demonstrating that God often uses seemingly ordinary individuals in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. It reminds us that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, and His presence, though often unexpected, can dramatically shift the spiritual atmosphere.

* [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought")
* [1 Kings 18:1](/1_kings/18-1 "1 Kings 18:1 - God Commands Elijah to Reappear")
* [1 Kings 18:12](/1_kings/18-12 "1 Kings 18:12 - Obadiah Explains His Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah's desperate plea in 1 Kings 18:11 resonates deeply with the human experience of fear in the face of daunting commands. We often find ourselves in situations where God's call seems to defy logic, safety, or personal comfort. Like Obadiah, we may anticipate negative consequences, fearing the wrath of powerful systems, the judgment of peers, or the perceived failure of our efforts. This verse challenges us to examine our own responses when divine instruction seems to put us at risk. It calls us to cultivate a faith that, like Elijah's, can stand firm even when human reasoning dictates otherwise. It also encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to protect and provide, even when the path ahead seems fraught with danger. Ultimately, the story reminds us that faithfulness, even in the smallest acts of obedience, can be a powerful catalyst for God's redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When has God asked you to do something that felt risky or illogical from a human perspective?**
* **How do you reconcile personal fear with divine command in your own life, especially when the stakes feel high?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "show yourself" or speak truth in a challenging or hostile environment today?**
* **What lessons can you draw from Obadiah's courage to serve God faithfully, even while operating within a corrupt system?**

### FAQ
**Why was Obadiah so afraid to tell Ahab that Elijah was present?**

Answer: Obadiah's fear was entirely rational given the extreme political climate under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Ahab had been desperately searching for Elijah for over three years, even making other nations swear they hadn't seen him ([1 Kings 18:10](/1_kings/18-10 "1 Kings 18:10 - Ahab's Relentless Search for Elijah")). Obadiah feared that if he reported Elijah's presence to Ahab, the Spirit of the Lord, which had previously transported Elijah away ([1 Kings 18:12](/1_kings/18-12 "1 Kings 18:12 - Obadiah's Fear of the Spirit's Movement")), might do so again before Ahab could arrive. This would leave Obadiah to face the king's wrath for a false report or perceived deception, which in Ahab's tyrannical court, would almost certainly result in his immediate execution. Obadiah's position as "governor of Ahab's house" also meant he was under constant scrutiny and his life was perpetually at risk due to his secret allegiance to Yahweh.

**What is the significance of the word "Behold" (hinneh) in Elijah's statement?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `hinneh` (הִנֵּה), often translated "behold," "look," or "here," is a powerful interjection used to draw immediate and emphatic attention to something significant, surprising, or dramatic. It's not merely a casual statement of presence but an urgent declaration. In 1 Kings 18:11, its use underscores the monumental importance of Elijah's sudden and divinely orchestrated reappearance after a long absence. It signals a pivotal moment, not just a physical location, but the return of God's prophet to confront idolatry and bring about a spiritual turning point in Israel. It emphasizes the directness and weight of God's intervention through Elijah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic tension in 1 Kings 18:11, where Elijah's sudden presence is announced with "Behold," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah, as a prophet sent by God to confront idolatry and call Israel back to true worship, serves as a type of Christ. Just as Elijah's reappearance signaled a pivotal moment of divine intervention, so too does the advent of Christ mark the decisive turning point in salvation history. John the Baptist, in his prophetic role, pointed to Jesus with the ultimate "Behold!": "[Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" (John 1:29). This declaration, echoing the emphatic `hinneh`, announced not just a physical presence but the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan. The fear and apprehension experienced by Obadiah in facing a hostile king find their resolution in Christ, who empowers His followers to overcome fear (e.g., [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")) and promises His unwavering presence, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). The ultimate divine intervention, the true spiritual revival and confrontation with the powers of darkness, is accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, bringing about a new covenant where God's Spirit indwells believers, enabling them to live boldly for Him, even in challenging environments.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 18:8

And he answered him, I [am]: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here].

1 Kings 18:14

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here]: and he shall slay me.