1 Kings 18:13

KJV

Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

KJV (with Strong's)

Was it not told {H5046} my lord {H113} what I did {H6213} when Jezebel {H348} slew {H2026} the prophets {H5030} of the LORD {H3068}, how I hid {H2244} an hundred {H3967} men {H376} of the LORD'S {H3068} prophets {H5030} by fifty {H2572} in a cave {H4631}, and fed {H3557} them with bread {H3899} and water {H4325}?

Complete Jewish Bible

wasn't my lord told what I did when Izevel killed ADONAI's prophets, how I hid a hundred of ADONAI's prophets by fifties in caves and supplied their food and water?

Berean Standard Bible

Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel slaughtered the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD, fifty men per cave, and I provided them with food and water.

American Standard Version

Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of Jehovah, how I hid a hundred men of Jehovah’s prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 18:13 records Obadiah's earnest plea to Elijah, recalling his past, perilous act of faith in preserving one hundred of the LORD's prophets from Queen Jezebel's murderous purge. This confession, made during a severe famine and a tense encounter, reveals Obadiah's deep-seated loyalty to Yahweh despite his high-ranking position in the idolatrous court of King Ahab, showcasing his courage and the unseen, costly sacrifices made to protect God's remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of the dramatic encounter between Elijah and Obadiah, occurring amidst a devastating three-year famine that Elijah himself had prophesied in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought"). King Ahab and Obadiah are desperately searching for water and pasture, highlighting the severity of God's judgment on Israel's idolatry. Elijah, having been hidden and miraculously sustained by God, is now commanded to reappear before Ahab. When Obadiah, a devout Yahweh-worshipper, encounters Elijah, he immediately recognizes and reveres the prophet. However, Obadiah is terrified by Elijah's command to announce his presence to Ahab, fearing that the Spirit of the LORD might carry Elijah away, leaving him to face Ahab's wrath alone. It is in this moment of fear and self-preservation that Obadiah recounts his past faithfulness, attempting to assure Elijah of his trustworthiness and commitment to Yahweh, thereby hoping to avoid a potentially fatal situation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (c. 874-853 BC) marked a period of profound spiritual apostasy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and zealous worshipper of Baal, actively promoted Baal worship throughout Israel, establishing temples and supporting hundreds of Baal and Asherah prophets at the royal table ([1 Kings 18:19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - Prophets of Baal and Asherah")). This state-sponsored idolatry led to a brutal persecution of the prophets of Yahweh, as Jezebel sought to eradicate the worship of the true God. Obadiah, serving as Ahab's palace administrator, held a position of significant influence and trust. His decision to hide and sustain Yahweh's prophets was an act of extraordinary courage and defiance against the most powerful figures in the land, risking not only his prestigious office but also his life and the lives of his family. The famine itself was a direct divine judgment, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over Baal, who was supposedly the god of rain and fertility.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. It underscores the theme of **Faithfulness Under Pressure**, as Obadiah exemplifies unwavering loyalty to Yahweh even while serving in a deeply corrupt and hostile environment. His actions highlight the profound **Courage and Compassion** required to protect God's people amidst persecution, contrasting sharply with the widespread apostasy and fear that gripped Israel. Furthermore, Obadiah's hidden service points to the theme of **Divine Preservation**, demonstrating how God sovereignly works through unexpected individuals to preserve a remnant of His faithful in times of spiritual darkness. This act of preservation is crucial, as it ensures that there are still voices for Yahweh in Israel, setting the stage for Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - The Contest on Mount Carmel"), where the stark contrast between true and false worship would be definitively revealed. Obadiah's testimony also foreshadows the broader truth that God always reserves a faithful remnant for Himself, as later articulated in [Romans 11:4-5](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4-5 - God Preserves a Remnant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets of the LORD (Hebrew, _nĕbî'ê YHWH'_):** This phrase explicitly identifies the individuals as those divinely called and commissioned by Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. They were not mere soothsayers or religious functionaries, but spokespersons for the one true God, often delivering His word, warning against sin, and calling the nation back to covenant faithfulness. Jezebel's persecution was therefore not merely against a religious sect but a direct assault on the authority and presence of Yahweh in Israel. Obadiah's commitment to these specific individuals underscores his allegiance to Yahweh Himself.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _hikhrîtâ'_):** Derived from the root _kārat_, meaning "to cut off" or "to destroy," this word indicates a systematic and violent extermination. Jezebel's actions were not random killings but a deliberate, organized campaign of genocide against the Yahwistic prophetic order. This emphasizes the extreme danger Obadiah faced and the profound courage required for his counter-actions.
* **Hid (Hebrew, _va'akhbî'_):** From the root _ḥāvā'_, meaning "to hide," this verb conveys secrecy, protection, and concealment. Obadiah's act was clandestine and highly risky, involving not just passive concealment but active provision and maintenance of life for a large group of people over an extended period. It speaks to a deep personal commitment and a willingness to operate against the prevailing power structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD":** Obadiah's opening is a rhetorical question, a desperate plea for Elijah to acknowledge his known loyalty and past actions. He appeals to Elijah's presumed knowledge, hoping to establish credibility and alleviate the prophet's suspicion or mistrust. This highlights Obadiah's fear and vulnerability in the face of Elijah's command, as he feels his life is at stake if Elijah were to disappear.
* **"how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave":** This clause reveals the extraordinary and specific nature of Obadiah's intervention. He didn't just offer passive support; he actively concealed a significant number of prophets, dividing them into two groups, likely in two separate caves for greater security and logistical management. This demonstrates meticulous planning, immense personal risk, and a substantial commitment of resources. The number "one hundred" is significant, indicating a substantial portion of the prophetic community that Obadiah managed to preserve.
* **"and fed them with bread and water?":** This final clause underscores the ongoing, practical, and costly nature of Obadiah's faithfulness. Hiding them was one thing, but sustaining them with basic necessities like bread and water, especially during a severe famine, would have required continuous effort, access to scarce resources, and extreme discretion. This act of provision speaks volumes about his sustained devotion and compassion, going far beyond a single heroic moment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Obadiah, a devout worshipper of Yahweh, serves as the chief administrator in the court of King Ahab, Israel's most idolatrous king. This creates a stark contrast between his outward position and his inward allegiance, highlighting the possibility of faithfulness even in compromised environments. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Jezebel's murderous intent and Obadiah's life-preserving actions, emphasizing the cosmic battle between good and evil, Yahweh and Baal. The mention of "bread and water" during a famine serves as a subtle **Symbolism** of God's provision and the sustenance of life even in the direst circumstances, echoing the miraculous provision Elijah himself experienced. Furthermore, Obadiah's testimony serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel by confirming that a remnant of Yahweh's prophets still exists, ready to bear witness to God's power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah's actions in 1 Kings 18:13 provide a profound theological insight into God's sovereign preservation of His people, even in the darkest periods of apostasy and persecution. It demonstrates that God always maintains a remnant for Himself, often through the quiet, unseen faithfulness of individuals who operate against the prevailing cultural and political currents. Obadiah's willingness to risk everything for the sake of God's prophets illustrates that true faithfulness is not merely a matter of belief but of costly, courageous action, often performed without public recognition or reward. His story reminds us that God's work continues even when it seems the forces of evil are overwhelming, and that He can use anyone, in any position, to further His purposes and protect His truth.
* [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God Preserves a Remnant")
* [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Reward for Secret Giving")
* [Hebrews 11:38](/hebrews/11-38 "Hebrews 11:38 - Worthy of Whom the World Was Not")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah's story in 1 Kings 18:13 challenges believers to consider the nature of their own faithfulness, particularly when faced with societal pressures or spiritual opposition. His example calls us to a deep integrity, where our allegiance to God transcends our professional roles, social standing, or personal safety. We are reminded that significant acts of courage often occur in hidden places, away from public acclaim, yet they are profoundly seen and valued by God. How do we, like Obadiah, identify opportunities to protect truth, uphold justice, or support God's people, even when it involves personal risk or goes against popular opinion? His quiet, consistent provision of bread and water for the prophets also prompts us to consider the practical, often mundane, ways we can sustain and encourage those who are serving God, especially those who may be marginalized or under attack. Ultimately, Obadiah's faithfulness encourages us to trust that God is at work, preserving His remnant and advancing His kingdom, even through the seemingly small, unseen acts of obedience by His devoted servants.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Obadiah's example challenge our understanding of "public" versus "private" faithfulness to God?**
* **What "risks" might God be calling us to take in our current contexts to protect truth or support His people?**
* **In what practical, perhaps unseen, ways can we "feed with bread and water" those who are serving God today?**

### FAQ
**Who was Obadiah and why is his role significant?**

Answer: Obadiah was King Ahab's palace administrator, a high-ranking and trusted official in the most idolatrous court of Israel. His role is highly significant because, despite serving a wicked king and queen who actively persecuted Yahweh's prophets, Obadiah remained a devout worshipper of the LORD. His position allowed him to secretly act as an agent of divine preservation, risking his life and livelihood to hide and sustain one hundred of God's prophets from Queen Jezebel's murderous purge. He stands as a powerful example of faithfulness and integrity in a compromised environment, demonstrating that God can use individuals in any sphere of influence to advance His purposes.

**Why did Obadiah need to remind Elijah of his actions?**

Answer: Obadiah reminded Elijah of his past actions primarily out of fear and a desperate need to establish trust. Elijah had just commanded Obadiah to announce his presence to King Ahab, a king who had been relentlessly searching for Elijah to kill him ([1 Kings 18:10](/1_kings/18-10 "1 Kings 18:10 - Ahab Searches for Elijah")). Obadiah feared that if he went to Ahab, the Spirit of the LORD might carry Elijah away, leaving Obadiah alone to face Ahab's wrath for seemingly mocking the king or failing to produce Elijah. By recounting his costly faithfulness in preserving the prophets, Obadiah sought to assure Elijah that he was a loyal servant of Yahweh, not a spy or an unreliable messenger, and that his fear was legitimate, not a sign of disloyalty. He needed Elijah to understand his predicament and trust his character.

**What does "by fifty in a cave" imply?**

Answer: The phrase "by fifty in a cave" suggests that Obadiah hid the one hundred prophets in two separate groups of fifty, likely in two distinct caves. This strategic division would have provided greater security and logistical efficiency. Hiding a large group in a single location would have been riskier due to the increased chance of discovery and the difficulty of providing for so many. By separating them, Obadiah could better manage their sustenance and minimize the risk of total exposure. It speaks to his meticulous planning and the immense practical challenges involved in his daring act of preservation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah's hidden act of preserving the prophets of the LORD foreshadows the ultimate preservation and sustenance offered by Jesus Christ. Just as Obadiah, at great personal risk, provided bread and water to a remnant of God's chosen, so Christ is the ultimate provider and preserver of His people. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who sustains us, and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") who quenches our spiritual thirst, even in the spiritual wilderness of this world. Obadiah's courageous act in the face of Jezebel's persecution mirrors Christ's decisive victory over the forces of darkness and death, ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). Furthermore, Obadiah's unseen service points to the quiet, foundational work of Christ, who, though often unrecognized by the world, is continually interceding for His saints ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")) and building His kingdom through humble acts of faithfulness. His example reminds us that God's preservation of His people is ultimately rooted in the unwavering faithfulness and sacrificial provision of Christ, who promised to never leave nor forsake His own ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")).

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 18:4

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.)

Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Acts 20:34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Psalms 18:21

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Psalms 18:24

Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Genesis 20:4

But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

Genesis 20:5

Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.