1 Kings 18:3

And Ahab called Obadiah, which [was] the governor of [his] house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

And Ahab {H256} called {H7121} Obadiah {H5662}, which was the governor of his house {H1004}.(Now Obadiah {H5662} feared {H3373} the LORD {H3068} greatly {H3966}:

Ach'av called 'Ovadyah, who was in charge of the palace. Now 'Ovadyah greatly revered ADONAI;

and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,

And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Jehovah greatly:

Commentary

1 Kings 18:3 introduces us to a fascinating character, Obadiah, who serves King Ahab during one of the darkest periods in Israel's history. The verse highlights a stark contrast: Ahab, a notoriously wicked king who led Israel into deep idolatry, relies on a man who "feared the LORD greatly." This seemingly brief statement sets the stage for Obadiah's significant role in the unfolding divine drama between God and Baal worship.

Context

This verse is situated in the midst of a severe, three-year drought and famine that gripped Israel, a direct consequence of the prophet Elijah's prophecy against King Ahab. Ahab, heavily influenced by his Phoenician wife Jezebel, had actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading the nation away from the covenant God of Israel (1 Kings 16:33). In this atmosphere of spiritual apostasy and physical hardship, Obadiah, as the governor of Ahab's household, held a position of considerable power and responsibility. His faith in the LORD was not merely passive but an active, defining characteristic in a hostile environment.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness in Adversity: Obadiah stands as a beacon of integrity and devotion to the LORD amidst widespread idolatry and a corrupt administration. His position allowed him to maintain his faith even while serving a wicked king, demonstrating that one can remain true to God even in challenging circumstances.
  • God's Preservation of a Remnant: This verse subtly introduces the theme of God preserving a faithful remnant even when the majority has strayed. Obadiah is part of this hidden group of believers in Israel, showing that God never leaves Himself without witnesses.
  • Divine Providence: God strategically places faithful individuals in positions of influence, even within seemingly ungodly structures, to accomplish His purposes. Obadiah's role becomes crucial later in the narrative as he aids Elijah in his efforts to confront the prophets of Baal.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "feared the LORD greatly" is significant. In Hebrew, "fear of the LORD" (yir’at Yahweh) does not primarily mean terror, but rather a deep reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God. It implies a profound recognition of God's sovereignty, holiness, and power, leading to a desire to live in accordance with His will. This reverence, often described as the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10), was Obadiah's defining spiritual characteristic.

Practical Application

Obadiah's example offers valuable lessons for believers today. It teaches us that:

  • Integrity Matters: Even when surrounded by ungodliness, it is possible to maintain personal integrity and faithfulness to God.
  • God Uses Unexpected People: God can use anyone, regardless of their position or the environment they are in, to carry out His plans. Our faithfulness, not our circumstances, is what truly matters to Him.
  • The Importance of Reverence: Cultivating a deep "fear of the LORD" – a reverent awe and obedience – is foundational for navigating a world that often opposes God's ways.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:2

    That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

  • Matthew 10:28

    And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

  • 1 Kings 16:9

    And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

  • Acts 10:2

    [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

  • 2 Kings 4:1

    ¶ Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

  • Genesis 39:9

    [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

  • Genesis 42:18

    And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:
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