1 Kings 18:4

KJV

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.)

KJV (with Strong's)

For it was so, when Jezebel {H348} cut off {H3772} the prophets {H5030} of the LORD {H3068}, that Obadiah {H5662} took {H3947} an hundred {H3967} prophets {H5030}, and hid {H2244} them by fifty {H376}{H2572} in a cave {H4631}, and fed {H3557} them with bread {H3899} and water {H4325}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

for example, when Izevel was murdering ADONAI's prophets, 'Ovadyah took a hundred prophets, hid them in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water.

Berean Standard Bible

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.)

American Standard Version

for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of Jehovah, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 18:4 presents a stark image of spiritual conflict in ancient Israel, revealing Queen Jezebel's ruthless campaign to eradicate the prophets of the LORD and the courageous, clandestine efforts of Obadiah, King Ahab's palace administrator, to preserve a remnant of these faithful servants by hiding and sustaining one hundred of them during a severe famine. This verse underscores the pervasive apostasy of the era while simultaneously highlighting the quiet, unwavering faithfulness of an individual who risked everything to protect God's messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader narrative of Elijah's ministry, specifically leading up to the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1-kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah's Challenge on Mount Carmel"). The preceding chapter, [1 Kings 17](/1-kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath"), establishes the severe three-and-a-half-year drought as a divine judgment upon Israel's idolatry, initiated by Elijah's prophecy in [1 Kings 17:1](/1-kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought"). Chapter 18 opens with God instructing Elijah to appear before Ahab, promising rain. However, before this climactic encounter, the text pauses to reveal the dire state of affairs for Yahweh's prophets and introduces Obadiah, a surprising figure of faithfulness within Ahab's corrupt court. This revelation sets the stage for the intense spiritual battle, demonstrating the depth of Jezebel's persecution and the desperate need for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") is one of profound spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and zealous worshipper of Baal and Asherah, was a strategic political alliance that brought destructive religious syncretism and outright idolatry into the heart of Israelite society. Jezebel actively promoted her native deities, establishing temples and maintaining hundreds of Baal and Asherah prophets at the royal table. Her campaign to "cut off" the prophets of the LORD was a systematic, state-sponsored effort to eliminate any opposition to her religious agenda and consolidate Baal worship as the dominant religion. This persecution was not merely social ostracization but a violent, murderous purge, making Obadiah's actions incredibly dangerous and culturally counter-normative for a high-ranking official. The severe drought would have exacerbated the challenge of providing for 100 people, highlighting the immense risk and sacrifice involved.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 18:4](/1-kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Obadiah Hides the Prophets") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution of the righteous**, demonstrating the lengths to which those hostile to God will go to suppress His truth and silence His messengers, as seen in Jezebel's brutal extermination campaign. Secondly, it showcases **courageous faithfulness** amidst widespread apostasy and danger; Obadiah's actions, risking his life and position, stand as a testament to unwavering commitment to God, even when surrounded by wickedness. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **divine preservation of a remnant**. Even when it seemed the true worship of the LORD was being wiped out, God always preserved a faithful few, often through unexpected means or individuals like Obadiah. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's enduring covenant with His people, even in their unfaithfulness, as later seen in [God's revelation to Elijah about the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal](/1-kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Remnant of 7,000"). Finally, it exemplifies **hidden service and provision**, revealing how God can use covert, yet profoundly impactful, actions to sustain His servants in desperate circumstances, often through channels that appear unlikely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"cut off" (Hebrew, כָּרַת _karat_):** This verb is highly significant. While it can mean simply "to cut," in contexts like this, it carries the strong connotation of "to cut off," "to exterminate," "to destroy," or "to annihilate." It often refers to the termination of a covenant or a lineage. Here, it implies Jezebel's decisive and violent intent to completely eliminate the presence and influence of the LORD's prophets, leaving no trace of their ministry. It was a systematic purge, not merely a dismissal.
* **"prophets of the LORD" (Hebrew, נְבִיאֵי יְהוָה _nevi'ei Yahweh_):** These were individuals who served as God's spokespersons, receiving and delivering divine messages, often challenging the prevailing idolatry and injustice. Their existence was a direct threat to Jezebel's agenda of establishing Baal worship. The phrase emphasizes their divine commission and their allegiance to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, in contrast to the hundreds of Baal and Asherah prophets supported by the royal court.
* **"Obadiah" (Hebrew, עֹבַדְיָהוּ _`Ovadyahu_):** Meaning "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." The name itself is profoundly ironic given his position as the chief administrator in the household of Ahab, the most idolatrous king of Israel. This name highlights his personal devotion to God despite his proximity to profound wickedness, setting him apart as a remarkable example of faithfulness in a corrupt environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD":** This clause sets the grim backdrop, emphasizing the severe persecution initiated by Queen Jezebel. Her actions were not random acts of violence but a deliberate, systematic campaign to eradicate the legitimate prophetic voice of Yahweh from Israel, aiming to solidify the supremacy of Baal worship. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew _karat_) implies a decisive and violent extermination, highlighting the existential threat faced by God's servants.
* **"that Obadiah took an hundred prophets":** This introduces the counter-narrative of courageous intervention. Obadiah, despite his high-ranking and politically sensitive position as King Ahab's palace administrator (mentioned in [1 Kings 18:3](/1-kings/18-3 "1 Kings 18:3 - Obadiah's Position")), actively sought out and gathered a significant number of the persecuted prophets. This act was incredibly risky, as discovery would have meant certain death for him and the prophets. His initiative demonstrates profound personal faith and moral courage.
* **"and hid them by fifty in a cave":** This detail reveals the practical, dangerous, and covert nature of Obadiah's rescue mission. Hiding them in caves provided natural, secluded shelters, but also presented logistical challenges for sustenance. Dividing them into two groups of fifty might have been a strategy for managing resources, reducing the risk of discovery for all, or simply utilizing available space. This act underscores the desperate circumstances and Obadiah's meticulous planning to ensure their safety.
* **"and fed them with bread and water":** This final clause highlights Obadiah's sustained provision for the hidden prophets, which was particularly challenging during the severe famine afflicting the land. Bread and water, though basic, were essential for survival and represented a remarkable act of sustained charity and risk. This provision not only met their physical needs but also symbolized the preservation of their lives and, by extension, the prophetic ministry in Israel during a period of intense spiritual darkness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. **Irony** is prominent, most notably in Obadiah's name, which means "servant of Yahweh," contrasting sharply with his service in the household of the idolatrous King Ahab. This highlights his hidden, yet profound, faithfulness in a corrupt system. There is also a powerful **Contrast** between the zealous, murderous actions of Jezebel, who seeks to destroy God's prophets, and the quiet, life-preserving actions of Obadiah. This juxtaposition underscores the spiritual battle for Israel's soul. Furthermore, the act of "feeding them with bread and water" during a severe drought functions as **Symbolism** for divine provision and sustenance, mirroring God's own care for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in the preceding chapter. Obadiah becomes an instrument of God's preserving grace, ensuring the continuation of the prophetic voice even when it seems utterly suppressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to preserve a faithful remnant, even in times of widespread apostasy and intense persecution. It reveals that God's purposes are not thwarted by human wickedness; rather, He raises up unexpected individuals like Obadiah to be instruments of His preserving grace. The theological implication is that true faith can exist and thrive even in the most hostile environments, often in hidden acts of courage and service. Obadiah's actions serve as a powerful testament to the principle that God always maintains a witness for Himself, ensuring that His truth is not utterly extinguished. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when the forces against faith seem overwhelming, and to recognize the vital role of quiet, faithful service in the broader scope of God's redemptive plan.

* [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God's Remnant in Elijah's Day")
* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Persecution and Divine Care")
* [Hebrews 11:38](/hebrews/11-38 "Hebrews 11:38 - Prophets in Hiding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Obadiah in 1 Kings 18:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often seems increasingly hostile to biblical truth, Obadiah's quiet courage challenges us to examine the depth of our own convictions. He did not engage in public confrontation, but his behind-the-scenes faithfulness was absolutely critical for the survival of God's prophetic voice. This reminds us that not all impactful ministry is visible or celebrated; often, the most vital work is done in obscurity, at great personal risk, driven by a deep love for God and His people. We are called to cultivate a faith that is resilient in adversity, willing to take risks for the sake of truth, and compassionate in its care for others, especially those who are persecuted for their faith. Furthermore, Obadiah's example encourages us to look for and support the "Obadiahs" in our own contexts—those who faithfully serve God in hidden ways, often bearing significant burdens to sustain ministry or protect the vulnerable. His story is a powerful reminder that God always has a remnant, and He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to preserve His truth and His people, even when the spiritual landscape appears bleak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Obadiah's hidden faithfulness challenge our understanding of what constitutes "effective" or "important" ministry?**
* **What risks are we, as believers, willing to take to support God's work or protect His people in hostile environments today?**
* **In what ways might we be called to offer "bread and water" (sustenance and support) to those who are serving God in difficult or dangerous circumstances?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's preservation of a remnant, even in the darkest times, encourage us when evil seems to prevail in our society?**

### FAQ
**Who was Obadiah, and what was his significance in the story of Elijah?**

Answer: Obadiah was a high-ranking official, the "governor of Ahab's house" or chief administrator, as stated in [1 Kings 18:3](/1-kings/18-3 "1 Kings 18:3 - Obadiah's Position"). His name, meaning "servant of Yahweh," stands in stark contrast to his position in the court of the most idolatrous king of Israel, Ahab. His significance lies in his unwavering devotion to the LORD despite being surrounded by profound wickedness and persecution. He secretly hid and sustained one hundred prophets of the LORD whom Queen Jezebel was attempting to eradicate. This act of courageous, clandestine faithfulness was crucial for preserving the prophetic voice in Israel during a period when it was under existential threat, making him a vital instrument in God's plan to maintain a faithful remnant.

**Why did Jezebel want to "cut off" the prophets of the LORD?**

Answer: Queen Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and a zealous worshipper of Baal and Asherah, was determined to establish her native deities as the dominant gods in Israel. Her marriage to King Ahab, detailed in [1 Kings 16:31-33](/1-kings/16-31 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab and Jezebel's Idolatry"), brought widespread idolatry into the Northern Kingdom. The prophets of the LORD were the primary voice of Yahweh, challenging the idolatry and moral corruption of the kingdom. They represented a direct threat to Jezebel's religious agenda and her efforts to consolidate the worship of Baal. Therefore, her campaign to "cut off" or exterminate them was a systematic, state-sponsored purge aimed at eliminating any opposition and ensuring the supremacy of her pagan religion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The quiet, courageous faithfulness of Obadiah, who risked his life to preserve the prophets of the LORD by providing them with bread and water, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine preservation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Obadiah ensured the physical sustenance of the prophets during a famine, Jesus declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering eternal spiritual sustenance to all who believe. The persecution faced by the prophets under Jezebel's hand anticipates the hostility and suffering that Christ Himself would endure, and which His followers would continue to face, as Jesus warned that [if they persecuted Him, they would also persecute His disciples](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Christ's Followers"). Moreover, Obadiah's act of preserving a remnant points to Christ's ultimate work in building and preserving His Church. Despite all the forces of evil and persecution, Jesus assures us that [the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church"). Obadiah's hidden service, born of loyalty to Yahweh, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, secured the spiritual life and eternal preservation of all who are His, establishing a new covenant and an indestructible spiritual remnant that will endure forever.

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.