1 Kings 18:6

So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

So they divided {H2505} the land {H776} between them to pass throughout {H5674} it: Ahab {H256} went {H1980} one {H259} way {H1870} by himself, and Obadiah {H5662} went {H1980} another {H259} way {H1870} by himself.

So they divided between them the territory to be visited; Ach'av went one way by himself, and 'Ovadyah went another way by himself.

So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself.

So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

Commentary

1 Kings 18:6 captures a desperate moment in ancient Israel, illustrating the severe impact of a prolonged drought that afflicted the land during the reign of King Ahab. This verse describes the king himself, Ahab, and his chief steward, Obadiah, dividing the territory to personally search for water sources to save their remaining livestock.

Context

This verse is situated amidst a devastating three-and-a-half-year drought, which was a divine judgment pronounced by the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1. The drought was a consequence of Israel's widespread idolatry, particularly under Ahab's rule, who promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah. While the land suffered, Ahab's immediate concern, as seen here, was the preservation of his horses and mules, essential for military and royal purposes. This pragmatic, rather than spiritual, response highlights his priorities. The scene also introduces us more intimately to Obadiah, a remarkable figure described in 1 Kings 18:3 as one who "feared the LORD greatly," even while serving such a wicked king.

Key Themes

  • The Severity of the Drought: The king himself, along with his chief steward, embarking on a personal search for water underscores the extreme scarcity and the dire consequences of the famine. It was not merely an inconvenience but a life-threatening crisis.
  • Ahab's Priorities: Ahab's immediate concern is for his livestock, not for the spiritual state of his people or repentance before God. This illustrates a common human tendency to focus on material losses during a crisis rather than seeking spiritual solutions or acknowledging divine judgment.
  • Contrast in Character: The verse places Ahab and Obadiah side-by-side, yet their spiritual dispositions are worlds apart. Ahab is a symbol of apostasy, while Obadiah represents quiet faithfulness amidst overwhelming wickedness. This contrast sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, especially the confrontation on Mount Carmel.

Linguistic Insights

The name Obadiah (Hebrew: Χ’Χ•Χ‘Χ“Χ™Χ”, β€˜ΕŒαΈ‡aḏyāh) literally means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of the Lord." This name is incredibly fitting for his character, as he is later revealed to be a devout follower of the true God, even going so far as to hide and sustain one hundred prophets of the Lord during Jezebel's persecution (see 1 Kings 18:4). In stark contrast, Ahab (Hebrew: אחאב, ’AαΈ₯’āḇ) means "father's brother." While not inherently negative, his actions clearly defied the covenant God had with Israel, bringing severe judgment upon the land.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Responding to Crisis: How do we react when faced with severe challenges or "droughts" in our lives? Do we, like Ahab, prioritize only material concerns, or do we, like Obadiah, maintain our spiritual integrity and seek God's will even in difficult circumstances?
  • Faithfulness in Adversity: Obadiah's example is a powerful reminder that it is possible to remain faithful to God even when surrounded by ungodliness and serving under corrupt leadership. His quiet dedication stands as a testament to personal conviction.
  • God's Sovereignty: The drought was not random; it was a consequence of Israel's sin, demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation and His use of natural events to call His people to repentance. This reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, often using circumstances to draw us closer to Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 14:3

    And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
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