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(Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/18-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/18-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/18-2.htm" title="1 Kings 18:2">◄</a> 1 Kings 18:3 <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm" title="1 Kings 18:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Obadiah was a devoted follower of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, which <i>was</i> the governor of <i>his</i> house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Ahab had called Obadiah, who <i>was</i> in charge of <i>his</i> house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahab summoned Obadiah, who <i>was</i> in charge of the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Ahab called Obadiah who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah who <i>was</i> over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah who <i>was</i> over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Yahweh greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Ahab called Obadiah who was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahab called for Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. Obadiah was a man who greatly feared the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahab called for Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. Obadiah was a man who greatly feared the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Jehovah greatly:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, which was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ahab sent for Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. Obadiah was a devout worshiper of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />so Ahab called in Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Obadiah was a devout worshiper of the LORD, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahab called for Obadiah, his household supervisor. This man, who feared the LORD very much, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who supervised the palace. (Now Obadiah was a very loyal follower of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Ahab summoned Obadiah, the steward of the house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah who was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Yahweh greatly; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Ahab calls to Obadiah, who [is] over the house—and Obadiah has been fearing YHWH greatly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Ahab calleth unto Obadiah, who is over the house -- and Obadiah hath been fearing Jehovah greatly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ahab will call for Obadiaha who was over the house. (And Obadiaha was fearing Jehovah greatly:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Achab called Abdias the governor of his house: now Abdias feared the Lord very much. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, the manager of his household. Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, master of his palace, who greatly revered the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah revered the LORD greatly;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, who was the steward of his household. (Now Obadiah revered the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Akhab called Oubdaya his Steward, and Oubdaya was worshiping before LORD JEHOVAH greatly.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household.--Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Achaab called Abdiu the steward. Now Abdiu feared the Lord greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/18-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=6957" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/18.htm">Elijah Confronts Ahab</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/256.htm" title="256: ’aḥ·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- Once oechab; from 'ach and 'ab; brother of father; Achab, the name of a king of Israel and of a prophet at Babylon.">and Ahab</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/5662.htm" title="5662: ‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or mobadyahuw; active participle of abad and Yahh; serving Jah; Obadjah, the name of thirteen Israelites.">Obadiah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">was in charge of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·bā·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the palace.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5662.htm" title="5662: wə·‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or mobadyahuw; active participle of abad and Yahh; serving Jah; Obadjah, the name of thirteen Israelites.">(Now Obadiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">greatly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yā·rê (Adj-ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">feared</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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.)…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-29.htm">1 Kings 16:29-33</a></span><br />In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. / However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. / And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a></span><br />Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-1.htm">1 Kings 19:1-2</a></span><br />Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. / So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-7.htm">2 Kings 9:7</a></span><br />And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/22-2.htm">2 Chronicles 22:2-4</a></span><br />Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. / Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-1.htm">2 Chronicles 28:1-4</a></span><br />Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD. / Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images of the Baals. / Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-26.htm">Nehemiah 9:26</a></span><br />But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-28.htm">Psalm 106:28-29</a></span><br />They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. / So they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm">Jeremiah 2:8</a></span><br />The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-1.htm">Matthew 14:1-5</a></span><br />At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-29.htm">Matthew 23:29-36</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. / And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ / So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Mark 6:17-20</a></span><br />For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. / For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” / So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-19.htm">Luke 3:19-20</a></span><br />But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-47.htm">Luke 11:47-51</a></span><br />Woe to you! For you build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. / So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. / Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:</p><p class="hdg">Obadiah [heb] Obadiahu </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Genesis 24:2,10</a></b></br> And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4,5,9</a></b></br> And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all <i>that</i> he had he put into his hand… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40</a></b></br> Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.</p><p class="hdg">feared the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">1 Kings 18:12</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>as soon as</i> I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and <i>so</i> when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Genesis 22:12</a></b></br> And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only <i>son</i> from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; <i>for</i> I fear God:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/18-2.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Believer</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Controller</a> <a href="/titus/1-8.htm">Devout</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-13.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-11.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-19.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-7.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-23.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-15.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">King's</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">Obadiah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-25.htm">Obadi'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">Revered</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">Summoned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/18-5.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/john/11-26.htm">Believer</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-24.htm">Controller</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Devout</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-26.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-9.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">Obadiah</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">Obadi'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-6.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">Revered</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-15.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Summoned</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/18-9.htm">Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/18-41.htm">Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and Ahab summoned Obadiah,</b><br>Ahab was the seventh king of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into further sin. His summoning of Obadiah indicates a level of trust and reliance on Obadiah's capabilities. Obadiah, whose name means "servant of the LORD," held a significant position in Ahab's court despite the king's apostasy. This highlights the complex dynamics within the royal court, where even a faithful servant of God could serve under a wicked king. The summoning suggests an urgent or important task, likely related to the severe drought in the land, as described in the surrounding context of <a href="/1_kings/18.htm">1 Kings 18</a>.<p><b>who was in charge of the palace.</b><br>Obadiah's role as the palace administrator or steward was one of great responsibility, overseeing the king's household and affairs. This position required trustworthiness and competence, indicating that Obadiah was a man of integrity. His role can be compared to that of Joseph in Potiphar's house (<a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4</a>) or Daniel in the Babylonian court (<a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Daniel 6:3</a>), where faithful men of God served in high positions within pagan governments. This demonstrates how God places His people in strategic positions to influence and protect His purposes, even in hostile environments.<p><b>(Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,</b><br>Obadiah's fear of the LORD signifies his deep reverence and commitment to God, contrasting with Ahab's idolatry. This fear is not terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness. It aligns with the biblical principle that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Obadiah's faithfulness is further evidenced by his actions in hiding and providing for the prophets of the LORD during Jezebel's persecution (<a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a>). His fear of the LORD sets him apart as a righteous man in a corrupt society, embodying the call to be "in the world but not of the world" (<a href="/john/17-14.htm">John 17:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a></b><br>The king of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into sin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/obadiah.htm">Obadiah</a></b><br>A devout believer in the LORD who held a high position as the overseer of Ahab's palace. Despite the corrupt environment, he remained faithful to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_palace.htm">The Palace</a></b><br>The royal residence where Obadiah served, representing a place of political power and influence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom Obadiah feared and served despite the prevailing idolatry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>This verse sets the stage for the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, highlighting the contrast between faithfulness and apostasy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Obadiah's example teaches us to remain faithful to God even when surrounded by ungodliness. His fear of the LORD guided his actions and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courageous_leadership.htm">Courageous Leadership</a></b><br>Despite his position in a corrupt regime, Obadiah used his influence to protect God's prophets. This challenges us to use our positions for God's purposes, even when it involves risk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>Obadiah's reverence for God was the foundation of his character. We are reminded that fearing the LORD leads to wisdom and righteous living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_placement.htm">God's Sovereignty in Placement</a></b><br>Obadiah's role in Ahab's palace was not by accident. God places His people strategically to accomplish His purposes, even in unlikely places.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_mention_teleportation.htm">Does the Bible suggest teleportation is possible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_ahab's_evil_show_his_weakness.htm">How did King Ahab's wickedness reveal his weakness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_jehoshaphat's_alliance_with_ahab_contradict_the_bible.htm">In 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, does Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab contradict biblical teachings against partnering with evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_kings_19_fit_with_elijah's_story.htm">How does 1 Kings 19 fit with other biblical accounts of Elijah and the broader historical context, considering potential timeline or narrative discrepancies? (1 Kings 19)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Obadiah.</span>--The name ("servant of Jehovah") here corresponds to the character of the man. It is curiously significant of the hesitating and temporising attitude of Ahab, that, while Jezebel is suffered to persecute, a high officer in the court is able to profess openly the service of Jehovah, and secretly to thwart the cruelty of the queen. In his heart Ahab always seems to acknowledge the true God, but is overborne by the commanding and ruthless nature of Jezebel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Ahab called</span> [Rather, had <span class="accented">called</span>. "The verbs <span class="hebrew">וַיְּהִי וַיּקְרָא</span> etc. (vers. 3, 4, 5, 6), carry on the circumstantial clauses" (Keil).] <span class="cmt_word">Obadiah</span> [This name is almost as remarkable as Elijah's, or would be, if it were not more common. It means "servant of Jehovah." Compare the modern Arabic <span class="accented">Abdallah</span>. Although borne by one who "feared the Lord greatly" (ver. 3), and "from his youth" (ver. 12), it occurs too frequently (<a href="/1_chronicles/3-21.htm">1 Chronicles 3:21</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/7-3.htm">1 Chronicles 7:3</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/8-38.htm">1 Chronicles 8:38</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/9-16.htm">1 Chronicles 9:16</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/17-7.htm">2 Chronicles 17:7</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/34-12.htm">2 Chronicles 34:12</a>; <a href="/ezra/8-9.htm">Ezra 8:9</a>; <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">Obadiah 1:1</a>, etc.) to justify the belief that it was assumed or bestowed as an indication of his character (Rawlinson)], <span class="cmt_word">which was the governor of his</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">over the</span>] <span class="cmt_word">house</span>. [See note on 1 Kings 4:6, and cf. <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">1 Kings 16:9</a>. Rawlinson says it "tells in favour of the monarch's tolerance that he should have maintained an adherent of the old religion in so important an office." But it is just as probable that it was <span class="accented">because</span> of his religion that he occupied this post of trust. Ahab could depend on his fidelity and conscientiousness]. (<span class="cmt_word">Now Obadiah</span> [here begins a second parenthesis within the first] feared [Heb. <span class="accented">was</span> <span class="accented">fearing</span>] <span class="cmt_word">the Lord greatly.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/18-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and Ahab</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחְאָ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(’aḥ·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_256.htm">Strong's 256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">summoned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Obadiah,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹבַדְיָ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5662.htm">Strong's 5662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Obadiah -- 'servant of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was in charge of</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the palace.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּ֑יִת</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">(Now Obadiah</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֹבַדְיָ֗הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5662.htm">Strong's 5662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Obadiah -- 'servant of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">greatly</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">feared</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵ֛א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearing, reverent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/18-3.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 18:3 Ahab called Obadiah who was over (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/18-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 18:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 18:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 18:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 18:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>