1 kings 18:4 - for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
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What does "1 kings 18:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 18:4 provides crucial context to the story of Elijah and the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets..." This sets the scene. Jezebel, the Phoenician wife of King Ahab, was a devout worshiper of Baal and actively persecuted the prophets of Yahweh, the God of Israel. She was attempting to eradicate the worship of Yahweh from the kingdom. "Cut off" suggests a deliberate campaign of killing or eliminating the prophets.
"...Obadiah took one hundred prophets..." Obadiah was Ahab's steward, a high-ranking official in the royal court. Despite serving Ahab, he was secretly a devout worshiper of Yahweh (as we learn later in the chapter). He used his position and resources to protect the prophets.
"...and hid them by fifty in a cave..." Obadiah, at great personal risk, took a hundred prophets and divided them into two groups, hiding them in separate caves. This was likely done to minimize the risk of discovery and ensure the survival of at least some of them if one cave was found.
"...and fed them with bread and water.)" Obadiah sustained the prophets in their hiding place, providing them with the basic necessities of life: food and water. This demonstrates his dedication to Yahweh and his courage in defying Jezebel's persecution.
In summary, the verse reveals:
The severity of Jezebel's persecution: It highlights the extreme danger faced by those who remained faithful to Yahweh.
Obadiah's courage and faithfulness: He risked his life and position to protect Yahweh's prophets, demonstrating a deep commitment to his faith.
The preservation of Yahweh's message: Even though Jezebel was trying to eradicate the prophets, Obadiah's actions ensured that a remnant remained to carry on the worship and teachings of Yahweh.
Context for Elijah's actions: It explains why Elijah was the only prophet apparently publicly available to confront the prophets of Baal – many others were in hiding.
This verse is important because it shows that even in the darkest times, when evil seems to be prevailing, there are always those who remain faithful and act with courage to protect what is right. It also sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow on Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal and calls the people of Israel back to Yahweh.
1 kings 18:4 - for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
What does "1 kings 18:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 18:4 provides crucial context to the story of Elijah and the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets..." This sets the scene. Jezebel, the Phoenician wife of King Ahab, was a devout worshiper of Baal and actively persecuted the prophets of Yahweh, the God of Israel. She was attempting to eradicate the worship of Yahweh from the kingdom. "Cut off" suggests a deliberate campaign of killing or eliminating the prophets.
"...Obadiah took one hundred prophets..." Obadiah was Ahab's steward, a high-ranking official in the royal court. Despite serving Ahab, he was secretly a devout worshiper of Yahweh (as we learn later in the chapter). He used his position and resources to protect the prophets.
"...and hid them by fifty in a cave..." Obadiah, at great personal risk, took a hundred prophets and divided them into two groups, hiding them in separate caves. This was likely done to minimize the risk of discovery and ensure the survival of at least some of them if one cave was found.
"...and fed them with bread and water.)" Obadiah sustained the prophets in their hiding place, providing them with the basic necessities of life: food and water. This demonstrates his dedication to Yahweh and his courage in defying Jezebel's persecution.
In summary, the verse reveals:
The severity of Jezebel's persecution: It highlights the extreme danger faced by those who remained faithful to Yahweh.
Obadiah's courage and faithfulness: He risked his life and position to protect Yahweh's prophets, demonstrating a deep commitment to his faith.
The preservation of Yahweh's message: Even though Jezebel was trying to eradicate the prophets, Obadiah's actions ensured that a remnant remained to carry on the worship and teachings of Yahweh.
Context for Elijah's actions: It explains why Elijah was the only prophet apparently publicly available to confront the prophets of Baal – many others were in hiding.
This verse is important because it shows that even in the darkest times, when evil seems to be prevailing, there are always those who remain faithful and act with courage to protect what is right. It also sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow on Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal and calls the people of Israel back to Yahweh.