Text: 1 Kings 18-19; Matthew 17:1-13
Ahab and Obadiah Search for Grass (1 Kings 18:5-6).
Obadiah was a faithful man of God who lived in Israel. And, he served King Ahab as his estate manager. Because of the drought, Ahab’s personal estate was in danger. So, he sent Obadiah out to look for water in order to save their livestock.
Elijah Returns to Samaria (1 Kings 18:7-16).
The following verses describe the return of Elijah to Samaria. In his district (Obadiah), making his observations,(“Behold Elijah met him”) Exactly where is not said, but he was no doubt, upon the road from Zarephath to Samaria. Obadiah knew Elijah, having seen him in Ahab’s court before he left hurriedly because of King Ahab’s wrath. Obadiah fell on his face before Elijah. Obadiah did honor and reverenced Elijah both by words and gesture, as being an extraordinary prophet of the Lord. We see the tremendous respect that Obadiah had for Elijah. He realized Elijah was a man of God that miracles came through. Elijah’s first response to Obadiah was to go and tell Ahab that Elijah is back. Obadiah appealed to Elijah not to put himself in mortal danger with King Ahab. In verse 10, Obadiah told Elijah that he had caused a national crisis, and that King Ahab had searched feverishly, everywhere, throughout the kingdom, including every kingdom and nation. King Ahab wanted him (Elijah) dead.
In verses 11-12, Obadiah appealed to Elijah not to put himself in mortal danger with the king. Obadiah delivered the message to Ahab. Obadiah expressed what he thought to be factual, Ahab would kill him and likely his family too. In verse 12d, note Obadiah shares with Elijah that although he worked for the king in the palace, he was one of the servants of the Lord.
In verse 13, Obadiah shares with Elijah that he preserved the lives of one hundred of the Lord’s prophets by hiding them in caves during Jezebel’s rage and determination to kill of the Lord’s prophets.
Verses 14-16 are the conclusion of the meeting between Obadiah and Elijah. Obadiah repeated his fear and concern to Elijah the third time: “Go, tell the Lord, Elijah is here; and he shall slay me.” Elijah assured Obadiah that he would meet him that very day. Obadiah departed and went to meet Ahab. Upon hearing of Elijah’s return, Ahab went quickly to meet him.
Elijah Meets Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18).
Ahab had contempt for Elijah; it was at his word that the rain had stopped. Ahab accused Elijah for the 3 year drought. Elijah’s response was stern and direct that he was not responsible for the trouble that Israel experienced. Elijah pinpointed the responsibility for Israel’s troubles; it was the Omride Dynasty (Ahab and his father) that caused Israel’s problem. Elijah told Ahab that he and his father caused Israel’s problems: forsaking the Commandments of the Lord, and Israel’s apostasy attributed to pagan worship.