Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.) New Living Translation Once when Jezebel had tried to kill all the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had hidden 100 of them in two caves. He put fifty prophets in each cave and supplied them with food and water.) English Standard Version and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread 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.) Berean Literal Bible for it was in Jezebel cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and he sustained them with bread and water.) King James Bible 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.) New King James Version For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.) New American Standard Bible for when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) NASB 1995 for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) NASB 1977 for it came about, when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) Legacy Standard Bible And it happened that when Jezebel was cutting down the prophets of Yahweh, Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and sustained them with bread and water.) Amplified Bible for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) Berean Annotated Bible for when Jezebel (Baal exalts) had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD {YHWH}, Obadiah (servant of YHWH) had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water. Christian Standard Bible and took a hundred prophets and hid them, fifty men to a cave, and provided them with food and water when Jezebel slaughtered the LORD’s prophets. Holman Christian Standard Bible and took 100 prophets and hid them, 50 men to a cave, and provided them with food and water when Jezebel slaughtered the LORD’s prophets. 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.) English Revised Version for it was so, when Jezebel cut off 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.) GOD'S WORD® Translation (When Jezebel was killing the LORD's prophets, Obadiah had hidden 100 prophets in caves. He put 50 prophets in each cave and kept them alive by providing bread and water for them.) Good News Translation and when Jezebel was killing the LORD's prophets, Obadiah took a hundred of them, hid them in caves in two groups of fifty, and provided them with food and water.) International Standard Version had taken 100 prophets and had hidden them by fifties in a cave, providing them with food and water when Jezebel was trying to destroy the LORD's prophets. NET Bible When Jezebel was killing the LORD's prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them in two caves in two groups of fifty. He also brought them food and water.) New Heart English Bible And it came about, when Jezebel was killing the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them, fifty by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) Webster's Bible Translation For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblefor 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.) World English Bible for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them fifty to a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, in Jezebel’s cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah takes one hundred prophets, and hides them, fifty men in a cave, and has sustained them with bread and water— Berean Literal Bible for it was in Jezebel cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and he sustained them with bread and water.) Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass, in Jezebel's cutting off the prophets of Jehovah, that Obadiah taketh a hundred prophets, and hideth them, fifty men in a cave, and hath sustained them with bread and water -- Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in Jezebel's cutting off the prophets of Jehovah, and Obadiaha will take a hundred prophets, and hide fifty men in a cave, and he nourished them with bread and water.) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor when Jezabel killed the prophets of the Lord, he took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifty and fifty in caves, and fed them with bread and water. Catholic Public Domain Version For when Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord, he took one hundred prophets, and concealed them, fifty and fifty, in caves. And he fed them with bread and water. New American Bible When Jezebel was slaughtering the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets, hid them away by fifties in caves, and supplied them with food and water. New Revised Standard Version when Jezebel was killing off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets, hid them fifty to a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor when Jezebel slew the prophets of God, Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when Izabeil killed the Prophets of God, Oubdaya brought a hundred Prophets and hid them, fifty men at a time in a cave, and he sustained them with bread and with water. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass when Jezabel smote the prophets of the Lord, that Abdiu took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elijah Confronts Ahab…3and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD, 4for 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.) 5Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.”… Cross References when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” 1 Kings 19:14 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” 2 Kings 9:7 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. Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them 1 Samuel 19:2-3 so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. / I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.” Joshua 2:4-6 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. / At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” / (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) 1 Samuel 22:1-2 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. fifty men per cave 1 Samuel 24:3 Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. 1 Kings 19:9 There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Judges 6:2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. providing them with food and water 1 Kings 19:5-8 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” … 1 Kings 17:4-6 And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” / So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. / The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook. 1 Kings 17:8-16 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” … Hebrews 11:32-34 And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Romans 11:2-4 God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? / And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Matthew 23:34-35 Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. / And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Luke 4:25-26 But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. / Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. Treasury of Scripture 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.) Jezebel [heb] Izabel Nehemiah 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Revelation 17:4-6 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: … in a cave Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. fed them 1 Kings 18:13 Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 2 Kings 6:22,23 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master… Matthew 10:40-42 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me… bread and water 1 Kings 13:8,9,16 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: … Jump to Previous Bread Cave Caves Cut Destroyed Fed Fifties Fifty Food Hid Hidden Hideth Hole Hundred Jezebel Jez'ebel Jezebel's Kept Killing Lord's Maintained Obadiah Obadi'ah Prophets Provided Rock Secretly Supplied Sustained Time WaterJump to Next Bread Cave Caves Cut Destroyed Fed Fifties Fifty Food Hid Hidden Hideth Hole Hundred Jezebel Jez'ebel Jezebel's Kept Killing Lord's Maintained Obadiah Obadi'ah Prophets Provided Rock Secretly Supplied Sustained Time Water1 Kings 18 1. In the extremity of famine Elijah, sent to Ahab, meets good Obadiah9. Obadiah brings Ahab to Elijah 17. Elijah, reproving Ahab, by fire from heaven convinces Baal's prophets 41. Elijah, by prayer obtaining rain, follows Ahab to Jezreel for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was a Phoenician princess and a fervent worshiper of Baal. Her influence led to the promotion of Baal worship in Israel, directly opposing the worship of Yahweh. The slaughter of the prophets of the LORD reflects her aggressive campaign to eradicate the worship of Yahweh and establish Baalism as the state religion. This act of persecution is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God's people face oppression, such as the persecution of early Christians in the New Testament (Acts 8:1-3). Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them fifty men per cave providing them with food and water Persons / Places / Events 1. JezebelThe wife of King Ahab, known for her idolatry and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her actions were a direct challenge to the worship of the true God in Israel. 2. Obadiah A devout believer in Yahweh who served as the palace administrator under King Ahab. Despite his position, he remained faithful to God and took great personal risk to protect the prophets. 3. The Prophets of the LORD These were the true prophets who remained faithful to Yahweh amidst widespread idolatry and persecution. Obadiah hid them to protect them from Jezebel's wrath. 4. Caves Natural hiding places used by Obadiah to shelter the prophets. These caves symbolize refuge and protection in times of danger. 5. Food and Water Basic provisions that Obadiah supplied to the prophets, demonstrating his commitment to their survival and God's provision even in dire circumstances. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityObadiah's actions remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to God even when it is risky or unpopular. We are called to stand firm in our beliefs, trusting in God's protection. Courageous Leadership Obadiah's leadership under a corrupt regime shows that God can use us in any position to accomplish His purposes. We should seek to influence our environments positively, regardless of the challenges. God's Provision The provision of food and water to the prophets illustrates God's care for His people. We can trust that God will meet our needs, even in difficult times. The Cost of Discipleship The persecution faced by the prophets highlights the cost of following God. We must be prepared to face opposition for our faith, knowing that our reward is eternal. Community and Support The hiding of the prophets in groups emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support among believers. We should seek to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 18:4?2. How does Obadiah's action in 1 Kings 18:4 demonstrate courage and faithfulness? 3. What can we learn from Obadiah about protecting God's prophets today? 4. How does Obadiah's obedience connect with other biblical examples of protecting God's servants? 5. In what ways can we support and protect modern-day Christian leaders? 6. How does 1 Kings 18:4 inspire us to act against ungodly leadership? 7. Why did Obadiah hide the prophets in 1 Kings 18:4? 8. How does 1 Kings 18:4 reflect on God's protection of His prophets? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 18:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 18? 11. How did King Ahab's wickedness reveal his weakness? 12. What defines the Jezebel spirit? 13. What happened between Elijah and Jezebel in the Bible? 14. What events define Jezebel's life and legacy? What Does 1 Kings 18:4 Mean When Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD“for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD…” (1 Kings 18:4) • Ahab’s Sidonian wife was determined to stamp out worship of Yahweh and replace it with Baal (1 Kings 16:31–33). • Her violent purge mirrors later accounts where Elijah laments, “The Israelites have… killed Your prophets with the sword” (1 Kings 19:10). • Scripture shows God’s servants often face lethal opposition (Hebrews 11:37; Revelation 6:9–11). Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets “…Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets…” • Obadiah, “who feared the LORD greatly” (1 Kings 18:3), holds high office under Ahab yet risks everything for God’s people. • His boldness recalls earlier faithful officials like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:40) and later ones such as Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6:3–4). Hidden them, fifty men per cave “…and hidden them, fifty men per cave…” • Caves in Israel’s rugged hills offered natural shelter (Judges 6:2). • Dividing the group reduced detection risk and ensured at least half might survive if one cave were discovered (cf. Matthew 10:16). Providing them with food and water “…providing them with food and water.” • Supplying provisions over time required steady courage and secrecy, much like Elijah being fed during drought (1 Kings 17:6, 16). • God used Obadiah as His means of protection, illustrating Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply all your needs.” • The Lord preserves a remnant even in dark times (Romans 11:4, drawn from 1 Kings 19:18). summary Jezebel’s murderous campaign shows the depth of Israel’s apostasy, yet God sovereignly preserves His servants. Obadiah’s hidden network of caves and continual provision demonstrate courageous faith in action and God’s unfailing care for His prophets. The verse assures us that no matter how hostile the culture, the LORD safeguards His witness and keeps a faithful remnant. (4) Jezebel cut off the prophets.--The persecution here referred to, in which for the first time the royal power was placed in distinct antagonism to the prophetic order, is only known by this allusion. It may probably have followed on the denunciation of judgment; and Elijah's retirement to Cherith and Zarephath may have been a means of escape from it. If Elijah's oft-repeated phrase, "I, even I, alone remain," is to be taken literally, Obadiah's merciful interposition must have availed only for a time, or have simply given opportunity of escape.Verse 4. - For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord [Our author now instances a proof of Obadiah's devotion. The incident to which he refers is otherwise unknown to us, nor can we refer it with certainty to its proper place in the history. But it is extremely probable that this work of extermination was begun as an act of reprisals for the drought denounced by Elijah. Ver. 13 almost implies that it had taken place during his absence. We see here, consequently, an additional reason for his flight (cf. 1 Kings 19:2). These "prophets" are the same as those elsewhere called the "sons of the prophets, i.e., members of the prophetic schools; cf. 2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, etc.] that Obadiah took an hundred prophets [This would lead us to suppose that the great majority escaped. But see ver. 19 and 1 Kings 22:6. That we find so large a number still in the land, notwithstanding the exodus (2 Chronicles 11:16), and the steady growth of impiety, shows that God had not left Himself without witnesses], and hid them by fifty [Keil would insert a second הֲחמִשִׁים as do some MSS. (Gardiner), and as in ver. 13. Such a word might easily be omitted in transcription, it is true. But "proclivi lectioni," etc.] in a cave [Heb. the cave; but LXX. ἐν σπηλαὶῳ. Similarly in ver. 13. What is the force of the article here it is somewhat difficult to say. It has been suggested that these caves were in the sides of Mount Carmel; there are large caves under the western cliffs (Stanley); more than two thousand, according to others; "often of great length and extremely tortuous" (Dic. Bib. 1. p. 278); but this is mere guesswork, as Palestine, being of limestone formation, abounds in caverns. See Stanley, S. and P. pp. 151, 52. From the earliest times we find men - outlaws and the like - taking up their abode therein. Of. Joshua 10:17; Judges 6:2; 1 Samuel 22:1; Ezekiel 33:27; Hebrews 11:38. Probably the division into two companies was partly for the sake of security (see Genesis 22:8), and partly for the sake of convenience. The greater the number to be fed, the greater the chance of detection. Compare also Jacob's precautions Genesis 32:8], and fed them with bread [or, food] and water.) [It is to be observed, as bearing on 1 Kings 17:3-6, that these hundred prophets, though preserved by the special providence of God, were nevertheless maintained through human agency and by natural means.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew for when Jezebelאִיזֶ֔בֶל (’î·ze·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 348: Jezebel -- queen of Israel with King Ahab had slaughtered בְּהַכְרִ֣ית (bə·haḵ·rîṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant the prophets נְבִאִ֗ים (nə·ḇi·’îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet of the LORD, יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Obadiah עֹבַדְיָ֜הוּ (‘ō·ḇaḏ·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5662: Obadiah -- 'servant of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites had taken וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take a hundred מֵאָ֣ה (mê·’āh) Number - feminine singular Strong's 3967: A hundred prophets נְבִיאֵ֣י (nə·ḇî·’ê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet and hidden them, וַֽיַּחְבִּיאֵ֞ם (way·yaḥ·bî·’êm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 2244: To withdraw, hide fifty חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים (ḥă·miš·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty men אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person per cave, בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה (bam·mə·‘ā·rāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4631: A cavern providing וְכִלְכְּלָ֖ם (wə·ḵil·kə·lām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain them with food לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain and water.) וָמָֽיִם׃ (wā·mā·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen Links 1 Kings 18:4 NIV1 Kings 18:4 NLT 1 Kings 18:4 ESV 1 Kings 18:4 NASB 1 Kings 18:4 KJV 1 Kings 18:4 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 18:4 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 18:4 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 18:4 French Bible 1 Kings 18:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 18:4 For it was so when Jezebel cut (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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