1 Kings 18:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 18:1-16

In these verses we find, I. The sad state of Israel at this time, upon two accounts:? 1. Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord (1 Kgs. 18:4), slew them, 1 Kgs. 18:13. Being an idolater, she was a persecutor, and made Ahab one. Even in those bad times, when the calves were worshipped and the temple at Jerusalem deserted, yet there were some good people that feared God and served him, and some good prophets that instructed them in the knowledge of him and assisted them in their devotions. The... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 18:16

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him ,.... That Elijah was in such a place, and had desired him to inform him of it, and was ready to appear before him that day wherever he pleased; for upon the prophet's oath Obadiah was entirely satisfied, and was in no fear of delivering the message: and Ahab went to meet Elijah ; though perhaps the bold message of the prophet might make him fear he had something to say to him not very agreeable. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:1-46

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. Elijah is now prepared for his work. He who had sent him into the desert now commands him to enter into open conflict with idolatry. God makes His will known to him in two ways. I. BY AN INWARD IMPULSE . II. THROUGH HIS MEETING WITH THE YOUNG OBADIAH , the protector of the prophets, and the faithful servant of God in the midst of the impure court of Ahab. Let it be ours to seek such a twofold assurance of the will of God. Let... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:7-16

The Servant of the Lord. Such is the meaning of Obadiah's name; and so truly descriptive of his character is it that we may take him as a typical servant of God. I. HE FEARED THE LORD FROM HIS YOUTH . 1 . Piety is not natural . 2 . Grace is free . 3 . Those who fear God from their youth have great advantages . II. HE FEARED THE LORD GREATLY . See the manifestation of this in his— 1. Respect for the ambassador of God . 2 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:7-16

Obadiah. It is a proof of the extremity of distress to which the land had been reduced by famine that the king himself with one of his highest officers, the governor of his household, should have gone forth on this expedition in search of water and pasturage. The reverence the person of Elijah inspired is seen in the behaviour of Obadiah towards him when they met. The brief notice we have of this man is highly instructive. I. HIS FIDELITY . His name, Obadiah, "servant of Jehovah,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 18:16

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went [Very readily, it would seem. Anything was better than suspense and famine. And Elijah's very return contained in it a promise of rain] to meet Elijah. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 18:15-16

1 Kings 18:15-16. As the Lord of hosts liveth Who commands all creatures in heaven and earth. He mentions this title as his shield, under the protection of which he durst venture to come, and did come, into Ahab’s presence; before whom I stand Whom I serve as one of his ministers; I will surely show myself to him to-day For a greater king than he, the Lord of all things, will preserve me. So Obadiah went to meet Ahab The solemn oath of Elijah made him readily obey; as convincing him... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 18:1-46

Elijah and the prophets of Baal (18:1-46)After three years unbroken drought, God told Elijah that the time had come to make Ahab and Israel decide clearly whether they would follow him or Baal (18:1-2). Ahab was concerned about the effect of the drought on Israel’s trade and defence (for he was in danger of losing his valuable transport animals), but he was not so concerned about the religious condition of the country. He still tried to serve both God and Baal. While his queen attacked God’s... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 18:16

ELIJAH AND AHAB MET FACE TO FACE; ELIJAH DEMANDED A COVENANT ASSEMBLY; AND AHAB ARRANGES IT"So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah. And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 18:1-16

God’s revelation of His people 18:1-16Elijah would next learn from God how the Israelites would respond to his ministry as God’s servant.Evidently God made the famine especially severe in Samaria (1 Kings 18:2) because Ahab and Jezebel were the causes of it and lived there. As a believer in Yahweh, Obadiah had been a blessing to 100 of God’s prophets even in the famine (1 Kings 18:3-4). Surveyors have counted over 2,000 caves in the Mount Carmel area. [Note: Patterson and Austel, p. 142.] When... read more

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