Obadiah עֹבַדְיָ֫הוּ
Ahab's palace administrator, protected prophets
Who is Obadiah in the Bible?
Obadiah was a palace administrator under King Ahab of Israel who demonstrated remarkable faith and courage despite serving an ungodly king (1 Kings 18:3). Though he held a position of authority in Ahab's household, Obadiah feared the Lord and risked his life to protect one hundred prophets from persecution by Jezebel, hiding them in caves and supplying them with food and water (1 Kings 18:4). During a severe famine, when Ahab sent Obadiah to search for grass for the royal animals, he encountered the prophet Elijah and arranged a meeting between Elijah and the king (1 Kings 18:5-16). Obadiah's story illustrates the significance of remaining faithful to God even in positions of worldly influence and danger, showing that true allegiance to the Lord takes priority over political loyalty.
Biography
Obadiah was a palace administrator during the reign of King Ahab of Israel (1Ki.18.3). He was described as a devout believer in the Lord (1Ki.18.3). When Jezebel, Ahab's wife, was killing off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them in two caves, supplying them with food and water (1Ki.18.4). During a severe famine, Ahab sent Obadiah to search for grass to keep the horses and mules alive (1Ki.18.5-6). While on this mission, Obadiah encountered the prophet Elijah and helped arrange a meeting between Elijah and Ahab (1Ki.18.7-16). Obadiah's actions demonstrate his courage and commitment to God, even while serving in a high position under a king who had turned away from the Lord.
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 18:3
"and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,"
- 1 Kings 18:4
"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.)"
- 1 Kings 18:5
"Then 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.”"
- 1 Kings 18:6
"So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself."
- 1 Kings 18:7
"Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֹבַדְיָ֫הוּ |