1 Kings 18:5
1 Kings 18:5 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go through the land, unto all the fountains of water, and unto all the brooks: peradventure we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
And Ahab said to Obadiah, Come, let us go through all the country, to all the fountains of water and all the rivers, and see if there is any grass to be had for the horses and the transport beasts, so that we may be able to keep some of the beasts from destruction.
Ahab told Obadiah, “Go throughout the country and check all the springs and valleys. Perhaps we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not lose any of the animals.”
And Ahab saide vnto Obadiah, Goe into the land, vnto all the fountaines of water, and vnto all the riuers, if so be that we may finde grasse to saue the horses and the mules aliue, lest we depriue the lande of the beastes.
and Ahab saith unto Obadiah, 'Go through the land, unto all fountains of waters, and unto all the brooks, if so be we find hay, and keep alive horse and mule, and do not cut off any of the cattle.'
Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land, to all the springs of water, and to all the brooks. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we not lose all the animals.”
And Ahab said to Obadiah, Go into the land, to all fountains of water, and to all brooks: it may be we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
And Achab said to Abdias: Go into the land unto all fountains of waters, and into all valleys, to see if we can find grass, and save the horses and mules, that the beasts may not utterly perish.
By this time, the ◄famine/lack of food and water► had become very severe in Samaria. So Ahab summoned Obadiah and said to him, “We must check/look near every spring and in every valley to see if we can find enough grass to give to some of my horses and mules, so that they will not all die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 18:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אַחְאָב֙
אֶל
עֹ֣בַדְיָ֔הוּ
לֵ֤ךְ
בָּ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
אֶל
כָּל
מַעְיְנֵ֣י
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
וְ/אֶ֖ל
כָּל
הַ/נְּחָלִ֑ים
אוּלַ֣י
נִמְצָ֣א
חָצִ֗יר
וּ/נְחַיֶּה֙
ס֣וּס
וָ/פֶ֔רֶד
וְ/ל֥וֹא
נַכְרִ֖ית
מֵ/הַ/בְּהֵמָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֹ֣בַדְיָ֔הוּ
ʻÔbadyâh
H5662
Obadiah
N-proper
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בָּ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַעְיְנֵ֣י
maʻyân
H4599
spring
N-mp
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/נְּחָלִ֑ים
nachal
H5158
Brook
Art | N-mp
אוּלַ֣י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
נִמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
חָצִ֗יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
N-ms
וּ/נְחַיֶּה֙
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cp
ס֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-ms
וָ/פֶ֔רֶד
pered
H6505
mule
Conj | N-ms
וְ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נַכְרִ֖ית
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
מֵ/הַ/בְּהֵמָֽה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Prep | Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:5
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֹ֣בַדְיָ֔הוּ
ʻÔbadyâh
H5662
"Obadiah"
N-proper
Obadiah was a prophet who wrote one of the minor prophetic books, prophesying against Edom during the time of Exile and Return. His name means servant of Jehovah, and he is also the name of several other Israelites.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Oba.1.1 § Obadiah = "servant of Jehovah" 1) the 4th of the 12 minor prophets; nothing personal is known of him but it is probable that he was contemporary with Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel 1a) the prophetic book by him; prophesies against Edom 2) father of Ishmaiah, one of the chiefs of Zebulun in the time of David 3) a Merarite Levite overseer of the work of restoring the temple in the time of king Josiah of Judah 4) chief of the household of king Ahab of Israel; an devout worshipper of Jehovah who at risk to his own life hid over 100 prophets during the persecution of Jezebel 5) a descendant of David 6) a chief of the tribe of Issachar 7) a Benjamite, one of the 6 sons of Azel and a descendant of king Saul 8) a Levite, son of Shemaiah and a descendant of Jeduthun 9) a Gadite chief, the 2nd of the lion-faced Gadites who joined David at Ziklag 10) a prince of Judah in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah 11) a priest, son of Jehiel of the sons of Joab who returned from exile with Ezra 12) a gatekeeper in the time of Nehemiah 13) one of the men who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 13a) perhaps the same as 12
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Obadiah. See also: 1 Kings 18:3; 1 Chronicles 9:16; Obadiah 1:1.
לֵ֤ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בָּ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַעְיְנֵ֣י
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
N-mp
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/נְּחָלִ֑ים
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
אוּלַ֣י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
נִמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חָצִ֗יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
וּ/נְחַיֶּה֙
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
ס֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וָ/פֶ֔רֶד
pered
H6505
"mule"
Conj | N-ms
A mule, the offspring of a horse and a donkey, mentioned in Leviticus as an unclean animal. In 2 Samuel, David's messengers rode mules to meet the king of Ammon. Mules were used for transportation and labor.
Definition: mule
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: mule. See also: 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Psalms 32:9.
וְ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נַכְרִ֖ית
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
מֵ/הַ/בְּהֵמָֽה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Prep | Art | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:5
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- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:5
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:5
Context — Elijah’s Message to 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.”
6So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself. 7Now 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?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 14:5–6 | Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” |
| 2 | Joel 1:18 | How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. |
| 3 | Joel 2:22 | Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best. |
| 4 | Psalms 104:14 | He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: |
| 5 | Romans 8:20–22 | For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 3:17 | Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, |
1 Kings 18:5 Summary
In 1 Kings 18:5, Ahab tells Obadiah to search the land for grass and water to keep the horses and mules alive. This shows that Ahab was concerned about the practical needs of his kingdom, but he had forgotten about God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. We can learn from this verse to trust God to provide for our needs, even when things seem impossible, and to prioritize our spiritual well-being, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By seeking God first, we can find peace and provision in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Isaiah 26:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ahab concerned about the livestock in 1 Kings 18:5?
Ahab was concerned about the livestock because a severe drought had affected the land, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1, and he wanted to preserve the horses and mules that were essential for the kingdom's transportation and economy, which is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 17:16.
What role did Obadiah play in the kingdom, and why was he chosen for this task?
Obadiah was in charge of the palace, as mentioned in 1 Kings 18:3, and he was chosen for this task because of his position and possibly his knowledge of the land, which would have been helpful in searching for grass and water for the livestock, similar to the responsibilities given to Joseph in Genesis 41:34-36.
How does this verse relate to the larger context of 1 Kings 18?
This verse sets the stage for the encounter between Obadiah and Elijah in 1 Kings 18:7, and ultimately, the confrontation between Elijah and Ahab on Mount Carmel, as seen in 1 Kings 18:17-46, which is a fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Kings 17:1.
What does this verse reveal about Ahab's character?
This verse reveals that Ahab was concerned about the practical needs of his kingdom, but it also highlights his lack of concern for the spiritual well-being of his people, which is in contrast to the character of King David, who sought to please God in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize the physical needs of my family and community over their spiritual needs, and how can I find a better balance, as seen in Matthew 6:33?
- How can I, like Obadiah, use my position and resources to serve God and care for His people, as seen in Acts 4:32-37?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to find solutions on my own, rather than seeking God's guidance and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even in times of scarcity and uncertainty, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 23:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:5
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks,.... To observe in what condition they were, and the places adjoining to them, the meadows and valleys:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:5
And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
Unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks; about which grass was most probably to be found in that great drought.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
1 Kings 18:5 And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.Ver. 5. And Ahab said unto Obadiah.] Goodness carrieth away trust, where it cannot have imitation. Peradventure we may find grass.] Which groweth best in locis irriguis, in low and moist places that lie by water sides. To save the horses and mules alive.] These were his delight and confidence; and for this more care is taken than for those "precious sons of Zion," the prophets, whom he suffered to be cut off by his wicked wife Jezebel. That we lose not all the beasts.] The loss of their souls, meanwhile, is never thought on; though our Saviour - who only went to the price of souls - showeth that the loss of a soul is, (1.) incomparable, (2.) irreparable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:5
Verse 5. Unto all fountains of water] All marshy or well-watered districts, where grass was most likely to be preserved.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:5
5. Go into [R.V. through] the land] The change gives a clearer idea of what is meant, and the preposition is the same which in 1 Kings 18:6 is rendered ‘throughout.’ In the next clause, as both nouns are definite in the original, the R.V. has ‘the fountains’ and ‘the brooks.’ In their neighbourhood grass would remain longest. grass to save] R.V. ‘grass and save,’ which is literal and equally good English with A.V. that we leese not all the beasts] They might have to kill some, but the discovery of grass might save a part. The LXX. gives καὶοὐκἐξολοθρευθήσονταιἀπὸτῶνσκηνῶν. ‘Leese’ is the old English form of ‘lose.’ Cf. Shakspeare, Sonn. 1 Kings 18:14, ‘Flowers distilled leese but their show.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 18:5
Unto all fountains of water and unto all brooks - Rather, “to all springs of water and to all torrent-courses.” The former are the perennial streams; the latter are the torrent-courses which become dry in an ordinary summer.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
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Our Awesome God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the profound wisdom and knowledge of God as revealed in Romans 11, emphasizing the intricate design and balance in creation that sustains life on Earth. It |
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Rahab - Example of Faith by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of faith and action in the context of biblical stories. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing and believing the me |
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Man's Misconceptions of the Works of God. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes that God's governance and judgment over nations are evident through natural phenomena, which serve as His voice and means of communication with humanity. |
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Vanity, Vanity by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the search for meaning and purpose. He emphasizes that one generation passes and another comes, and that lif |
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The Soul and Deception by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks addresses the pervasive nature of deception in humanity, tracing its roots back to the Fall and emphasizing that enlightenment through civilization and education h |
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The Emergence of Sin and Misery by John Piper | John Piper preaches on 'The Emergence of Sin and Misery,' emphasizing the foundational truths of God's creation and the doctrine of original sin. He explains how sin and misery hav |