1 Kings 18:7
1 Kings 18:7 in Multiple Translations
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?”
¶ And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?
And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Is it thou, my lord Elijah?
And while Obadiah was on his way, he came face to face with Elijah; and seeing who it was, he went down on his face and said, Is it you, my lord Elijah?
As Obadiah went on his way, Elijah came to meet him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”
And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Eliiah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art not thou my lord Eliiah?
and Obadiah [is] in the way, and lo, Elijah — to meet him; and he discerneth him, and falleth on his face, and saith, 'Art thou he — my lord Elijah?'
As Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. He recognized him, and fell on his face, and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”
And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?
And as Abdias was in the way, Elias met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said: Art thou my lord Elias?
While Obadiah was walking along, he saw Elijah coming toward him. Obadiah recognized Elijah and bowed down in front of him and said, “Is it really you, Elijah, my master?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֤י
עֹבַדְיָ֨הוּ֙
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
וַ/יַּכִּרֵ֨/הוּ֙
וַ/יִּפֹּ֣ל
עַל
פָּנָ֔י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
זֶ֖ה
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֹבַדְיָ֨הוּ֙
ʻÔbadyâh
H5662
Obadiah
N-proper
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יַּכִּרֵ֨/הוּ֙
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יִּפֹּ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Part | Pron
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 18:7
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֹבַדְיָ֨הוּ֙
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.
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
וַ/יַּכִּרֵ֨/הוּ֙
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
וַ/יִּפֹּ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Part | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
- Sermons on 1 Kings 18:7
Context — Elijah’s Message to Ahab
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?”
8“It is I,” he answered. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here!’” 9But Obadiah replied, “How have I sinned, that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to put me to death?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 1:6–8 | They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?” “He was a hairy man, ” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. |
| 2 | Genesis 44:20 | And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ |
| 3 | Isaiah 60:14 | The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 4 | Genesis 18:12 | So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 19:18 | and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 20:41 | When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. |
| 7 | Genesis 50:18 | His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” |
| 8 | Genesis 44:16 | “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” |
| 9 | Matthew 11:8 | Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. |
| 10 | Matthew 3:4 | John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. |
1 Kings 18:7 Summary
This verse shows us how Obadiah, a servant of King Ahab, recognized and respected Elijah, a prophet of God. When Obadiah saw Elijah, he fell facedown as a sign of respect, similar to how people showed respect to kings and important figures in the Bible, such as in 1 Samuel 24:8. This teaches us the importance of respecting and honouring those who are serving God, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:7. By showing respect to Elijah, Obadiah demonstrated humility and a willingness to acknowledge God's work in his life, which is an important lesson for us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Obadiah fall facedown when he recognized Elijah?
Obadiah fell facedown as a sign of respect and reverence for Elijah, who was a prophet of God, as seen in 1 Kings 18:7, similar to how people bowed down before kings and other important figures in Biblical times, such as in 1 Samuel 24:8.
What was Obadiah's relationship with Elijah?
The Bible does not provide a detailed account of Obadiah's past interactions with Elijah, but it is clear that Obadiah recognized and respected Elijah as a prophet of God, as stated in 1 Kings 18:7, and was aware of his importance in the eyes of God, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1.
Why did Obadiah address Elijah as 'my lord'?
Obadiah addressed Elijah as 'my lord' as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of Elijah's position as a prophet of God, similar to how Abraham addressed the three strangers in Genesis 18:3, showing deference to those in authority or with a special calling from God.
What can we learn from Obadiah's immediate recognition of Elijah?
Obadiah's immediate recognition of Elijah suggests that he was familiar with the prophet and his work, and it teaches us the importance of being aware of and respecting those who are serving God, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- How do I show respect and reverence to those who are serving God in my life?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and deference to others, as Obadiah did when he fell facedown before Elijah?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness and appreciation for the work of God's prophets and servants in my community?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of respecting and honouring those in authority or with a special calling from God in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 18:7
And as Obadiah was in the way,.... In his district, making his observations: behold, Elijah met him: where is not said; but he was, no doubt, upon the road from Zarephath to Samaria: and he knew him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 18:7
And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah? As Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
By this profound reverence showing his great respect and love to him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
1 Kings 18:7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, [Art] thou that my lord Elijah?Ver. 7. And he knew him.] They were of old acquaintance, doubtless, so good a man, and so great a prophet. Mr Fox, when a great lord, and wicked, met him in the streets, and asked him, How do you, Mr Fox? he said little. When the great lord said, Do you not know me? No, not I, said Mr Fox. I am such a one, said he. Sir, I desire, said Mr Fox, to know none but Christ and him crucified. At another time being asked whether he knew such a godly poor man, he answered, I remember him well: I tell you, I forget lords and ladies to remember such.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
(7) Art thou that . . .—The sense is either (as the LXX. has it) “Is it thy very self, my lord Elijah?” or (perhaps more suitably to the context), “Thou here, my lord Elijah,” when all seek thy life? The prophet’s answer is still simpler in its original brevity, “Behold, Elijah!” standing in dignified contrast with the humble and almost servile address of Obadiah, which is clearly the offspring not only of reverence, but of fear.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 18:7
7–16. Meeting of Obadiah and Elijah (Not in Chronicles) 7. and he knew him] The prophet’s garb would probably make him easy to be recognized, and he must have been seen more than once in Samaria, and by Ahab’s household. The LXX. renders καὶἔσπευσε = and he hastened. fell on his face] For to Obadiah Elijah would seem to be God’s special representative, and the champion of the cause of the true religion. Josephus, wrongly, represents Elijah as bowing down to Obadiah. The expressions ‘lord’ and ‘servant’ or rather ‘slave’ used by Obadiah are indexes of his fear of Elijah. Art thou that my lord Elijah?] R.V. better, ‘Is it thou, my lord Elijah?’ The word which A.V. translates is merely an addition to render the pronoun emphatic. See note on 1 Kings 17:2-7, where the emphatic particle is the same as in this verse.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 18:7
7. Thou that my lord Elijah — His language, as well as his action, on meeting and recognising Elijah, was full of emotion and surprise.
Sermons on 1 Kings 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Where Do We Stand? by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp explores the contrasting responses of Elijah and Obadiah to God's commission in 1 Kings 18:7-16. While Elijah obeys God without hesitation, Obadiah's fear and reluctan |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 44:16-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 44th chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers have come to Egypt to buy corn, and Joseph tests |
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by earthly things that can make us gloomy. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who was saddened by the deso |
|
Anti Semitism: A Little Considered Root by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses the roots of anti-Semitism, suggesting that it stems from a failure of the Jewish people to fulfill their divine calling to be a blessing to the nations. He emph |
|
Test of Confusion - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who was struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. The man had a vision of his own funeral, which confirmed his f |
|
Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man's behavior towards his wife as a reflection of his holiness. He suggests that if the conversation between a preacher |
|
1 Peter 3:6 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the example of Sarah's obedience to Abraham as a model for women, illustrating her faithfulness in following him and fulfilling her role with respect and honor |