1 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 3
And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אַחְאָ֔ב
And Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֔ב
And Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
2 of 13
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ
Now Obadiah
H5662
וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ
Now Obadiah
Strong's:
H5662
Word #:
4 of 13
obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּ֑יִת
which was the governor of his house
H1004
הַבָּ֑יִת
which was the governor of his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ
Now Obadiah
H5662
וְעֹֽבַדְיָ֗הוּ
Now Obadiah
Strong's:
H5662
Word #:
8 of 13
obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites
הָיָ֥ה
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Nehemiah 7:2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.1 Kings 16:9And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of elijah and the prophets of baal, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.