1 Kings 18:14: “And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Obadiah is expressing his deep fear and concern to Elijah. Elijah has asked him to go to King Ahab with the message that Elijah is back. Obadiah is fearful because he knows how Ahab has been desperately searching for Elijah during the drought. If Obadiah delivers the message and Elijah disappears again, Ahab might blame Obadiah and kill him out of anger and frustration. Obadiah’s fear is genuine—he knows that delivering Elijah’s message could cost him his life if things do not go as planned.
Historical Context
At this time in Israel, King Ahab and his wife Jezebel had led the nation into Baal worship and away from God. In response, God sent Elijah to declare a drought as a form of judgment against the nation’s idolatry (1 Kings 17:1). The drought lasted three years, and during this time, Ahab searched for Elijah but could not find him. Jezebel had also been killing the prophets of the Lord. Obadiah, a high-ranking servant of Ahab, had been secretly protecting the remaining prophets. Now, Elijah has returned, and he is instructing Obadiah to deliver a message to Ahab, but Obadiah fears the consequences if Elijah disappears again after he has delivered the message.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the conflict between faith and fear. Obadiah was a faithful servant of God who had already taken significant risks by hiding the prophets from Jezebel. However, despite his past faithfulness, he is now paralyzed by fear at the prospect of delivering Elijah’s message. This serves as a reminder that even those who are devoted to God can still struggle with fear when faced with great risks. Obadiah’s hesitation shows that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward in obedience despite fear. This also teaches that God often calls us to difficult tasks, but He is with us in those challenges.
Literary Analysis
Obadiah’s words in this verse capture the intensity of his fear. The repetition of the phrase “He will kill me!” emphasizes his deep concern about the potential consequences. Obadiah’s previous acts of bravery, like hiding the prophets, stand in contrast to his current fear, highlighting the ongoing struggle between faith and self-preservation. The dialogue between Obadiah and Elijah reflects the tension between divine purpose and human fear. This interaction adds depth to Obadiah’s character, showing him as a complex figure who is both courageous and afraid.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 10:28: Jesus teaches His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, which mirrors Obadiah’s struggle with fearing Ahab’s potential retaliation.
- Exodus 3:11: Moses also expressed doubt and fear when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, showing that even great servants of God sometimes hesitate when called to difficult tasks.
- Acts 9:13-14: Ananias hesitated when God called him to minister to Saul (Paul), fearing for his safety, much like Obadiah fears the consequences of delivering Elijah’s message.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that it’s normal to feel fear when God calls us to difficult tasks, but faithfulness requires trusting God even when the path seems dangerous. Like Obadiah, we may face situations where we feel overwhelmed or afraid of the potential consequences of obedience. However, this verse encourages us to remember that God is in control, and His purposes are greater than our fears. Obadiah’s story teaches us to push through fear, knowing that God often calls us to play a role in His larger plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His patience and understanding of our fears. While Obadiah is afraid of the consequences, God does not abandon him. Instead, God continues to work through Obadiah and Elijah to accomplish His purposes. This verse shows that God understands our human fears and does not expect us to be without them. Instead, He calls us to trust Him and rely on His strength in the midst of our fears. God’s love is demonstrated in how He continues to involve His people in His plans, even when they are hesitant or afraid.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Obadiah’s fear of Ahab mirrors the fear that many of Jesus’ followers experienced when faced with persecution. Just as Obadiah was afraid of delivering a message that could cost him his life, the early disciples faced fear and danger for proclaiming the gospel. However, Jesus continually reminded His followers not to fear those who could harm them physically but to trust in God’s ultimate protection (Matthew 10:28). Jesus’ own example of obedience to God, even to the point of death on the cross, shows us that following God’s will may involve great sacrifice, but it also brings eternal reward.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where fear is holding you back from fully obeying God’s call? How can you move forward in faith despite that fear?
- How does Obadiah’s fear remind you of your own struggles when faced with difficult decisions? What steps can you take to trust God’s protection and plan more fully?
- How can you draw strength from Jesus’ example of obedience, even in the face of danger, as you seek to follow God’s will in your own life?