King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 18:16 Mean?
“So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.”
1 Kings 18:16 · KJV
Context
14
And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.
15
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.
16
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
18
And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.
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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural 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.
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.
Reflection Questions
- 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?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsלִקְרַ֥את3 of 10
“to meet”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
וַיַּגֶּד5 of 10
“and told”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
ל֑וֹ6 of 10
H0לִקְרַ֥את9 of 10
“to meet”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Kings 18:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.