Biblical Prophets - Bible Study OnlineLocated at the Bottom of Page In the last article we were introduced to the prophet Elijah and how he suddenly came on scene, basically from out of nowhere. It would also be at this time that we were introduced to king Ahab and his wife Jezebel. And so now we continue to move forward from within our journey.
And it would be at this time that we now find ourselves within the third year of the three-and-a-half drought that Elijah had foretold against king Ahab. Now this is where we discover that the Lord had just told Elijah that rain will soon come and fall upon the land. And because of this the Lord informed the prophet that this would also be a good time for him to go and show himself to Ahab. Know that the divine punishment that God had released upon the city of Samaria had really taken its toll on the city and the land. And because of this, Ahab's wife Jezebel - enters into a revengeful state and decides to bring down her own wrath against the Lord's prophets. Understand that the suffering, persecution and martyrdom that the Lord's prophets had to endure, would come from the vengeful doings of Jezebel. Know that her rampage was so severe that only a few of the Lord's prophets were able to escape and seek refuge. They were able to do this, because one of God's faithful servants had stepped up and provided the fleeing prophets with some caves that they could hide in. Now when it comes to Obadiah - know that he's recorded as being a faithful God fearing man that had faith and knowledge of the Lord since his youth. He also served as a governor of Ahab's household and this enabled him to be privy to Jezebel's wicked plans that she was about to carry out against the Lord's prophets. Keep in mind that it's very interesting that Ahab would have a man like Obadiah over his household in the first place, for it seemed very strange for a man like Ahab. For we know that Ahab had no respect for the God that Obadiah served. And on top of this, know that Obadiah would not renounce his God in order to please Ahab. And yet, he was able to serve Ahab while keeping his faith and servitude to the Almighty God. You see, Obadiah was found to be a well respected man with good character and there were very few men who held these types of qualities that Ahab knew. So if Ahab wanted someone who he could trust and depend on, his options were severely limited. However, as Jezebel continued her revenge against the Lord's prophets, we learned that 100 of them were spared thanks to the two caves that Obadiah had hidden them in. Know that Obadiah had equally separated them into the caves - fifty in one, and fifty in the other. He'd also provided them with bread and water while they waited out the foretold drought and the great persecution that was being carried out against them at the hands of Jezebel. Know that it's at this time, were told the drought had gotten so bad, that Ahab had Obadiah go with him to search the land for some grass, or fodder to feed their horses and mules with. Ahab was afraid that if they weren't able to feed the animals soon, they would have to start killing them so they don't suffer a long drawn out death. It seems that Ahab had a compassionate heart, for the things he felt, affected him directly. But like most who have decided to serve the world, he was short-sighted, for what matter the most, was staying obedient to the Almighty God. Note: Samaria was only forty-two miles north from Jerusalem, also known as "The House of David." I find it amazing that the city of Jerusalem was prospering while Samaria was found to be in a state of suffering. It shows that it's simply unwise and futile to go against God. Now while Ahab and Obadiah had divided the land in search for some grass, or fodder for their horses and mules, we find that Obadiah runs into Elijah. He immediately recognizes him and begins to bow before him. Now as Obadiah was bowing before the prophet he would ask Elijah if it was really him. Elijah responded by saying: "Yes, now go and tell your master that Elijah is here." Now after Obadiah had heard what the prophet had just said - he responded in fear by saying: "What have I done wrong, why would you hand your servant over to Ahab to be put to death? Then Obadiah proceeds to tell Elijah about all that he has done when it came to the Lord's prophets: "Haven't you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord's prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water. And now you tell me to go to my master and say, 'Elijah is here.' He will kill me!" - 1 Kings 18:13-14 You see, Obadiah was afraid that Elijah was going to vanish again, and if he was to return with Ahab and Elijah wasn't there, the king would have had Obadiah put to death for toying with him. Now personally I find it interesting that Ahab had did all he could within his power to find Elijah. He had sent out spies and search teams to try to find the elusive prophet. He had offered rewards to anybody who would turn him in. He contacted neighboring kingdoms to see if they knew about the prophet's whereabouts, but to no avail - nothing. So Elijah puts Obadiah's mind at peace by saying: "As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today." - (1 Kings 18:15) Now that Elijah has sent Obadiah to go and get Ahab, what will the prophet say to him? How will Ahab react when he finally comes before the prophet that he's been looking for all this time?
**YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 02) <-CURRENT BIBLICAL PROPHETS PAGE-> 03) The Fire Contest Between God & Baal 04) The Gift of Rain That Came From The Heavens 05) Elisha The Prophet Apprentice 06) The Thirty Two Kings of Mass Destruction 07) Ben-Hadad The Drunken King 09) The Prophets of the Groves 10) Micaiah The One True Prophet 13) Elijah and the Chariot of Fire 14) Elisha the Miracle Prophet  |
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