Obadiah might not be the most well-known figure in the Bible, but his story is deeply impactful, especially when we think about the kind of faith it took to live out God’s will in such dangerous times. His life was turned upside down when Jezebel, the wicked queen, began hunting down and killing the prophets of the Lord. Queen Jezebel had long been an enemy of God, and her reign alongside her husband, King Ahab, was one of the darkest periods for Israel.
Jezebel had a deep hatred for the true prophets of Israel. She didn’t just oppose them or disagree with their message. She wanted them dead. She saw their message as a threat to her power, and she was willing to do whatever it took to silence them. Ahab, her husband, though not as bold as Jezebel in his evil, didn’t stop her. Together, they led Israel into idol worship, encouraging the people to turn from the one true God to the false god Baal. And with each false prophet they raised up, the voices of God’s true prophets grew quieter, until Jezebel began actively hunting them down.
This is where Obadiah’s story takes a sharp turn. He was a steward in Ahab’s court, a man of trust and responsibility, but also a man of God. Obadiah feared the Lord deeply, even though he was working in the palace of one of the most wicked kings in Israel’s history. While most people in Ahab’s court would have bowed to the pressure of Jezebel’s influence, Obadiah quietly stood his ground. But when Jezebel began killing the prophets of God, Obadiah’s world changed. He could not stand by and watch this injustice unfold.
With incredible courage, Obadiah took action. He went to great lengths to protect the prophets, hiding one hundred of them in caves. He provided them with food and water, at the risk of his own life. To help them escape certain death, Obadiah put everything on the line, knowing that if Jezebel found out, it would mean his execution. But he didn’t hesitate, because he trusted God and knew that this was the right thing to do. Imagine the weight of this decision! Every time he brought food and water to those caves, he did so knowing the danger that awaited him if he was caught.
At this moment, Obadiah was not making grand speeches or standing in front of crowds, he was serving quietly, in the shadows. But in the eyes of God, his courage was unmatched. This wasn’t a moment for glory or public recognition. His bravery was seen only by God, but it was just as vital to God’s kingdom. Obadiah’s actions were a reflection of his deep faith and loyalty to God, a loyalty that would not be swayed by fear or danger.
But Obadiah’s journey didn’t end there. Once Jezebel’s threat had passed, Obadiah’s role would shift again. God wasn’t done using him. You see, while Obadiah had been hiding God’s prophets in caves, God had a bigger message for him to deliver. The descendants of Esau, the people of Edom, had long been enemies of Israel. They had stood by while Israel suffered, even rejoicing at their downfall. And when Israel was attacked by foreign enemies, Edom didn’t just sit back; they helped the invaders, mocking Israel’s misery.
But God wasn’t going to let Edom’s wickedness go unpunished. And it was Obadiah who was chosen to deliver the message of God’s judgment against them. Edom had been so proud of their high cities and mountain strongholds, believing they were untouchable. They thought that no one, especially not Israel, could ever bring them down. But God was going to show them just how wrong they were. Through Obadiah, God told Edom that their pride would be their downfall, just like their enemies would fall.
The message was simple but clear: “Though you soar like the eagle and set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” (Obadiah 1:4). This was God’s way of saying that no matter how high or safe they thought they were, nothing could protect them from God’s judgment. Edom’s pride would be their undoing, and they would be brought low. Obadiah was bold in delivering this message of judgment. He knew that this wasn’t just a warning; it was God’s will. But even with the gravity of the message, Obadiah trusted God, standing firm in faith.
Yet, Obadiah’s message wasn’t all about judgment. There was also hope, especially for Israel. The same God who was bringing down the proud Edomites was also lifting up Israel. In the midst of this destruction, God promised that Israel would be restored. “But on Mount Zion, there shall be deliverance, and it shall be holy,” (Obadiah 1:17). This was a promise that even though Israel was suffering now, there would come a day when they would rise again. Their enemies would fall, and God’s justice would reign.
In Obadiah’s story, we see two kinds of courage: one is quiet, hidden from the world, and the other is bold, standing up against the enemies of God. Obadiah didn’t choose the path of public recognition. Instead, he chose to serve quietly in the shadows, protecting God’s prophets and risking his life to do so. But when the time came to speak God’s judgment, he did so with great boldness and faithfulness, knowing that God was with him.
The beauty of Obadiah’s story is that it shows us that God uses us in different ways. Sometimes, we are called to speak loudly for God, to call out the wrongs in the world and proclaim His truth. Other times, we’re called to act in quiet, hidden ways, doing the work that no one else may notice but God. Both are essential in God’s plan. Whether we stand in the spotlight or work in the background, faithfulness is what counts. Obadiah’s life reminds us that our service to God is not about how visible we are, but how faithful we are to Him, no matter the task.
Obadiah’s courage, whether in protecting the prophets or delivering God’s message to Edom, challenges us to ask ourselves: How can we be faithful in the task God has called us to, even when it’s difficult, dangerous, or unseen by others? Whether we’re standing before kings or quietly serving behind the scenes, God sees all, and He uses each act of faithful service for His glory.
Image done by Leonardo.ai at my instruction
In a time long ago, when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were divided, a man named Obadiah lived as a servant of God. His name meant “Servant of the Lord,” and he truly embodied the meaning of his name. While many around him had turned their hearts away from the God of Israel, Obadiah remained faithful. His voice would soon ring out as a prophet, calling the nations to account for their actions.
The kingdom of Edom, to the southeast of Israel, had long been a thorn in the side of God’s people. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother, harbored deep animosity toward Israel. When Israel was attacked and in distress, the Edomites had not only stayed silent but had cheered on Israel’s enemies. In their pride, they had mocked the suffering of God’s people. They had stood by and watched as Israel fell into ruins, their hearts hardened, filled with arrogance and cruelty.
The Edomites believed they were invincible. They lived in the rocky, fortified mountains, high above the plains below, where they thought no one could reach them. They felt safe, too powerful to be defeated by anyone. But they had forgotten something very important: No one is beyond God’s judgment.
Obadiah, a humble man, was chosen by God to deliver a powerful message to the proud Edomites. One day, as he prayed, God spoke to him. “Obadiah, rise and go to Edom. Speak to them. Let them know that their pride will lead to their downfall. I have seen their wickedness and their cruelty toward My people, and I will not let it go unpunished.”
Obadiah’s heart sank. He knew this would not be an easy task. He would have to deliver a message of judgment, a message no one wanted to hear. But he was a faithful servant of God, and he knew that he had to obey.
With the words of the Lord burning in his heart, Obadiah traveled to the land of Edom. The people there, high on their mountain strongholds, looked down on the small man who walked into their midst. They were confident in their power and sneered at him, wondering who this prophet was and what he could possibly say that would shake their pride.
Standing before them, Obadiah proclaimed, “The Lord God of Israel has spoken! Your pride has deceived you. You who live in the clefts of the rock, who make your dwelling on high, who say to yourselves, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’, though you soar like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”
The people of Edom scoffed at Obadiah’s words. They had long believed that no one could touch them, that their security was untouchable. But Obadiah pressed on.
“The day of judgment is coming, and I will bring justice to the nations. The Edomites have rejoiced over the fall of Israel. They have been gloating, waiting for Israel’s destruction, and now it will be their turn. The day will come when their allies will turn against them, and their wealth and power will crumble.”
Obadiah went on to explain that the Edomites had turned their backs on their brothers, the Israelites, in their time of need. They had not come to their aid when invaders attacked, and worse, they had participated in looting the city of Jerusalem, taking advantage of Israel’s vulnerability. Because of their cruelty and pride, the Lord had seen their actions and would not leave them unpunished.
“But,” Obadiah declared, “though the Lord will bring judgment upon Edom, there is hope for Israel. The house of Jacob shall possess their inheritance, and the kingdom will be restored. Mount Zion shall be victorious, and the people of God shall rise again. Deliverance shall come from the Lord, and His people will triumph.”
As Obadiah spoke, the Edomites were silent. Though they did not believe his words at that moment, the seeds of judgment had been planted in their hearts. The proud and mighty would fall, and the people of Israel would one day be restored.
Obadiah’s message was not just a warning for Edom; it was a message of hope for Israel. The nations that had oppressed and scorned Israel would face the wrath of God. But for God’s people, there would be a time of healing, a time of deliverance.
Obadiah left the land of Edom with the same quiet faith he had always carried. His role was done. He had delivered God’s word. The rest was in God’s hands. And though Edom would not repent, the prophecy of Obadiah would eventually come to pass. Edom’s pride would be humbled, and Israel’s hope would be restored.
The story of Obadiah is one of judgment and redemption, a reminder that while the proud may seem untouchable, no one escapes the righteous judgment of God. But for those who trust in Him, deliverance and hope are never far away.
(image by leonardo.ai at my instruction)
The sun beat down relentlessly on the dry, cracked earth, painting the landscape in shades of gold and brown. Obadiah, head lowered against the heat, walked along the narrow path, his sandals kicking up dust with each step. The land was parched, much like the people, hungry, thirsty, and weary. His mission, sent by King Ahab, was simple on the surface: find food and water for the royal horses and mules. Yet, as Obadiah’s eyes scanned the desolate landscape, he knew the deeper pain of the people, suffering not only from famine but from the spiritual drought that plagued Israel.
Ahab, in his arrogance and power, cared only for his beasts, not the people who toiled under the scorching sun. The king had turned away from the God of Israel, placing his trust in idols, false gods that had no power to save or provide. Obadiah had witnessed this betrayal daily in the royal court, where the queen, Jezebel, had done everything in her power to wipe out the prophets of the Lord.
But Obadiah had secretly protected them, hidden them away in caves, providing food and water, keeping them safe from Jezebel’s bloodthirsty reach. He had kept his faith alive, though it was a quiet faith, one that had to stay in the shadows. No one could know of his loyalty to the one true God.
As he trudged on that hot afternoon, his thoughts heavy, a shadow fell across the path. His heart skipped a beat, and he looked up, squinting against the harsh light. There, ahead of him, stood a figure, a man cloaked in worn garments, his face as weathered as the land itself.
“Elijah?” Obadiah’s voice was barely a whisper, a mixture of awe and disbelief. The man before him was none other than the prophet of the Lord, the one whom Ahab had been hunting for years.
Elijah’s eyes locked with Obadiah’s, deep and unyielding. “Obadiah,” he said, his voice low, yet full of purpose. “I knew you would find me.”
Obadiah took a step back, his heart racing. “I thought you were gone… I thought you had vanished,” he stammered. “Ahab has been searching for you. He wants you dead. If he knew I was speaking to you, he’d, ”
“I know the danger, Obadiah,” Elijah interrupted, his gaze sharp. “But it is time. The moment has come for Israel to see who the true God is.”
Obadiah shook his head, his brow furrowed in disbelief. “Elijah, you know what this means, don’t you? If Ahab finds out, he will have us both killed. I serve him every day, I walk through his palace. I can’t risk it. You have to disappear again.”
Elijah stepped closer, his eyes burning with the fire of a prophet. “Obadiah, do you not believe that God is still in control? Do you not trust Him to guide you through this? This is not about Ahab or Jezebel; this is about Israel. It is time to make a stand. You’ve hidden the prophets in caves for too long. Now it’s time for Israel to see that there is no god but the Lord.”
Obadiah swallowed, his chest tightening. He had kept his faith, even in the midst of danger. But now, with the prophet standing before him, calling him to action, the weight of his choices felt heavier than ever before. Was he really ready to step out from the shadows?
“But I’m no prophet,” Obadiah murmured. “I don’t have the words, the boldness. I’m just a servant. I can’t, ”
Elijah placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “God does not need your boldness, Obadiah. He needs your faithfulness. You have been faithful in the shadows, hiding His prophets. Now, will you be faithful in the open? Will you help me bring Israel back to the Lord?”
Obadiah’s heart raced as he looked into the prophet’s eyes. The challenge was clear. This wasn’t just about saving his life anymore. This was about saving Israel’s soul.
“Alright,” Obadiah said, his voice quiet but resolute. “I’ll do it. I’ll go to Ahab. But you’d better be sure this is God’s will.”
Elijah nodded. “It is. I have no doubt. Meet me tomorrow. We will face Ahab together.”
The following morning, the air was thick with tension as Obadiah made his way through the royal palace. He walked with a sense of purpose, though his heart thudded with anxiety. Ahab was unpredictable, often volatile, especially when things weren’t going his way. And today, the king was in a foul mood. Obadiah could already hear his voice echoing through the halls, demanding answers, blaming anyone and everyone for the famine that had gripped the land.
When Obadiah entered the throne room, Ahab turned toward him, his eyes dark with anger. “Obadiah!” the king barked, his voice sharp. “Where is Elijah? I’ve searched for him everywhere! If you know where he is, you’d better speak now!”
Obadiah, standing tall before the king, steeled himself. “Your Majesty,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm. “I believe I know where Elijah is.”
Ahab’s eyes flashed with fury. “You do? Where is he?” he demanded, stepping closer.
“He is waiting for you, King Ahab,” Obadiah said, his words measured but firm. “He says it is time for you to meet him.”
Ahab’s face twisted in disbelief. “You’ve found him? After all this time, you’ve found him? You will bring him to me now!”
Obadiah hesitated for a moment, knowing the danger of what he was about to do. “Yes, Your Majesty. But be warned, Elijah is not here to make peace with you. He has come to challenge you.”
Ahab’s lips curled into a sneer. “Let him come. I’ll deal with him myself. You’ve brought this upon yourself, Obadiah.”
Obadiah nodded, knowing that his part in this was done. With a quick turn, he led Ahab out of the palace and across the land, towards the place where Elijah awaited them.
When they arrived at the foot of Mount Carmel, the tension between the two men, Ahab, full of anger, and Obadiah, full of quiet courage, was palpable. Elijah stood on the mountaintop, his figure outlined against the sky, a silent force of nature.
As Ahab approached, Elijah turned to face him. The words that came from the prophet’s lips were sharp and unyielding. “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him. But if Baal is god, follow him.”
Ahab stood frozen for a moment, then sneered. “You think you can change the course of Israel with your words? You’ve failed us. And now you come here to mock me?”
Elijah’s voice rang out, filled with the authority of the Almighty. “I have not failed Israel. You have failed Israel, Ahab. You and your queen have led the people into sin. You have worshiped idols, and now the Lord will show you who truly holds the power.”
Ahab’s eyes flickered with doubt, but his pride kept him standing firm. “And what do you suggest, Elijah? That I abandon my gods? That I listen to your empty threats?”
Elijah’s eyes were like fire as he spoke. “We will call on the Lord, and He will answer. Bring your prophets of Baal. Let them call on their god. And I will call on the Lord. Then we will see who answers by fire.”
Obadiah stood off to the side, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never seen anything like this, never imagined that God’s power would be displayed so boldly. And yet, as the challenge began, Obadiah knew one thing for sure: this was the moment when Israel would see the truth.
When the fire of the Lord descended from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the prophets of Baal fell silent. Ahab’s face drained of color, and the people cried out, “The Lord, He is God!”
Obadiah’s heart swelled with relief. He had played his part. He had trusted God, even when the risk was great. And now, Israel had witnessed the truth.
Obadiah’s part in this story may seem small beside the thunder of Elijah’s fire, but without him, there might not have been a confrontation at all. His quiet obedience, serving faithfully in enemy territory, risking everything to protect God’s prophets, and finally stepping out of the shadows to help deliver a nation, reminds us that faith isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it hides in caves. Sometimes, it walks into palaces. But when God calls, even the quiet ones must answer. And when they do, the fire still falls.