How does 1 Kings 18:6 demonstrate obedience to God's appointed leadership? Background of the Moment • Israel is in its third year of severe drought (1 Kings 18:1). • King Ahab proposes a practical plan: “Go throughout the land to all the springs and valleys. Perhaps we will find grass” (1 Kings 18:5). • Verse 6 records the response: “So they divided the land to search it; Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.” What Obadiah’s Action Reveals • Immediate compliance—Obadiah does not argue, stall, or suggest a different plan. • Personal involvement—he does not delegate downward but shoulders the task alongside the king. • Respect for lawful command—the search for pasture is morally neutral and does not conflict with God’s law, so obedience is straightforward. • Trust in God’s sovereignty—Obadiah serves a wicked monarch, yet recognizes that “there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). Biblical Principles Seen in 1 Kings 18:6 • God establishes rulers, even flawed ones (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1-2). • Obedience honors the Lord when the command does not require sin (Acts 5:29 as the limit). • Faithful service under ungodly leadership can coexist with uncompromised devotion to the Lord—Obadiah had earlier hidden and fed 100 prophets (1 Kings 18:3-4). • Dividing assignments exemplifies orderly stewardship (1 Corinthians 14:40). Supporting Passages • Titus 3:1 — “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient.” • 1 Peter 2:13-15 — “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.” • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” Take-Home Insights • Serving under imperfect leadership does not excuse disobedience when directives are lawful. • Obedience, even in mundane tasks, is an act of faith in God’s providence. • God often advances His larger purposes (Elijah’s soon-coming showdown on Carmel) through the day-to-day faithfulness of His people. |
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