Bible Figure
Obadiah
character in 1 Kings in the Hebrew Bible
Obadiah was a God-fearing official in Ahab's palace who protected one hundred prophets of the Lord from Jezebel's persecution and later helped arrange Elijah's meeting with Ahab.
Biography
First Kings 18 describes Obadiah as being over Ahab's household and as one who greatly feared the Lord. When Jezebel was killing the Lord's prophets, Obadiah hid one hundred of them in two caves and supplied them with food and water. During the drought Ahab sent him searching for grass. Obadiah encountered Elijah, feared that reporting Elijah's presence could cost him his life, but obeyed after Elijah promised to appear before Ahab.
Biblical Significance
Obadiah demonstrates faithful service to God from within a hostile royal administration. His protection of endangered prophets required substantial courage and resources during Jezebel's persecution.