Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 18:16
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
16. And Ahab went ] The LXX. has ‘And Ahab ran forth and went to meet Elijah.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him,…. That Elijah was in such a place, and had desired him to inform him of it, and was ready to appear before him that day wherever he pleased; for upon the prophet’s oath Obadiah was entirely satisfied, and was in no fear of delivering the message:
and Ahab went to meet Elijah; though perhaps the bold message of the prophet might make him fear he had something to say to him not very agreeable.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
16. Obadiah went to meet Ahab It was doubtless better that the king’s mind be a little prepared for the meeting with Elijah, by having the prophet’s presence pre-announced.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Ki 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
Ver. 16. So Obadiah went. ] Cured of his fear by the prophet’s oath; and confident that Deo armatus, he would encounter the king.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the God That Answereth not
1Ki 18:16-29
The God that answereth by fire, let Him be God. We are thrilled as we read these words. Our altars stand unkindled, our sacrifices are unconsumed, our churches do not witness the descending of the holy flame, and our sermons are damp tinder. It ought not so to be. The Baptist said that our Lord would baptize with the Holy Spirit as by fire, Mat 3:11, and Jesus Himself taught that he came to kindle fire on the earth, Luk 12:49. The seven lamps burn evermore before the throne, Rev 4:5. It was as fire that the Holy Spirit fell on the sitting group in the upper room-sitting because they had reached an end of praying, and were now only waiting for the fulfillment of the promise, Act 2:2-3.
Nothing is needed more absolutely than the answer by fire. There are many who, like the prophets of Baal, endeavor to kindle it. But when prevented from putting their own false fire into the stack of wood, they are paralyzed. The frantic entreaties, the self-inflicted wounds, the monotonous chant, are insufficient. They are carnal and arouse only the worst emotions. Spiritual conditions have to be fulfilled, as Elijah showed; then God bears witness by signs and wonders and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.