1 Kings 18:1-19

1Some time later, in the third year of the famine, the Lord told Elijah, “Go, make an appearance before Ahab, so I may send rain on the surface of the ground.”

2So Elijah went to make an appearance before Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria.

3So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who supervised the palace. (Now Obadiah was a very loyal follower of the Lord.

4When Jezebel was killing the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets and hid them in two caves in two groups of fifty. He also brought them food and water.)

5Ahab told Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grazing areas so we can keep the horses and mules alive and not have to kill some of the animals.”

6They divided up the land between them; Ahab went one way and Obadiah went the other.

7As Obadiah was traveling along, Elijah met him. When he recognized him, he fell facedown to the ground and said, “Is it really you, my master, Elijah?”

8He replied, “Yes, go and say to your master, ‘Elijah is back.’”

9Obadiah said, “What sin have I committed that you are ready to hand your servant over to Ahab for execution?

10As certainly as the Lord your God lives, my master has sent to every nation and kingdom in an effort to find you. When they say, ‘He’s not here,’ he makes them swear an oath that they could not find you.

11Now you say, ‘Go and say to your master, “Elijah is back.”’

12But when I leave you, the Lord’s spirit will carry you away so I can’t find you. If I go tell Ahab I’ve seen you, he won’t be able to find you and he will kill me. That would not be fair, because your servant has been a loyal follower of the Lord from my youth.

13Certainly my master is aware of what I did when Jezebel was killing the Lord’s prophets. I hid one hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves in two groups of fifty and I brought them food and water.

14Now you say, ‘Go and say to your master, “Elijah is back,”’ but he will kill me.”

15But Elijah said, “As certainly as the Lord who rules over all lives (whom I serve), I will make an appearance before him today.”

16When Obadiah went and informed Ahab, the king went to meet Elijah.

17When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is it really you, the one who brings disaster on Israel?”

18Elijah replied, “I have not brought disaster on Israel. But you and your father’s dynasty have, by abandoning the Lord’s commandments and following the Baals.

19Now send out messengers and assemble all Israel before me at Mount Carmel, as well as the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah whom Jezebel supports.