1 Kings 18 15

1 Kings 18:15 kjv

And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself unto him to day.

1 Kings 18:15 nkjv

Then Elijah said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today."

1 Kings 18:15 niv

Elijah said, "As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today."

1 Kings 18:15 esv

And Elijah said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today."

1 Kings 18:15 nlt

But Elijah said, "I swear by the LORD Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day."

1 Kings 18 verses

1 Kings 18 15 Meaning

1 Kings 18:15 declares Elijah's solemn and unwavering oath to God and promise to Obadiah that he will certainly confront King Ahab that very day. It emphasizes Elijah's deep spiritual connection and direct commission from Yahweh, the Almighty God who controls all creation, contrasting sharply with the fear and compromise prevalent in Israel during the intense drought and Baal worship. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, signaling the beginning of divine intervention against the prevailing idolatry.

1 Kings 18 15 Context

1 Kings 18 begins with the third year of a severe drought, a divine judgment against King Ahab's and Queen Jezebel's promotion of Baal worship. Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, is directed by God to "show himself to Ahab," signaling the end of the drought and a dramatic confrontation. Before facing Ahab, Elijah encounters Obadiah, the manager of Ahab's household, a man who secretly fears the LORD and has preserved a hundred prophets from Jezebel's purge. Obadiah is deeply afraid of Ahab's wrath and skeptical that Elijah will remain for him to bring the king. He fears that if he informs Ahab and Elijah is carried away by the Spirit, Ahab will kill him. Elijah's powerful declaration in verse 15 serves as a direct reassurance to Obadiah, emphasizing his divine authority and resolve to confront Ahab, alleviating Obadiah's fears and removing any doubt about the prophet's intention. This exchange sets the stage for the pivotal encounter between Elijah, Ahab, and the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, highlighting the clash between Yahweh and false gods.

1 Kings 18 15 Word analysis

• And Elijah said,: A common biblical narrative connector, immediately placing Elijah as the subject of the direct speech. His voice carries divine authority, as he is speaking under the anointing and direction of the LORD.

• "As the LORD of hosts lives,":

  • As...lives: A binding and solemn oath, the strongest affirmation possible, indicating absolute certainty and truth. It invokes the very existence and power of God as guarantor of the promise. This contrasts sharply with the "dead" idols of Baal.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The covenant name of Israel's God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and unique sovereignty.
  • of hosts (צְבָאוֹת, Tseva'ot): This title denotes God's power as the commander of heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. In a context of spiritual warfare against Baal, a god supposedly of weather and fertility, this title asserts Yahweh's ultimate control over all creation and dominion, including those elements over which Baal's cult falsely claimed power. It's a polemic against Baal's impotence.

• "before whom I stand,":

  • stand (עָמַדְתִּי, 'amadti): Implies a position of humble service, submission, and direct divine appointment, like a servant before a king or a minister before God. It indicates Elijah's authority derives directly from God and his continuous awareness of God's presence and direction. This contrasts with Obadiah's fear of man (Ahab and Jezebel); Elijah stands before God alone.

• "I will surely show myself to him today.":

  • surely show myself (הֵרָאֹה אֵרָאֶה, herao'h era'eh): This is an infinitive absolute construction in Hebrew, providing intense emphasis. It means "I will certainly, definitely, assuredly, undoubtedly show myself." It eradicates all of Obadiah's lingering doubts and fears, underlining Elijah's absolute resolve and divine mandate to confront Ahab.
  • to him today: Specifies the direct target (King Ahab) and the immediate timing, underscoring the urgency and the unfolding of God's plan. Elijah's direct confrontation with the king demonstrates his prophetic courage and the direct clash between divine authority and royal apostasy.

• "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand": This phrase encapsulates Elijah's entire being and ministry. His life, identity, and mission are intrinsically linked to Yahweh, the Almighty, and his continuous awareness of serving in God's presence. It sets up the core theological principle that a true prophet speaks from and lives by God's authority, not human mandate or fear.

1 Kings 18 15 Bonus section

Elijah's oath echoes a foundational truth about prophetic ministry: it is founded on an unceasing awareness of God's presence and power, not on human wisdom or courage alone. The repetition of "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand" (previously in 1 Ki 17:1) serves as Elijah's prophetic signature, reinforcing the source of his authority and his identity as Yahweh's consecrated servant. This stance sets him apart from even devoted figures like Obadiah, who, while reverent, operated out of practical fear for his life within Ahab's oppressive regime. The use of "Yahweh Sabaoth" (LORD of hosts) is particularly resonant in times of national crisis or spiritual battle, indicating God's overwhelming military and sovereign might against any opposing force, whether earthly or spiritual. The assurance given by Elijah effectively dispels Obadiah's rational fear, revealing the supremacy of divine will over human concern, and foreshadowing the inevitable defeat of Baal, whose cult would prove utterly incapable of responding to its supplicants during the dramatic test to come.

1 Kings 18 15 Commentary

1 Kings 18:15 serves as the powerful declaration that pivots the narrative towards the climactic confrontation on Mount Carmel. Elijah’s resolute oath, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand," is more than a mere promise; it is a profound theological statement. It highlights the vast chasm between Obadiah’s fear of man and Elijah's unshakeable faith and immediate obedience to the living God. The title "LORD of hosts" explicitly asserts Yahweh’s supreme authority over all creation and heavenly powers, a direct challenge to the false god Baal, worshipped by Ahab and Jezebel, who was supposed to control rain and thunder but remained silent during a divinely sent drought.

Elijah's posture of "standing before" Yahweh signifies his prophetic authenticity—he is God's direct representative, intimately familiar with the divine will and empowered by it. Unlike other individuals who might serve a king, Elijah serves the King of Kings, directly presenting His message. His final affirmation, "I will surely show myself to him today," pronounced with emphatic Hebrew construction, conveys absolute certainty. It removes any lingering doubt or hesitation from Obadiah's mind and signifies Elijah's readiness to execute God's plan without delay or human reservation. This verse exemplifies the confidence of one who walks in full divine commission, illustrating a prophet whose life is wholly submitted to and sustained by the power of the one true God, ready to confront a nation’s idolatry and call them back to faithful worship.