1 Kings 18:5

1 Kings 18:5 Meaning and Explanation

And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Ahab sends Obadiah to search the land for any surviving water and grass to keep the royal livestock alive.

What Does 1 Kings 18:5 Mean?

The famine is so severe that the king himself sets out to scour the country for water. Ahab's concern, tellingly, is for his horses and mules, not for his starving people or the God who sent the drought.

The contrast is sharp. While Obadiah feared the LORD, Ahab worries only about preserving his beasts and his power. A heart turned from God grows blind to the deeper cause of its troubles. The same calamity that drives some to repentance only drives others to manage the symptoms. Where we look in our distress reveals where our treasure truly lies.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 18:5

What does 1 Kings 18:5 mean?

Ahab sends Obadiah to search the land for any surviving water and grass to keep the royal livestock alive.

Keep Studying 1 Kings 18

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.