1 Kings 18:7-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” 8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your lord, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” 9 And he said, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, ‘He is not here,’ he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’

Obadiah feared the Lord. So much so that he had hidden a hundred prophets that Jezebel and Ahab had sworn to kill. Reading this chapter of 1st Kings we find that Obadiah is a trusted servant of Ahab. What changed that made Obadiah suddenly fear Ahab? I can think of many reasons why but I have settle upon one to speak about.

Obadiah announces in verse 9 that Elijah is now his master and calls himself Elijah’s servant. Considering Elijah is the one prophet wanted by Ahab above all the rest, Obadiah’s words show a change of heart. It is likely that Ahab would welcome Obadiah’s announcement of the presence of Elijah. Since Obadiah did not suffer at the hands of Ahab for the message, it is safe to assume so.

Obadiah feared because he changed allegiances in his heart. This is similar to our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. At our baptism we announce to Satan we no longer serve him. Satan is now our enemy and John 10:10 comes into play. Being human, we find fear in our change of allegiance.