During the apostasy of Israel, Obadiah had remained faithful. His master, the king, had been unable to turn him from his allegiance to the living God. Now he was honored with a commission from Elijah, who said, "Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here."

Obadja var forblevet tro mod Herren under Israels frafald. Hans herre, kongen, havde ikke kunnet få ham til at svigte den levende Gud. Nu gav Elias ham det ærefulde hverv: "Gå hen og sig til din herre, at Elias er her!"