A subtle criticism of Ovadya is apparent in Eliyahu’s claim that Ahav – not he – is Ovadya’s master. Ovadya insists that his life-risking activity - not cowardice – leave him in Ahav’s service and unworthy of a punishment of death. The literary structure of Ovadya’s speech to Eliyahu sheds light on the apparent repetitiveness of his words.

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion