1 Kings 18:4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

When Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord The name of prophets was not only given to such as were endowed with an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, but to such ministers of religion as devoted themselves to the service of God, in preaching, praying, and praising him. There were schools of these prophets, it is likely, still remaining in Israel; but Jezebel endeavoured both to destroy the schools, and those that were brought up in them, in order that none might be left to instruct the people in the true religion. Obadiah hid them by fifty in a cave At the hazard of his own life, and against the king's command; wisely considering that no command of an earthly prince could overrule the command of the King of kings. And fed them with bread and water Sent them meat and drink privately every day. See how wonderfully God raises up friends for his ministers and people, where one would least expect them!