Keraia
1 Kings 19

1 Kings 19:21

The Call of Elisha · 1 Kings 19:19–21
Read 1 Kings 19

Translations

Modern
So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.
Traditional
And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.
Literal
And he turned back from him and took the yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. And with the instruments of oxen he cooked their flesh and gave it to the people, and they ate. And he arose and followed after Elijah and became his servant.
Latin
Reversus autem ab eo, tulit par boum, et mactavit illud, et in aratro boum coxit carnes, et dedit populo, et comederunt: consurgensque abiit, et secutus est Eliam, et ministrabat ei.

Original

Hebrew
English
So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

Notes

1 Kings 19:21

  • Elisha burned his plow and slaughtered his oxen to show he was leaving his old life behind. From then on, he would serve the Lord. His meal with family and friends might have been a thanksgiving sacrifice to God, ending with a joyful meal celebrating God's call on Elisha's life.

  • Elisha would first serve as the assistant of Elijah. Great leaders often start as good learners. Joshua was the assistant of Moses (Exodus 24:13) before becoming his successor (Numbers 27:18–23; Deuteronomy 34:9) and leading the forces of Israel (Joshua 1:1–9). Later, Elisha had an assistant named Gehazi (2 Kings 4:12).

1 Kings 19:19–21

The anointing of Elisha concludes the Lord’s instructions to Elijah. Elisha performed the other two anointings that God had originally assigned to Elijah (1 Kings 19:15–16), as recorded in (2 Kings 8:7–15; 9:1–10).

1 Kings 17:1–19:21

The prophet Elijah's work was closely tied to his spiritual growth. Elijah challenged Israel's interest in Baal, the Canaanite storm god. During this conflict, Elijah saw God's power and support, unlike Baal's weakness. This was shown in Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:1–46). After fleeing from Jezebel, God renewed Elijah's mission at Mount Sinai (1 Kings 19:1–18). Elijah's mission was finished by his successor, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Elijah Elisha Jezebel Prophets in 1 Kings

Events

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Abel-meholah Ahab (King) John the Baptist Kings, Books of First and Second Miracle Remnant

Topics

Elijah: Flees to the Wilderness of Damascus Elisha: Ministers Unto Elijah Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Excuses: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Obedience: Elisha Procrastination: Elisha The Ox used for Food