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Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 19:19

1 Kings 19:19. And found Elisha In his journey toward Damascus. Who was ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen Who had twelve ploughs going, whereof eleven were managed by his servants, and the last by himself; according to the simplicity of those ancient times, in which men of good estate submitted to the meanest employments. Cast his mantle upon him By that ceremony conferring upon him the office of a prophet, which God was pleased to accompany with the gifts and graces of his Spirit,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 19:1-21

God reassures Elijah (19:1-21)When Jezebel heard that Elijah had killed her prophets, she threatened to do the same to him. She still had great power over the people, who, despite Elijah’s victory at Mt Carmel, soon returned to their idolatrous ways (19:1-2; cf. v. 10). Elijah fled south through the barren regions of Judah where, overcome with despair, he wanted only to die. But God sustained him, enabling him to keep moving south till he reached Mt Sinai, the place where God had made his... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 19:19

twelve: seven separate ploughs following each other. Often seen to-day. mantle. Compare Zechariah 13:4 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 19:19

ELIJAH CASTS HIS MANTLE UPON ELISHA"So he departed thence and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed over unto him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again; for what have I done to thee? And he returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen,... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Kings 19:19

1 Kings 19:19. Elisha—was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, &c.— This was so far from being an argument of Elisha's poverty, that it was in reality a token of his wealth. For he who could keep twelve yoke of oxen at plough was, in this respect, no inconsiderable man; and yet, according to the manner of these early times, he looked after his own business himself; for nothing, as we have had occasion frequently to observe, was of greater esteem, not only among the Hebrews, but also among the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 19:19

19. Elisha the son of Shaphat—Most probably he belonged to a family distinguished for piety, and for their opposition to the prevailing calf-worship. ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen—indicating that he was a man of substance. Elijah . . . cast his mantle upon him—This was an investiture with the prophetic office. It is in this way that the Brahmins, the Persian Sufis, and other priestly or sacred characters in the East are appointed—a mantle being, by some eminent priest, thrown across their... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 19:9-21

God’s revelation of His methods 19:9-21Elijah’s zeal for God’s covenant, altars, and prophets was admirable, but he became too discouraged because he underestimated the extent of commitment to Yahweh that existed in Israel. [Note: Ronald B. Allen, "Elijah the Broken Prophet," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 22:3 (1979):202.] He was not alone in his stand for Yahweh (1 Kings 19:10; cf. 1 Kings 18:13). God asked him what he was doing there (1 Kings 19:9; 1 Kings 19:13) because He... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 19:1-21

Elijah at Horeb2. Then Jezebel sent, etc.] Her religious feelings as a votary of Baal and her dignity as the queen had both been outraged by the prophet, and she at once sought revenge.3. And when he saw that, etc.] In men of impetuous disposition displays of fiery courage often alternate with moods of despondency. Elijah’s character resembled that of St. Peter, who first struck a blow in defence of his Master and then denied Him (John 18:10, John 18:15).Beer-sheba] within the territory of the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 19:19

(19) Twelve yoke of oxen, or (as Ewald renders it) of land, indicate some wealth in Elisha’s family, which he has to leave to follow the wandering life of Elijah. The character and mission of Elisha will appear hereafter: but the contrast between the prophets is marked in the difference of their home and origin; even the quiet simplicity of Elisha’s call stands contrasted with the sudden, mysterious appearance of Elijah.Cast his mantle—i.e., the rough hair-mantle characteristic of the ascetic... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Kings 19:1-21

The Holy Eucharist 1 Kings 19:4-8 God has given us the blessed Sacrament to be to us the Sacrament in which He will give to us continually the grace of perseverance. I. The Sacrament of Perseverance. The one thing that we need for perseverance is continual spiritual renewal. The Holy Eucharist is the Church's great offering to the Father; and in each aspect it is a sacrament of renewal. II. The Bread of Life. In this Holy Eucharist we not only plead before God the sacrifice, but we feed upon... read more

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