1 Kings 19:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 19:19-21

Elisha was named last in the orders God gave to Elijah, but he was first called, for by him the other two were to be called. He must come in Elijah's room; yet Elijah is forward to raise him, and is far from being jealous of his successor, but rejoices to think that he shall leave the work of God in such good hands. Concerning the call of Elisha observe, 1. That it was an unexpected surprising call. Elijah found him by divine direction, or perhaps he was before acquainted with him and knew... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from him ,.... To his father's house, and took his leave, and then came back into the field, perhaps with others accompanying him: and took a yoke of oxen and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen : their yokes, and the plough, with an addition of other things sufficient to boil them: and gave unto the people, and they did eat ; the ploughmen and others that came together on this occasion; he made a feast for them, to express his joy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 19:21

He returned back - He went home to his house; probably he yet lived with his parents, for it appears he was a single man: and he slew a yoke of the oxen - he made a feast for his household, having boiled the flesh of the oxen with his agricultural implements, probably in token that he had abandoned secular life: then, having bidden them an affectionate farewell, he arose, went after Elijah, who probably still awaited his coming in the field or its vicinity, and ministered unto him. On... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:19-21

The Call of Elisha. After the visions of Horeb, and in pursuance of the commission there received, Elijah returned from the wilderness and re-entered the land of Israel. Whether he went round by Damascus, and in his course anointed Hazael to be king over Syria, as Samuel had anointed David long before he ascended the throne of Israel, we are not informed. It is not necessary for the fulfilment of his instructions ( 1 Kings 19:15 ) to suppose that he did so; for prophets are said to do... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:19-21

The Call of Elisha. It was by an express Divine command that Elijah summoned Elisha to the prophetic office ( 1 Kings 19:16 ). And yet we may discern a purely human element in this. He did it by the impulse of natural feeling. Stern, rugged, self reliant as he was, he needed sympathy and companionship. He yearned for the society of a kindred spirit. He could not bear to live alone. Whether he had any previous personal knowledge of Elisha we know not; but it is certain that, totally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:19-21

The Call of Elisha. It was by an express Divine command that Elijah summoned Elisha to the prophetic office ( 1 Kings 19:16 ). And yet we may discern a purely human element in this. He did it by the impulse of natural feeling. Stern, rugged, self reliant as he was, he needed sympathy and companionship. He yearned for the society of a kindred spirit. He could not bear to live alone. Whether he had any previous personal knowledge of Elisha we know not; but it is certain that, totally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:19-21

The Prophet's Call. I. THE CALL TO SERVICE . 1 . Where it found him— in the field engaged in laborious, careful toil. The Master chooses servants for higher trusts who have been faithful in lower. 2 . How it came . The mantle cast upon him was a sign of adoption. It was a call to share the prophet's home and love. Elijah was to find a son in the newly-called servant of God, and Elisha a father in the great prophet of Israel. We pass into God's service through union... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from him [Wordsworth is not warranted in affirming that Elisha "did not go back and kiss," etc. The text rather implies that he did], and took a yoke [Heb. the yoke ; Cf. verse 19] of oxen, and slew them [Heb. sacrificed ; LXX . ἔθυσε . But the word, though generally restricted to sacrificial Ac, primarily means, to slay" simply, as here, and in Genesis 31:54 ; 1 Samuel 28:24 ; 2 Chronicles 18:2 ; Ezekiel 39:17 . There was no altar there, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 19:21

" Took a yoke of oxen and slew them ." He has done with earthly pursuits. He burns his ships behind him. It would be well for the Church of Christ if her ministers acted in like manner. The temptation to eke out a scanty income by trade, especially among missionaries, must be great; but a man cannot be half a clergyman, and must not be entangled with the affairs of this life. Some of the Swiss pastors have become hotel keepers, but if they have been the gainers, religion has not. Of all... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 19:21

Elisha returns to his oxen and laborers. He indicates his relinquishment of his home and calling by the slaughter of the particular yoke of oxen with which he had himself been plowing, probably the best beasts of the twelve, and by burning the “instruments,” the p oughs and yokes, both made of wood. Next he feasts his people to show his gratitude for his call, Elijah apparently remaining the while; and then, leaving father and mother, cattle and land, good position and comfortable home, Elisha... read more

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