Who is Elisha in this passage and what was he doing when Elijah came?

Elisha is the son of Shaphat, a man who seems to be from a well-off farming family. When Elijah comes, Elisha is out in the fields working. He is plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in the Jordan valley, which has heavy soil. This means he is not idle or hiding from hard work. Even though he has servants and many animals, he is personally guiding the twelfth pair of oxen. God’s call reaches him right in the middle of his everyday work, not while he is in a religious setting.

What does it mean that Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha?

Elijah’s mantle was his prophet’s cloak. When he walked by and threw it over Elisha, it was a silent sign that Elisha was being invited into his work. It showed friendship, care, and a sharing of Elijah’s role and spirit. Elijah did not give a long speech or command; the simple act of placing his mantle on Elisha was enough. God was working in Elisha’s heart at the same time, so he understood this as a call to leave farming and follow Elijah in serving God.

Why did Elisha ask to kiss his father and mother before following Elijah?

Elisha’s request to kiss his father and mother was not about putting off God’s call, but about saying a proper goodbye and honoring his parents. He had decided to follow Elijah, but he did not want to leave without showing love and respect at home. Elijah’s reply, telling him to go back, shows he did not want to force Elisha. Elisha was free to count the cost and make his own choice. This shows that following God’s call should be willing and from the heart, not pressured.

What is the meaning of Elisha killing a yoke of oxen and boiling their flesh?

Elisha takes one yoke of oxen, kills them, and cooks their meat using the wooden plowing tools as fuel. Then he gives the food to the people around him. This acts like a farewell meal and a clear break from his old life. By using the oxen and their equipment, he shows he is not planning to go back to farming. He is glad to answer God’s call, even though it means giving up comfort and wealth. It is a joyful, generous response, not a sad or forced one.

Why does Elijah say, “Go back again: for what have I done to thee?”

These words can sound sharp, but they are meant to test and clarify. Elijah is saying, in effect, “Go, think about this. I have only put my cloak on you. The real call is between you and God.” Elijah had not pressured Elisha with many words. If Elisha came back, it would show his heart was truly drawn by God, not just by a man’s request. This keeps Elisha’s choice free and personal. The passage shows that God’s grace leads, but people are not dragged against their will.

What does it mean that Elisha went after Elijah and ministered unto him?

When the text says Elisha “went after Elijah, and ministered unto him,” it means he chose to follow Elijah closely and serve him in practical ways. He became like a helper or attendant, doing humble tasks such as daily needs. This period of serving was also a time of learning. Elisha did not start as a public prophet right away. He first walked with Elijah, watched him, and learned from his example. This shows that those who are called to speak for God should first be willing to serve and be taught.

How does Elisha’s response show what it means to follow God’s call today?

Elisha’s story shows that God can call people right in the middle of ordinary work. His quick response, leaving his plow and running after Elijah, shows readiness and trust. He honors his parents, but he also makes a clear break with his old life by sacrificing the oxen and tools. For readers today, this can picture saying yes to God with a willing heart, being ready to give up comfort, and being content to start in a serving role. It encourages a joyful, not grudging, obedience.

What was going on in Israel when Elijah called Elisha to follow him?

This call comes in a dark time in Israel’s history. The rulers favor false worship, and those who speak for the true God face danger and hatred, especially from Jezebel. Elijah himself has felt alone and under threat. In that setting, God tells him to anoint a new prophet in his place. So when Elijah throws his mantle on Elisha, it is not an easy job he offers. Elisha is stepping into a path that may bring trouble, yet he still answers gladly and trusts God with the future.

1Kgs.19.19

1 Kings 19:19

King James Version (KJV)

¶ 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 by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

Chapter:

Context:

The Call of 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 by 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 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.

Cross References

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