1 Reis 19
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 19
Utley - "anoint as prophet" Usually this symbolic act of YHWH's call and equipping His servants is limited for kings and priests, but here is a rare example of a prophetic anointing (cf. Isa. 61:1). ABEL-MEHOLAH [ISBE] - a'-bel-me-ho'-lah ('abhel meholah, "meadow of dancing"): The residence of Elisha the prophet (1 Ki 19:16). When Gideon and his 300 broke their pitchers in the camp of Midian, the Midianites in their first panic fled down the valley of Jezreel and the Jordan "toward Zererah" (Jdg 7:22). Zererah (Zeredah) is Zarethan (2 Ch 4:17; compare 1 Ki 7:46), separated from Succoth by the clay ground where Solomon made castings for the temple. The wing of the Midianites whom Gideon pursued crossed the Jordan at Succoth (Jdg 8:4 ff). This would indicate that Abel-meholah was thought of as a tract of country with a "border," West of the Jordan, some miles South of Beth-shean, in the territory either of Issachar or West Manasseh. Abel-meholah is also mentioned in connection with the jurisdiction of Baana, one of Solomon's twelve commissary officers (1 Ki 4:12) as below Jezreel, with Beth-shean and Zarethan in the same list. Jerome and Eusebius speak of Abel-meholah as a tract of country and a town in the Jordan valley, about ten Roman miles South of Beth-shean. At just that point the name seems to be perpetuated in that of the Wady Malib, and Abel-meholah is commonly located near where that Wady, or the neighboring Wady Helweh, comes down into the Jordan valley. Presumably Adriel the Meholathite (1 Sam 18:19; 2 Sam 21:8) was a resident of Abel-meholah. -- Willis J. Beecher James Smith - THE CALL OF ELISHA 1 Kings 19:16–21 “Jesus calls us from the worship Of the vain world’s golden store; From each idol that would keep us, Saying, ‘Christian, love ME more.’ ” —C. F. ALEXANDER. There is a self-evident vein of irony in these words of C. Kingsley: “I was not good enough for man, And so was given to God.” How ready we are to think and act as if the prime of our days was too valuable for us to be given to God, and that the fag end of our life is best suited for surrendering to the will of God. Where in all the Bible do we find any one called of God to do service for Him when infirm with age? Were not the Levites disqualified for the work of God at the age of fifty? (Num. 8:25). Are there not now comparatively few being saved beyond that age? Elisha was undoubtedly a young man, whom Elijah, at the bidding of God, came without a murmur to anoint him as prophet “in his own room.” Observe the— I. Significance of his Name. Elisha means God is Salvation. This was a name well suited for the man who was to take the lead at this time of national crisis. While in a despondent mood Elijah said, “I, even I, only am left,” but the Lord rebuked his pessimism by saying, “I have left Me seven thousand,” and Elisha was one of them. The after life of Elisha shows him to be strong where Elijah was inclined to be weak—in being faithful and careful down to the smallest events in life. Elijah’s faith was mighty in Mount Carmel, but it failed him under the juniper tree. The man who knows that the presence of God is Salvation will surely be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord. II. Time of his Call. It was while he was “ploughing” (1Ki 19:19). He was only a ploughman. Yes, but who can tell what depth of soul exercise and heart agony he may have had over backsliding Israel while following the oxen across the fields. There was One who did know, and who answered the secret longings of his heart by calling him out as a witness for Himself. The Lord knows where and when to lay “His hand on that hidden one who has in secret been prepared for a more honoured place in His service.” The divine call came to Moses while he kept the flock of Jethro (Exod. 3:1); to Gideon while he thrashed wheat (Judges 6:11); to David when in the sheepfold (Psa. 78:70); to Amos while a herdman (chap. 7:14). All Christ’s disciples were called from very common occupations. He found Bunyan among the pots and pans. “If any man hear My voice” (Rev. 3:20). III. Manner of his Call. “Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him” (1Ki 19:19). It came suddenly, although Elisha’s preparation may have been going on for several years. It came unmistakably. The mantle or spirit of the prophet had now fallen UPON HIM. This was to him an holy anointing from the Lord (v. 16). The mantle of Elijah was the symbol of the Spirit of power. Elisha could do no mighty works for God without this definite baptism. No more can we. “Tarry until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The sudden encircling of the prophetic mantle about him was an experience he could not possibly forget or ignore (Acts 19:1). IV. Effects of this Call. It was followed by— 1. AN INSTANT RESPONSE. “He left his oxen and ran after Elijah” (1Ki 19:20). He did not wait for a more convenient season, or he too might have been startled some day with the question, “What doest thou here, Elisha?” His call, like ours, is a passing one. The prophetic power will not abide with him unless he follows and keeps, as it were, in touch with that mantle which, in grace, had fallen upon him. So if we would abide in the power of His anointing we must be willing and ready to be led by the Spirit, and to walk in Him and with Him. An instant recognition of God’s call, by the coming upon us of the Holy Spirit, should be made. “Set thine heart upon all that I shall show thee” (Ezek. 40:4). 2. A REVELATION OF FILIAL TENDERNESS. “Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee” (1Ki 19:20). These words, we think, do not in any way betray the spirit of that man who said, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father” (Matt. 8:21). The call came to Elisha in the form of an offer instead of a command. An offer which he instantly accepted. Perhaps his love for his father and mother was one of the chief evidences of his righteousness with God and fitness for service. Those who would feel it no sacrifice whatever to leave home, even for the service of God, are not likely to be sent by Him (Matt. 19:27–29). 3. A WILLING AND DEFINITE TESTIMONY. “He took a yoke of oxen and slew them … and gave unto the people” (1Ki 19:21). What would the people think of such an act? Killing the useful oxen and making a fire of the agricultural instruments! It was an indication to them that he was now done with this business, as he had deliberately accepted the gracious offer of the prophetic office at the hand of Elijah. All that Elijah said to him was, “Go back again, for what have I done to thee?” As much as to say, If there is no correspondence in your heart to this outward call then go back. But there was, and he fearlessly obeyed. 4. A PERSONAL SEPARATION AND SERVICE. “Then he arose and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” (1Ki 19:21). As a vessel he has been cleansed, and made meet for the Master’s use. He forsook all and followed Him. He began his great life’s work in a very humble fashion, by “pouring water in the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11). He sought not great things for himself, but only to please and help his Master. Oh, that the words of our gracious Master might be true in our lips when face to face with the needs of men! “I am among you as he that serveth.” “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). QUESTION - Who was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Before his reign as king, Jehu functioned as a commander in the army of Ahab (2 Kings 9:5, 25) in the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat, although he is more commonly mentioned as son of Nimshi, his grandfather, perhaps because Nimshi was more well-known. Jehu’s name, meaning “Yahweh is he,” portrays well his future, God-given task: to obliterate the house of Ahab along with the worship of Baal that pervaded Israel at the time. Jehu was a reformer of sorts who was used by God to clean up the mess that Ahab had made. Of King Ahab it is recorded that he “did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him” (1 Kings 16:30). Marrying Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Sidonians, Ahab was seduced into her idolatrous worship of Baal and Ashtoreth. Although God was patient for a time with Ahab, his many sins eventually brought God’s judgment upon his family line (1 Kings 21:20–22). This judgment first lands upon Ahab’s own head, as he is shot and killed in a battle against the Arameans (1 Kings 22:34–38). God chose Jehu as one of three men who would enact His judgment upon Ahab’s family. God told the prophet Elijah, “Anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu” (1 Kings 19:15–17). One way or another, Ahab’s dynasty would be destroyed. God also chose Jehu to be the king of Israel. After he was anointed king, Jehu immediately took steps to secure the throne. Knowing that Joram, son of Ahab, had recently gone to Jezreel to recover from wounds in a battle against the Arameans, Jehu ordered his men to seal the city so that no one could alert Joram of Jehu’s anointing (2 Kings 9:1–16). Jehu made haste to Jezreel and killed two of Ahab’s progeny—Joram, king of northern Israel; and Ahaziah, king of Judah (2 Kings 9:14–29). Jehu then proceeded to Jezebel’s palace in Jezreel, where the queen stood watching for him at her window. At Jehu’s command, eunuchs surrounding Jezebel threw her down from the window. Jezebel’s blood splattered over the pavement, and her body was eaten by dogs (2 Kings 9:30–37). Jehu left no man standing who was in alliance with King Ahab, as God had commanded long before through Elijah. Entering the temple of Baal, Jehu slaughtered all the priests of Baal and destroyed the temple and its sacred stone, thus eradicating Baal worship in Israel (2 Kings 10:23–28). The Lord blessed Jehu for his obedience, granting him a dynasty that would last to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30). However, because Jehu continued to hold on to the idolatrous worship of King Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29, 31; 12:26–30), God began to reduce the size of Israel, gradually giving them over to the power of even Hazael of Syria (2 Kings 10:32–33). Jehu reigned over Israel a total of twenty-eight years and was succeeded by his son Jehoahaz (2 Kings 10:35–36). Where does your allegiance lie? (ED: ARE YOU CLUTCHING ANY IDOLS?) Through Jehu we can learn that, although it is true that God blesses and grants success to those who seek to obey Him, God also can and will pull away His blessing from one who willfully chooses to live in sin. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” We cannot serve God while continuing to hold on to false gods. As Joshua said, we must “choose for [ourselves] this day whom [we] will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Where does your allegiance lie? 1 Kings 19:17 “It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael,: Isa 24:17,18 Am 2:14 5:19 the sword of Hazael: 2Ki 8:12 10:32 13:3,22 the sword of Jehu: 2Ki 9:14-26 10:6-11 Elisha : 2Ki 2:23,24 Isa 11:4 Jer 1:10 Ho 6:5 Rev 19:21 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Kings 9:24 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength and shot Joram (AHAB'S SON WHO REIGNED AS KING) between his arms; and the arrow went through his heart and he sank in his chariot. 2 Kings 9:33-35 (JEZEBEL TO BE EATEN BY DOGS) He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall and on the horses, and he trampled her under foot. 34 When he came in, he ate and drank; and he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter.” 35 They went to bury her, but they found nothing more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 2 Kings 10:11 So Jehu killed all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men and his acquaintances and his priests, until he left him without a survivor. YAHWEH PROPHESIES DEATH TO AHAB'S LINE It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death - The prophetic judgment of Yahweh was that the wicked reign of Ahab would come to a complete end. David
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Utley - The temporal consequences of idolatry will surely come to pass. YHWH used contemporary events and persons for His purposes! 1 Kings 19:18 “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, Isa 1:9 10:20-22 Ro 11:4-5 the knees: Ex 20:5 Isa 49:23 Ro 14:10-12 Php 2:9-11 every mouth: Job 31:27 Ps 2:12 Ho 13:2 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Romans 11:1-5 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” 4 But what is the divine response to him? “I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” 5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. Philippians 2:9-11 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Hosea 13:2 And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves molten images, Idols skillfully made from their silver, All of them the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!” Psalm 95:6 “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Ps.103:13-14 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame (or, understands our constitution; how weak we are); He remembers that we are dust. GOD'S FAITHFUL REMNANT Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal -This has to be somewhat of a rebuke for Elijah had claimed he was the only one left. And so Yahweh addresses Elijah's false perception I alone am left. Not only were there 100 prophets in caves, there was a faithful remnant of 7000 in Israel who refused to worship Baal. Bowing of course was an act of worship and those who did not bow to Baal indicates they did not demonstrate reverence or allegiance to this false god. The irony is that all those who did bow to the false god Baal will one day bow to the true God, Jesus Christ the Lord of lords! THOUGHT - Beloved believer in Jesus Christ, let this verse encourage your heart. You may be the only believer in your family, your city, your tribe, etc, but you can be confident that you are not alone. While most of America will turn away from Jesus, God will always preserve a faithful remnant to be His witness to the lost. David
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Utley - Even after a powerful demonstration of YHWH's power she refused to believe (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4)! She was a very powerful personality, as was her daughter, Athaliah (2 Kgs. 8:11; 2 Chronicles 21; Psalm 45). Josephus, Antiq. 8.13.7, says "At this Elijah was frightened." The Pulpit Commentary makes a good point that "It is evident that for the moment Elijah had lost faith in God, otherwise he would certainly have waited for the ‘word of the LORD,’ which had hitherto invariably guided his movements (1Ki 17:2, 8; 1Ki 18:1). No doubt other emotions besides that of fear were struggling in his breast, and prominent among these was the feeling of profound disappointment and mortification. It is clear that he had hoped that the ‘day of Carmel’ would turn the heart of the entire nation back again (SEE THIS VOICED IN 1 Kings 18:37), and the great shout of 1Ki 18:39 (“The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.”), and the subsequent execution, at his command, of the men who had deceived and depraved the people, might well justify the most sanguine expectations. We can readily imagine, consequently, how, especially after the excitement and fatigues of that day, the threatening and defiant message of the queen would seem the death blow of his hopes, and how, utterly dispirited and broken down, he lost all trust, all faith, and, while fleeing for his life, ‘requested for himself that he might die.’ Warren Wiersbe agrees with The Pulpit Commentary writing that "For three years, Elijah had not made a move without hearing and obeying the Lord’s instructions (1Ki 17:2-3, 1Ki 17:8-9; 1Ki 18:1), but now he was running ahead of the Lord in order to save his own life. (Bible Exposition Commentary) 1 Kings 19:3 And he was afraid [OR "and he saw"] and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. KJV 1 Kings 19:3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. ASV And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. BRG And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. CJB On seeing that, he got up and fled for his life. When he arrived in Be’er-Sheva, in Y’hudah, he left his servant there; DARBY And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. GNV ¶ When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which is in Judah, and left his servant there. JUB And when he saw that, he arose and departed to save his life and came to Beersheba, which is in Judah, and left his servant there. MEV When he saw that she was serious, he arose and ran for his life to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. NKJV And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. BGT 1 Kings 19:3 καὶ ἐφοβήθη Ηλιου καὶ ἀνέστη καὶ ἀπῆλθεν κατὰ τὴν ψυχὴν ἑαυτοῦ καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς Βηρσαβεε τὴν Ιουδα καὶ ἀφῆκεν τὸ παιδάριον αὐτοῦ ἐκεῖ LXE 1 Kings 19:3 And Eliu feared, and rose, and departed for his life: and he comes to Bersabee to the land of Juda, and he left his servant there. NET 1 Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid, so he got up and fled for his life to Beer Sheba in Judah. He left his servant there, CSB 1 Kings 19:3 Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, ESV 1 Kings 19:3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. NIV 1 Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, NLT 1 Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. he arose: Ge 12:12,13 Ex 2:15 1Sa 27:1 Isa 51:12,13 Mt 26:56,70-74 2Co 12:7 Beersheba: 1Ki 4:25 Ge 21:31 Am 7:12,13 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: James 5:17+ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. ELIJAH'S FLIGHT: PROPHET ON THE RUN And he was afraid (KJV - "WHEN HE SAW") - MARGINAL READING IN NASB = "Reading of many mss; Heb text may read saw." Disclaimer - While I do take the approach that Elijah was afraid, there are some excellent arguments that this was not actually Elijah's state of mind! See Was Elijah Truly Afraid? Be a Berean! This is the same man who encouraged the widow of Zarephath "Do not fear!" (1Ki 17:13). Even a man of God's faith can falter. Faith is the antithesis of fear, and here fear seems to win out! Elijah has a knee jerk reaction of Jezebel's threat. This prophet of great faith who had just called down fire from heaven how is bombarded with doubts because of Jezebel's fiery threat. Recall that in James 5:17 "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours" and so he was vulnerable to emotions like fear. As has been well said the best of men are only men at best! The man of God who was like a "braveheart" before 450 Baal prophets but seems to be derailed by one woman! Matthew
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Utley has an interesting note on "to a cave" The "cave" is where Moses received the Law Elijah is so passionate about or possibly where Moses saw God (cf. Exod. 33:22) The NOUN "cave" has the DEFINITE ARTICLE (i.e., "the well known cave"). And behold (pay attention! - hinneh; Lxx - idou), the word of the LORD (Jehovah) came to him - Of course, the LORD can see him and so suddenly (behold) breaks the silence of the cave. And He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah? - The omniscient God knows, so the question is for Elijah to stimulate him to ponder why did he has come to this cave. This reminds me of Ge 3:9+ "Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”" This question was not for God’s benefit, but for Elijah’s. “So explain yourself, son. You were my man up there on Mt. Carmel. What are you doing here?” David
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Utley - "he wrapped his face in his mantle" This hairy, shepherds mantle was the characteristic dress of a prophet. This mantle or cloak (BDB 12) can be understood as (1) a hairy shepherd's garment, Gen. 25:25, (2) a hairy man with a leather cloak, 2 Kgs. 1:8 and possibly Heb. 11:37 (3) a prophet's characteristic attire, Zech. 13:4, (4) a camel hair cloak with
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Utley - (Elisah) had no prophetic background or orientation. This highlights YHWH's choice of him. E. H. Garrett - The more God empties your hands from other work, the more you may know that He has special work to give them. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle (addereth) on him - This passing of the mantle reminds us of Paul's passing the baton to Timothy (2Ti 2:2+). There is no evidence that Elijah spoke but he simply carried out the act of throwing his mantle on Elisha. Elijah anoints Elisha not with oil but with his mantle. It is interesting that not far away was a school of prophets (2Ki 2:3), but clearly guided by the Holy Spirit Elijah did not go to the school, but to a young man ploughing in the field. How different are God's ways than our ways (Isa 55:8-9)! God will choose a herdsman like Amos (Amos 7:14), a persecutor like Paul (Acts 9:1-2), an uneducated man like Moody (often called "God's anointed uneducated man" or "the unlearned evangelist") and a plowman like Elisha for His work. THOUGHT - Does this truth not encourage you beloved? Perhaps you are sensing a call to preach the Gospel and yet you say "I've never been to seminary," or some other excuse. The truth is that God used many men who never attended seminary, including the "Prince of Preachers," C H Spurgeon (cf A W Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, Billy Sunday, William Booth, George Muller, John Bunyan, etc). You've heard the aphorism that God looks for "F.A.T." men, Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Many of the most powerful preachers in history were self-taught, Spirit-led, and deeply committed to God’s Word. Do you qualify? God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Charles Swindoll - LOOK UP Read 1 Kings 19:10–21 Thanks to God’s kind and gentle dealing, Elijah crawled out of the cave. “He departed from there” (1 Kings 19:19). God graciously nurtured him through rest and refreshment, gave him some wise counsel, and made him feel significant again. Talk about compassion! Then God allowed Elijah to pass his mantle to Elisha, his successor. But God did more than that, abundantly more. For Elisha “arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him” (v. 21). God not only gave Elijah a successor; He also raised up a close, personal friend—someone who loved Elijah and understood him well enough to help and encourage him. God has not designed us to live like hermits in a cave. He has designed us to live in friendship, fellowship, and community with others. That’s why the church, the body of Christ, is so very important, for it is there that we are drawn together in love and mutual encouragement. We’re meant to be a part of one another’s lives. Otherwise, we pull back, focusing on ourselves—thinking how hard we have it or how unfair others are. Elijah reminds us to look up. Let’s look up after the Lord graciously delivers us from depression. Let’s look up when He allows us rest and refreshment following an exhausting schedule that has taken its toll on us. Let’s look up and thank Him when He gently and patiently speaks to us from His Word after we’ve climbed out of a pit of self-pity. Let’s look up and praise Him when He faithfully provides the companionship and affirmation of a friend who understands and encourages us. Let’s look up and acknowledge the Giver more than the gift. Let’s say, “Thank You, Lord, for telling us all about Elijah,” who is an unforgettable example that there is nowhere to look but up. Continuing with Christ Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25 TODAY'S SCRIPTURE 1 Kings 19:19-21 As a child, my favorite week of the summer was the one I spent at a Christian youth camp. At the end of the week, I’d sit elbow-to-elbow with friends in front of an enormous bonfire. There, we would share what we had learned about God and the Bible and sing. One song I still remember focused on deciding to follow Jesus. The chorus contained an important phrase: “no turning back.” When Elisha decided to follow the prophet Elijah, Elisha did something incredible that made it difficult, impossible really, for him to return to his prior occupation of farming. After going home and having a farewell banquet, Elisha “took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them” (1 Kings 19:21). Leaving his way of life, he burned up his plowing equipment. He roasted the freshly butchered meat over the blaze and fed everyone present. Then “[Elisha] arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant” (v. 21). Father, help me to see if there’s something You want me to leave behind to follow You completely. Jesus is looking for fulltime followers. INSIGHT - It is often difficult to understand the significance of some events in Scripture without a knowledge of the cultural context. Today’s story of Elijah and Elisha is an example of this. Two elements that carry significance are the placing of the cloak on Elisha (19:19 niv) and the slaughtering of the oxen to feed the people (v. 21). The placing of the cloak represented a significant calling. A person could not simply choose to be Elijah’s apprentice; that person was chosen and it was a great honor. The slaughtering of the oxen, the burning of the plowing equipment, and the feeding of the people signified a deliberate leaving of Elisha’s former life to follow Elijah. It was a public statement of Elisha’s new identity. J.R. Hudberg 1 Kings 19:20 He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” NET 1 Kings 19:20 He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, then I will follow you." Elijah said to him, "Go back! Indeed, what have I done to you?" CSB 1 Kings 19:20 Elisha left the oxen, ran to follow Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you." "Go on back," he replied, "for what have I done to you?" ESV 1 Kings 19:20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" NIV 1 Kings 19:20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" NLT 1 Kings 19:20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, "First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!" Elijah replied, "Go on back, but think about what I have done to you." NRS 1 Kings 19:20 He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." Then Elijah said to him, "Go back again; for what have I done to you?" he left: Mt 4:20,22 9:9 19:27 Please let me kiss my father Mt 8:21-22 Lu 9:61-62 Ac 20:37 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 8:21-22 Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus *said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” Luke 9:61-62 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” ELISHA'S REQUEST TO KISS PARENTS He left the oxen and ran after Elijah - Elisha understood that he had been anointed. and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you - What is the difference between Elisha's request and the one in Lk 9:61-62+? Clearly Jesus saw the heart of the man and knew it was in essence a delaying tactic and/or an excuse. As sudd And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you? - NLT = "Go on back, but think about what I have done to you." THE SPIRITUAL LIFE IS CAUGHT, NOT TAUGHT - Os Hillman TGIF: Today God Is First: Daily Workplace Inspiration Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. 1 KINGS 19:20 There is a man in my life that I consider my mentor. He came into my life during a crisis period and helped me understand my situation. I have learned a great deal from him. I have rarely spent more than a few hours in his presence at any one time. However, I did not learn from him through a formal arrangement. I mostly caught what I have learned. He never took me through a Bible study. He never sent me articles or things to read. I learned by being around him. One day a crisis situation arose in my life. In the midst of my own predicament, I remembered what my mentor did in a crisis in his life and, amazingly, I appropriated faith, just as my mentor had, to my crisis. This is what I mean by catching the faith of another. Spiritual truth is learned through the atmosphere that surrounds us, not through intellectual reasoning. In the Bible, when Elijah handpicked Elisha as his successor, Elisha immediately killed his 12 oxen and ran after Elijah just to be with him. No doubt he knew what a great privilege it was to be selected by the great prophet. However, it was not enough for Elisha to be handpicked. He also wanted to spend time with Elijah so that he could receive a double portion of Elijah's anointing. If you read the whole story of Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings, you'll find that it appears that God answered this prayer. If you want to grow in your Christian life, ask God to lead you to a man or woman who is far ahead of you spiritually, and start hanging out with them. As you walk alongside them you will begin to catch what they have. You will begin appropriating the anointing that is on their lives, and with God's grace, it will mix perfectly with your unique gifting and talents. We need more people today who are willing to run after their “Elijahs. 1 Kings 19:21 So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him. NET 1 Kings 19:21 Elisha went back and took his pair of oxen and slaughtered them. He cooked the meat over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke. He gave the people meat and they ate. Then he got up and followed Elijah and became his assistant. CSB 1 Kings 19:21 So he turned back from following him, took the team of oxen, and slaughtered them. With the oxen's wooden yoke and plow, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he left, followed Elijah, and served him. ESV 1 Kings 19:21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him. NIV 1 Kings 19:21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. NLT 1 Kings 19:21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. boiled their flesh: 2Sa 24:22 gave: Lu 5:28,29 ministered: 1Ki 18:43 Ex 24:13 Nu 27:18-20 2Ki 2:3 3:11 Ac 13:5 2Ti 4:11 Philemon 1:13 1 Kings 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ELISHA'S COMPLETE COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW ELIJAH So - Term of conclusion. Elijah apparently acquiesced to Elisha's request. he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate - "He cooked the meat over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke." (NET) In short in killing the oxen and burning the oxen yoke Elisha symbolized he was burning the bridges and there was now no turning back from his prophetic call. Adam