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 servant.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see Elisha’s decisive response to God’s call through Elijah. After receiving the symbolic mantle from Elijah, Elisha goes back home and performs an important act: he sacrifices his oxen and uses the plowing equipment to cook the meat, which he then gives to the people. This act signifies that Elisha is making a complete break from his old life. By destroying the tools of his former work, Elisha shows that he is not leaving room to return to his old life of farming. He is fully committing to his new calling as a prophet. After this, he follows Elijah, taking on the role of a servant to the prophet, ready to learn and serve.
Historical Context
Elisha lived in a time of deep spiritual and political turmoil in Israel. The kingdom had fallen into idolatry under the influence of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, and Elijah had just come through a season of confronting the false prophets of Baal. After God reassures Elijah that He has preserved a faithful remnant and gives him instructions to anoint Elisha as his successor, Elijah finds Elisha working in the field. In this context, Elisha’s decision to leave his livelihood behind to follow Elijah as his servant was a bold step of faith, as it meant walking away from his stable life as a farmer into the uncertain and dangerous role of a prophet.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the cost of discipleship and the need for total commitment when answering God’s call. Elisha’s act of slaughtering his oxen and burning the plowing equipment symbolizes his complete break from his past life. It teaches that following God sometimes requires letting go of what is familiar, secure, or comfortable. Elisha’s commitment reflects the kind of wholehearted devotion God asks of His followers. This passage also emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, as Elisha begins his prophetic journey by serving under Elijah, learning from him before stepping into his full calling.
Literary Analysis
The verse is filled with symbolic imagery that reflects the seriousness of Elisha’s decision. The oxen and plowing equipment represent his livelihood and identity as a farmer. By slaughtering the oxen and burning the plowing tools, Elisha is making a public and personal declaration that he is leaving that life behind for good. The communal meal, where he shares the meat with the people, represents fellowship and celebration, marking the beginning of his new life. The simple phrase “he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant” underscores the humility with which Elisha steps into his calling. He doesn’t immediately assume leadership but first learns by serving.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 9:61-62 – Jesus speaks to someone who wants to follow Him but first asks to say goodbye to his family. Jesus warns that no one who looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God, echoing Elisha’s decisive break from his old life.
- Matthew 4:18-22 – When Jesus calls His first disciples, they immediately leave their fishing nets to follow Him, just as Elisha leaves his farming tools behind to follow Elijah.
- Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul speaks about counting everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, reflecting the same kind of commitment Elisha shows by giving up his former life to pursue God’s calling.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the cost of following God’s call. Elisha’s decision to sacrifice his oxen and burn his plow represents the kind of total surrender that is often required in the life of a disciple. It challenges believers to consider whether there are things in their own lives that they need to leave behind in order to fully follow God’s calling. Whether it’s material possessions, personal ambitions, or old habits, sometimes we need to let go of things that are holding us back from fully serving God. This verse also teaches the importance of humility in following God, as Elisha first becomes a servant to Elijah before stepping into his role as a prophet.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in His personal and specific calling of Elisha. God doesn’t leave Elijah to carry the burden of leadership alone; He provides Elisha as a successor, demonstrating His care for both Elijah and His people. God’s love is also shown in the way He allows Elisha to make a public, joyful decision to follow Him. Elisha’s sacrifice of his oxen is a willing and celebratory act, not one of reluctance or fear. This reflects God’s desire for us to follow Him out of love and willingness, not out of obligation. God lovingly guides us into our callings, providing opportunities for us to respond in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Elisha’s act of leaving everything behind to follow Elijah mirrors the call to discipleship that Jesus gave during His ministry. Jesus called His disciples to leave behind their livelihoods and follow Him wholeheartedly. In the same way that Elisha left behind his oxen and plow, the disciples left their fishing nets to follow Jesus. This passage also connects to Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:33), where He explains that following Him requires a willingness to give up everything for the sake of the kingdom. Just as Elisha followed Elijah in humility and service, Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him with complete commitment.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some things in your life that you may need to let go of in order to fully follow God’s call?
- How does Elisha’s willingness to sacrifice his livelihood challenge you to trust God with your future, even when it requires leaving behind what is comfortable?
- In what ways can you embrace a posture of servant leadership, like Elisha did, as you follow God’s call in your own life?