1 Kings 19:19

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he departed {H3212} thence, and found {H4672} Elisha {H477} the son {H1121} of Shaphat {H8202}, who was plowing {H2790} with twelve {H8147}{H6240} yoke {H6776} of oxen before {H6440} him, and he with the twelfth {H8147}{H6240}: and Elijah {H452} passed {H5674} by him, and cast {H7993} his mantle {H155} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he left and found Elisha the son of Shafat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he himself was behind the twelfth. Eliyahu went over to him and threw his cloak on him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:19 records the pivotal moment when the prophet Elijah, in direct obedience to God's recent commission at Mount Horeb, encounters Elisha, the son of Shaphat. Elisha is found diligently engaged in his agricultural work, plowing with a significant number of oxen. Elijah's silent yet profoundly symbolic act of casting his prophetic mantle upon Elisha serves as a non-verbal summons, initiating the process of Elisha's call to ministry and his eventual succession to Elijah's powerful prophetic office.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Elijah's profound encounter with God at Mount Horeb (also known as Sinai) in [1 Kings 19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah at Mount Horeb"). After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1-kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel") and subsequent flight from Queen Jezebel's death threats, Elijah fell into despair. God met him not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice" ([1 Kings 19:12](/1-kings/19-12 "1 Kings 19:12 - God's Still Small Voice")). As part of God's renewed commission to Elijah, he was instructed to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place ([1 Kings 19:15-17](/1-kings/19-15-17 "1 Kings 19:15-17 - God's Commission to Elijah")). Thus, 1 Kings 19:19 marks Elijah's immediate and faithful obedience to the divine directive regarding Elisha, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most significant prophetic successions. The narrative continues in [1 Kings 19:20-21](/1-kings/19-20-21 "1 Kings 19:20-21 - Elisha's Response to the Call"), detailing Elisha's decisive response to the call.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, a period characterized by widespread Baal worship and severe spiritual apostasy. In this era, prophets served as God's primary spokespersons, often confronting idolatry and calling the nation back to covenant faithfulness. Agriculture was the backbone of the Israelite economy, and plowing with oxen was a common, laborious, and essential task. The mention of "twelve yoke of oxen" indicates that Elisha came from a family of considerable wealth and standing, as such an operation would require significant land, resources, and labor. The "mantle" (Hebrew: *addereth*) was a distinctive outer garment, often made of animal skin or coarse fabric, worn by prophets as a symbol of their office, authority, and often, their austere lifestyle. Its casting was a culturally understood, non-verbal act of summons or transfer of authority, akin to a formal invitation to apprenticeship or succession.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Appointment and Succession**, illustrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating leadership transitions and raising up individuals to carry on His work, even when a seasoned leader like Elijah feels isolated and despondent. Secondly, it underscores the **Calling to Ministry from Ordinary Life**, showing that God often calls individuals who are faithfully engaged in their daily vocations, demonstrating diligence and responsibility, much like [Jesus later called fishermen to be His disciples](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples"). Thirdly, the **Symbolism of the Prophetic Mantle** is central; it represents not merely a piece of clothing but the spiritual authority, anointing, and legacy associated with the prophetic office. Elijah's act is a tangible sign of an intangible spiritual transfer. Finally, the verse speaks to **Obedience and Readiness**, both on Elijah's part in immediately fulfilling God's command and on Elisha's part (as seen in subsequent verses) in his swift and decisive response to the divine invitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mantle (Hebrew, _'addereth'_):** This term refers to a distinctive outer garment, often a cloak or robe, worn by prophets. More than just clothing, the *'addereth'* was a powerful symbol of the prophetic office, embodying the authority, spiritual power, and divine anointing associated with the prophet. Elijah's mantle, in particular, was known for its miraculous properties (e.g., dividing the Jordan in [2 Kings 2:8](/2-kings/2-8 "2 Kings 2:8 - Elijah Divides the Jordan")). Its casting upon Elisha was a profound, non-verbal act signifying the transfer of this spiritual heritage and the invitation to assume the prophetic role.
* **Plowing (Hebrew, _ḥāraš'_):** This verb describes Elisha's active engagement in his agricultural work. The detail that he was "plowing with twelve yoke of oxen" signifies not only his diligence but also his family's considerable wealth and substantial farming enterprise. Elisha was not idle or waiting for a call; he was found faithfully and industriously performing his daily duties, illustrating that God often calls individuals who are already responsible and productive in their current sphere.
* **Cast (Hebrew, _šālaḵ'_):** This verb denotes a deliberate and decisive action. Elijah did not merely drop the mantle or hand it over; he "cast" or threw it upon Elisha. This forceful, intentional gesture underscores the urgency and divine authority of the summons. It was a clear, unambiguous, and public declaration of Elijah's intent and God's call, demanding an immediate and decisive response from Elisha.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat":** This clause highlights Elijah's immediate obedience to God's command given at Mount Horeb to anoint Elisha. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's prophetic history, as Elijah, having recovered from his despair, actively seeks out his divinely appointed successor. Elisha's lineage, "son of Shaphat," identifies him within his community.
* **"who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth":** This detailed description paints a vivid picture of Elisha's circumstances. He is found not in a temple or a prophetic school, but in the midst of his ordinary, laborious work. The "twelve yoke of oxen" indicates a large-scale agricultural operation, implying Elisha's family was prosperous and that he himself was deeply involved in the family business, even personally guiding the twelfth yoke. This detail underscores the significant personal sacrifice Elisha would make in leaving such a comfortable and established life.
* **"and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him":** This is the climactic moment of the verse. Elijah's action is silent but profoundly symbolic. By "casting his mantle"—the distinctive garment of a prophet—upon Elisha, Elijah performs a non-verbal act of summons and an invitation to apprenticeship, signifying the transfer of prophetic authority and spiritual legacy. It is a powerful visual representation of the divine call, understood by Elisha as a direct invitation to follow and eventually succeed Elijah in his prophetic ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **literary devices**. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the **mantle** serving as the central symbol of prophetic office, divine authority, and spiritual inheritance. Its casting is a tangible representation of an intangible spiritual transfer. The narrative also uses **juxtaposition**, contrasting the mundane, laborious act of **plowing** with the extraordinary, divine **call** to prophetic ministry. This highlights God's tendency to call individuals from their ordinary lives into extraordinary service. Furthermore, the act of casting the mantle serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Elisha's future role as Elijah's successor and the eventual transfer of a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit, as fully realized in [2 Kings 2](/2-kings/2 "2 Kings 2 - Elijah's Ascension and Elisha's Inheritance").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The calling of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19 provides profound insight into God's methods of choosing and commissioning His servants. It demonstrates that God's plan for His kingdom is one of continuity and succession, ensuring that His work continues through new generations of faithful individuals. God often calls those who are already diligent and responsible in their current spheres of influence, preparing them for greater tasks. The symbolic act of the mantle underscores the spiritual nature of prophetic authority, which is not self-assumed but divinely bestowed and transferred. This narrative also highlights the cost of discipleship, as Elisha's response (detailed in subsequent verses) involves leaving behind a life of comfort and prosperity for a life of prophetic service, entirely dependent on God.

* [Luke 9:61-62](/luke/9-61-62 "Luke 9:61-62 - The Cost of Discipleship")
* [Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")
* [2 Kings 2:9-14](/2-kings/2-9-14 "2 Kings 2:9-14 - Elisha Receives Elijah's Mantle and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 19:19 offers a powerful blueprint for understanding divine calling and our response to it. It reminds us that God often finds us not in moments of spiritual ecstasy, but in the midst of our ordinary, daily tasks. Elisha's diligence in plowing demonstrates that faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater responsibilities. The call, though silent and symbolic, was clear and required a decisive response. For us, God's call might come through a quiet prompting, an unexpected opportunity, or the invitation of a spiritual mentor. This narrative challenges us to consider what "yokes of oxen"—what comforts, securities, or established ways of life—we might be called to leave behind to fully embrace God's purpose for us. It also underscores the vital importance of spiritual mentorship and the intentional transfer of wisdom, experience, and anointing from one generation to the next within the body of Christ, ensuring the continuity of God's work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might God be calling you to a new season of ministry or service, even in your current circumstances?**
* **What "mantle" of spiritual responsibility or influence might God be extending to you, and how are you responding?**
* **What "yokes of oxen" (comforts, routines, expectations) might you need to be prepared to leave behind to follow God's call fully?**
* **In what ways can you actively seek out or participate in spiritual mentorship and succession within your community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "twelve yoke of oxen"?**

Answer: The mention of "twelve yoke of oxen" is highly significant for two primary reasons. Firstly, it indicates Elisha's considerable wealth and the substantial nature of his family's agricultural enterprise. Plowing with twelve teams of oxen would require extensive land and a large workforce, placing Elisha among the more prosperous individuals of his time. Secondly, it underscores the magnitude of his sacrifice when he responded to Elijah's call. Elisha was not a poor man with little to lose; he was leaving behind a life of comfort, security, and a prominent livelihood to follow a prophet whose life was often characterized by hardship and transience. This detail emphasizes the costly nature of his discipleship and his radical commitment to God's call.

**Why did Elijah "cast his mantle upon him" instead of speaking?**

Answer: Elijah's act of casting his mantle was a powerful, non-verbal, symbolic gesture deeply understood within the cultural context of ancient Israel. The mantle was a recognized symbol of prophetic office, authority, and spiritual power. By casting it upon Elisha, Elijah was not merely handing over a piece of clothing; he was performing a clear, unmistakable summons and an invitation to apprenticeship and eventual succession. This action served as a visual and tangible representation of the transfer of spiritual legacy and the divine call to prophetic ministry, requiring no verbal explanation to convey its profound meaning to Elisha. It was an act of commissioning by proxy, under divine instruction.

**Did Elisha immediately become a prophet after this?**

Answer: While this verse marks Elisha's initial call and the beginning of his prophetic journey, he did not immediately assume the full prophetic office. Instead, he became Elijah's servant and apprentice, following him and ministering to him for a period (as implied in [2 Kings 3:11](/2-kings/3-11 "2 Kings 3:11 - Elisha Poured Water on Elijah's Hands"), where he is described as having "poured water on the hands of Elijah"). This period of discipleship and training was crucial for Elisha's preparation. He fully assumed the mantle of prophetic leadership and received a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit only after Elijah's miraculous ascension into heaven, as vividly described in [2 Kings 2:9-15](/2-kings/2-9-15 "2 Kings 2:9-15 - Elisha Receives Elijah's Mantle and Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The calling of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate call of God in Jesus Christ. Just as Elijah, in obedience to divine command, sought out his successor, so too does God the Father, through His Son, call individuals into His service. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), likewise called His disciples from their ordinary vocations, inviting them to leave behind their nets and tax booths to follow Him and become "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")). Elisha's immediate and costly response to Elijah's symbolic mantle mirrors the radical commitment Jesus demands from those who would follow Him, emphasizing that true discipleship often requires leaving behind familiar comforts and priorities ([Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship")). Furthermore, the transfer of Elijah's mantle and spirit to Elisha finds its ultimate fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church at Pentecost, where Christ, having ascended, poured out His Spirit upon believers, empowering them to continue His ministry and bear witness to Him throughout the world ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). Every believer, therefore, receives a "mantle" of spiritual authority and gifting through the indwelling Spirit, commissioned to participate in Christ's ongoing redemptive work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 2:8

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:13

¶ He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

2 Kings 2:14

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalms 78:72

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

1 Samuel 28:14

And he said unto her, What form [is] he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he [is] covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel, and he stooped with [his] face to the ground, and bowed himself.

Zechariah 13:5

But he shall say, I [am] no prophet, I [am] an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.