1 Kings 19:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he returned back {H7725} from him {H310}, and took {H3947} a yoke {H6776} of oxen {H1241}, and slew {H2076} them, and boiled {H1310} their flesh {H1320} with the instruments {H3627} of the oxen {H1241}, and gave {H5414} unto the people {H5971}, and they did eat {H398}. Then he arose {H6965}, and went {H3212} after {H310} Elijah {H452}, and ministered {H8334} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha stopped following him. Then he took the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them, cooked their meat over the wooden yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people to eat. Then he got up, went after Eliyahu and became his servant.

Berean Standard Bible

So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. With the oxen’s equipment, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

American Standard Version

And he returned from following him, and took the 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:21 narrates Elisha's immediate and radical response to Elijah's prophetic call. By slaughtering his oxen and using his farming equipment to cook them for a communal meal, Elisha decisively severs ties with his former life and livelihood, signifying an irreversible commitment to God's summons. He then dedicates himself to serving Elijah, marking the beginning of his apprenticeship and the transfer of prophetic authority. This verse powerfully illustrates the themes of costly discipleship, complete surrender, and the initiation of a new divine mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic account of Elijah's encounter with God at Mount Horeb. Following his triumphant confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight from Jezebel's death threat, Elijah, in a state of despair, sought refuge in the wilderness. At Horeb, God revealed Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice," commissioning Elijah with specific tasks, including anointing Elisha as his successor. [1 Kings 19:19](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19 - Elijah Finds Elisha") describes Elijah finding Elisha plowing and casting his mantle upon him, a symbolic act of calling. Verse 21 details Elisha's immediate and profound response to this divine summons, establishing the beginning of his prophetic training under Elijah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, agriculture was the primary livelihood, and oxen were invaluable assets, representing a family's wealth, sustenance, and ability to work the land. To slaughter a yoke of oxen and burn the farming implements was an act of profound and irreversible sacrifice, effectively destroying one's means of returning to a former profession. This action would have been understood by the community as a complete break from his past life. The communal meal Elisha prepared was a customary way to mark significant life transitions, serving as both a farewell to his former community and a public declaration of his new commitment, sharing his decision and its implications with those around him.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 19:21](/1_kings/19-21 "1 Kings 19:21 - Elisha's Radical Response") powerfully encapsulates several major themes present in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of First Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **radical obedience and commitment** to a divine call, where personal comfort and security are willingly relinquished for God's purposes. It highlights the **cost of discipleship**, demonstrating that following God often requires significant sacrifice and a complete break from one's past identity or livelihood, echoing principles found later in [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing Possessions for Discipleship"). Furthermore, the verse initiates the critical theme of **prophetic succession and mentorship**, as Elisha begins his apprenticeship under Elijah, ensuring the continuity of God's prophetic voice in Israel. This transfer of authority is vital for understanding the subsequent narratives in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of Second Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _baqar_):** Refers to cattle, specifically draft animals used for plowing. In this context, the oxen represent Elisha's livelihood, his family's wealth, and his entire past identity as a farmer. Their slaughter symbolizes the complete abandonment of his former life and the irreversibility of his decision to follow Elijah.
* **Instruments (Hebrew, _keli_):** Refers to tools, vessels, or equipment. Here, specifically "instruments of the oxen" (כְּלִי הַבָּקָר, _keli habbaqar_), meaning the yokes, plows, and other wooden implements used in farming. By using these tools as fuel, Elisha ensures there is no means of returning to his previous occupation, emphasizing the finality of his commitment.
* **Ministered (Hebrew, _vayishartēhu_):** This verb implies serving, attending, or acting as a personal assistant. It describes Elisha's role as Elijah's disciple and servant. This was not merely a casual following but a period of close apprenticeship, learning directly from Elijah's life, ministry, and spiritual insights, much like Joshua ministered to Moses in [Exodus 24:13](/exodus/24-13 "Exodus 24:13 - Joshua Ministers to Moses").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he returned back from him":** This indicates Elisha's immediate action after Elijah cast his mantle upon him. It signifies a brief pause to attend to his affairs, not a hesitation or a rejection of the call.
* **"and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them":** This is the decisive, sacrificial act. A "yoke of oxen" typically refers to a pair of animals working together. Slaughtering them was a drastic step, destroying his primary means of income and security.
* **"and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen":** Elisha uses his plowing equipment as fuel for the fire, further emphasizing the complete and utter abandonment of his former profession. This act underscores the finality of his commitment; he is literally burning his bridges.
* **"and gave unto the people, and they did eat":** This communal meal served multiple purposes: it was a farewell to his community, a public declaration of his new calling, and perhaps a celebration of his new life in service to God. It shared the cost and the joy of his decision with those around him.
* **"Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him":** This final clause highlights Elisha's immediate and unwavering obedience. He doesn't just follow; he actively serves, entering into a period of humble apprenticeship and training under the seasoned prophet Elijah, preparing him for his own future ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 19:21](/1_kings/19-21 "1 Kings 19:21 - Elisha's Radical Call") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the oxen representing Elisha's past life, livelihood, and security. Their slaughter, and the burning of the "instruments of the oxen," are powerful symbolic acts of complete renunciation and irreversible commitment. This act can also be seen as **hyperbole** in the context of commitment, emphasizing the extreme nature of Elisha's dedication. The communal meal serves as a **ritualistic act**, marking a clear transition point and publicly affirming Elisha's break from his old life. Furthermore, Elisha's immediate and total response serves as a **foreshadowing** or **type** of the radical discipleship later called for by Jesus, where individuals are asked to leave everything to follow Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elisha's response to Elijah's call in [1 Kings 19:21](/1_kings/19-21 "1 Kings 19:21 - Elisha's Radical Response") stands as a powerful biblical paradigm for radical obedience and the cost of discipleship. It illustrates that a genuine divine call often demands a complete reorientation of life, a willingness to relinquish security, comfort, and even one's former identity. Elisha's act of destroying his past livelihood signifies an irreversible commitment, leaving no room for retreat or compromise. This immediate and decisive surrender serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's call and the wholehearted response it requires from those He chooses for His service. It highlights the principle that true devotion to God often necessitates a break from the familiar and a step into the unknown, trusting entirely in His provision and purpose.

* [Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Calling of the First Disciples")
* [Luke 9:57-62](/luke/9-57 "Luke 9:57-62 - The Cost of Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's radical response to Elijah's call in [1 Kings 19:21](/1_kings/19-21 "1 Kings 19:21 - Elisha's Radical Response") offers a timeless challenge to believers today. In a world that often values security, comfort, and gradual transitions, Elisha's immediate and decisive action stands out. His willingness to burn his bridges, literally and figuratively, speaks to the depth of commitment required when God calls us to a new path. It prompts us to consider what "oxen" or "instruments" we might be clinging to—whether they be career aspirations, financial security, social status, or even personal comfort zones—that prevent us from fully embracing God's will. True discipleship often demands a willingness to step out in faith, relinquishing control and trusting that God's provision and purpose are far greater than any earthly security we might sacrifice. Elisha's example encourages us to respond with wholehearted devotion, recognizing that God's call is always worth the cost, and that serving Him leads to a life of profound purpose and spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oxen" or "instruments" in your life might God be asking you to lay down or "burn" in order to fully follow His call?**
* **In what areas of your life are you holding back from a decisive, irreversible commitment to God's will?**
* **How does Elisha's immediate response challenge your own tendencies towards hesitation or seeking comfort when faced with a divine prompting?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of radical obedience and trust in God's provision, even when the path ahead is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha slaughter his oxen and burn his farming equipment?**

Answer: Elisha's actions were a profound symbolic and literal act of irreversible commitment. By slaughtering his oxen (his primary source of income and wealth) and using his farming tools as fuel, he was destroying his means of returning to his former life as a farmer. This demonstrated his complete and unequivocal dedication to the prophetic call, leaving no option for retreat. It was a public declaration of his full surrender to God's new purpose for his life, signaling that his past life was truly over and he was fully committed to following Elijah. This act also provided a communal meal, sharing his significant life transition with his community.

**What does it mean that Elisha "ministered unto" Elijah?**

Answer: To "minister unto" Elijah means that Elisha became Elijah's personal attendant, servant, and disciple. This was not a casual following but a period of intense apprenticeship and training. Elisha would have served Elijah in practical ways, learned directly from his spiritual insights, observed his prophetic ministry, and absorbed his understanding of God's ways. This humble service was crucial for Elisha's preparation to eventually succeed Elijah as a prophet, much like Joshua served Moses before leading Israel into the Promised Land, as seen in [Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - Joshua, Moses' Assistant"). Later, Elisha is known as the one who "poured water on the hands of Elijah" ([2 Kings 3:11](/2_kings/3-11 "2 Kings 3:11 - Elisha Poured Water on Elijah's Hands")), highlighting the humble yet significant nature of his service.

**Is Elisha's response typical of how God calls people in the Bible?**

Answer: While not every call involves such a dramatic and literal "burning of bridges," Elisha's response highlights a common biblical theme: God's call often demands a radical reorientation of one's life and a willingness to leave behind what is familiar or secure. From Abraham leaving his homeland in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abram") to the disciples leaving their fishing nets to follow Jesus in [Matthew 4:19-22](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19-22 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples"), the divine call frequently involves a decisive break from the past and an embrace of a new, God-ordained path. The degree of sacrifice varies, but the principle of wholehearted commitment remains consistent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elisha's radical and irreversible response to Elijah's call in [1 Kings 19:21](/1_kings/19-21 "1 Kings 19:21 - Elisha's Radical Response") serves as a profound Old Testament type, foreshadowing the nature of discipleship demanded by Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha left his livelihood and burned his bridges, Jesus repeatedly called His followers to a similar, absolute commitment. He challenged potential disciples to "leave everything and follow me" ([Luke 5:11](/luke/5-11 "Luke 5:11 - Disciples Leave Everything")), to count the cost of discipleship, warning that "no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" ([Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No Looking Back")). Elisha's sacrifice of his oxen and tools, representing his very means of life, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice required of believers: to surrender their lives entirely to Christ, taking up their cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Furthermore, Elisha's humble "ministering" to Elijah points to the servant-hearted nature of Christ's own ministry, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Elisha's story, therefore, beautifully illustrates the radical, costly, and servant-oriented call to follow God, a call fully embodied and perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 Samuel 24:22

And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what [seemeth] good unto him: behold, [here be] oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and [other] instruments of the oxen for wood.

Luke 5:28

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Luke 5:29

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

Exodus 24:13

And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

Numbers 27:18

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

Numbers 27:20

And thou shalt put [some] of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.