“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 Elijah said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?”– 1 Kings 19:20 (KJV)
“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. Then I will go with you.’ Elijah replied, ‘Go back, but consider what I have done to you.'”– 1 Kings 19:20 (NLT)
“Elisha went back and took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people. They ate it. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.”– 1 Kings 19:20 (MSG)
What Does 1 Kings 19:20 Mean?
This verse often serves as an important turning point in the life of Elisha. When Elijah calls Elisha, we see a profound act of obedience and submission to God’s call. Elisha, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, was in the midst of a routine yet necessary task. Initially, the act of leaving his responsibilities to follow Elijah might seem reckless. However, it reveals so much more about his character and willingness to obey God’s will.
In our own lives, we face decisions that may seem radical or difficult. Just like Elisha, we often find ourselves torn between our current responsibilities and the potential for a greater purpose. Elisha demonstrates that sometimes we are called to leave behind our past and step into something unknown. This act reveals his faith that moving forward would lead to more fulfilling and spiritual pursuits.
1 Kings 19:20 Explanation and Commentary
Elijah appears on the scene after a moment of significant despair. He had just fled from Queen Jezebel, who sought to kill him. Feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, Elijah was looking for hope. Through God’s direction, he encountered Elisha. This meeting was not by chance; it was a divine appointment.
When Elisha is called, he does not hesitate. His immediate response shows his readiness and eagerness to embrace God’s plan. Leaving the oxen represents the leaving behind of his former life. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that God often calls us to new adventures, and He may require us to give up certain comforts or responsibilities to follow Him fully.
We can find a similarity in other biblical stories. For instance, in Matthew 4:19-20, Jesus calls His disciples, and they leave everything behind to follow Him. This shows us how God often asks us to trust Him, even when it requires sacrifice. Our journey with Christ can be so rewarding, but it often demands brave decisions, just as Elisha displayed.
Context of 1 Kings 19:20
To grasp 1 Kings 19:20, it’s pivotal to understand the surrounding context. Elijah had worked tirelessly for Israel and had faced tremendous opposition. As we look at the preceding chapters, we notice the intense circumstances of God’s people and their need for strong leadership. When Elijah met God in a gentle whisper later in this chapter, it underscored God’s heart to bring hope and restoration.
Elisha’s calling reflects God’s provision for a successor. Discussing Elisha’s transition to a prophet, we see a relational dynamic throughout the book. Elijah becomes a mentor, showing the importance of not just calling someone but also guiding them through the process. This transition ultimately prepares Elisha for the significant role he is destined to fulfill.
God often works within community, and this is echoed throughout scripture. In Proverbs 27:17, it is stated, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This example highlights how mentorship and relationships are crucial for spiritual growth, much like how Elijah and Elisha’s relationship would become a source of strength for both.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Kings 19:20
Elisha’s request to bid farewell to his parents is a critical moment in the narrative. It reveals the heart of a person torn between familial obligations and divine calling. He asks for permission, demonstrating respect for his parents, while also reflecting on the gravity of the decision to follow Elijah.
Elijah’s response stands out too. He says, “Go back again: for what have I done to thee?” This phrase invites reflection. It could suggest that the calling Elisha is responding to goes beyond mere mentorship. It indicates that Elijah’s life and mission serve as a sacred example that brings weight and expectation to Elisha’s decision. This keeps us pondering how God may be calling us today.
How often do we feel a pull towards God’s purpose, yet also feel the weight of our current lives? Elijah’s words pose a question we must deeply consider. What has God done in our own lives that prompts our response? When put in perspective, our decisions hold weight, and every yes or no can impact our journey with faith.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Kings 19:20
This verse teaches us valuable lessons about calling and commitment. Elisha’s readiness to follow God’s leading, leaving behind what was familiar, speaks volumes. It reminds us how essential it is to listen to God’s voice and respond with faith.
We learn that God’s calling often requires sacrifice. Whether it’s giving up a dream job or leaving behind loved ones, following Christ sometimes leads us to the unknown. However, God provides comfort in those transitions. Just like Elisha, we are able to hold onto the promise that the path ahead is full of purpose.
We also see a model of respect and family bonding in this verse. Elisha did not just abandon his family; instead, he sought to honor them in his leaving. This reflects that our relationships should be handled with care, even when the Holy Spirit nudges us toward the new. Family remains important in the face of divine calling.
Final Thoughts
1 Kings 19:20 is rich with insights that are both challenging and encouraging. This verse teaches us about the cost of discipleship and the beauty of obedience to God’s plan. As we reflect on Elisha’s journey, we must consider our own. Are we ready to respond to the call of God in our lives? What might we need to leave behind to fully follow Him?
As we journey forward together, let us take heart and remain open to the ways God may be calling us to step into new seasons. Whether it’s through a simple act of kindness or a major life change, we know that God goes before us, preparing the way for us to follow, much like He did for Elisha. If you wish to explore related topics, I encourage you to check out more interesting articles on our website.