1 kings 19:20 - Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” He said to him, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?”
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What does "1 kings 19:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 19:20 is a pivotal moment in the call of Elisha to become Elijah's successor. Let's break down the meaning:
"Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah...": This shows Elisha's immediate and decisive response to Elijah's call. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, signifying his wealth and established position. Leaving them demonstrates a willingness to abandon his current life and comfortable circumstances.
"...and said, 'Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.'": This is a request for a brief period of leave-taking. It's not a rejection of Elijah's call, but rather a natural desire to bid farewell to his family and fulfill a basic social obligation. Honoring parents was a vital commandment. He wants to say goodbye and likely provide for their care before he leaves for good.
"He said to him, 'Go back again; for what have I done to you?'": This is where the interpretation gets more nuanced. Elijah's response appears harsh at first glance, but there are several potential interpretations:
Testing Elisha's commitment: Elijah might have been testing Elisha's level of dedication. Did he truly mean it, or was it a fleeting emotional response? Elijah might have been pushing Elisha to decide decisively without emotional strings holding him back.
Emphasizing the urgency and importance of the calling: Elijah's mission was time-sensitive and critical. The nation was in spiritual decline. Elisha needed to be aware of the urgency.
Highlighting the separation required by this new life: Following Elijah meant a radical shift in identity and priorities. Elijah might be signaling that the old life must be left behind, not just physically, but emotionally. The phrase "what have I done to you?" could be asking, "What effect has my encounter with you already had?" Implying that the encounter itself should be enough to propel Elisha forward. Another way to interpret this is Elijah asking, "What burden have I placed on you?" meaning if you find it too much, go back.
Allowing Elisha free will: Some commentators believe Elijah was offering Elisha the choice to reconsider. Elijah wasn't forcing him, but wanted him to choose based on his convictions.
Ultimately, Elijah's reply, while seemingly abrupt, underscores the seriousness and transformative nature of following God's calling. It compels Elisha to consider the implications of his choice and to embrace the new path fully. The verse highlights that following a divine calling sometimes requires difficult decisions and the willingness to leave behind familiar comforts. The choice is now Elisha's whether he will truly leave everything behind or not.
It's important to note that Elisha's response in the subsequent verses (sacrificing his oxen, burning his plowing equipment, and feasting with the people) shows that he did indeed understand the gravity of the situation and fully committed to following Elijah.
1 kings 19:20 - Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” He said to him, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?”
What does "1 kings 19:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 19:20 is a pivotal moment in the call of Elisha to become Elijah's successor. Let's break down the meaning:
"Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah...": This shows Elisha's immediate and decisive response to Elijah's call. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, signifying his wealth and established position. Leaving them demonstrates a willingness to abandon his current life and comfortable circumstances.
"...and said, 'Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.'": This is a request for a brief period of leave-taking. It's not a rejection of Elijah's call, but rather a natural desire to bid farewell to his family and fulfill a basic social obligation. Honoring parents was a vital commandment. He wants to say goodbye and likely provide for their care before he leaves for good.
"He said to him, 'Go back again; for what have I done to you?'": This is where the interpretation gets more nuanced. Elijah's response appears harsh at first glance, but there are several potential interpretations:
Testing Elisha's commitment: Elijah might have been testing Elisha's level of dedication. Did he truly mean it, or was it a fleeting emotional response? Elijah might have been pushing Elisha to decide decisively without emotional strings holding him back.
Emphasizing the urgency and importance of the calling: Elijah's mission was time-sensitive and critical. The nation was in spiritual decline. Elisha needed to be aware of the urgency.
Highlighting the separation required by this new life: Following Elijah meant a radical shift in identity and priorities. Elijah might be signaling that the old life must be left behind, not just physically, but emotionally. The phrase "what have I done to you?" could be asking, "What effect has my encounter with you already had?" Implying that the encounter itself should be enough to propel Elisha forward. Another way to interpret this is Elijah asking, "What burden have I placed on you?" meaning if you find it too much, go back.
Allowing Elisha free will: Some commentators believe Elijah was offering Elisha the choice to reconsider. Elijah wasn't forcing him, but wanted him to choose based on his convictions.
Ultimately, Elijah's reply, while seemingly abrupt, underscores the seriousness and transformative nature of following God's calling. It compels Elisha to consider the implications of his choice and to embrace the new path fully. The verse highlights that following a divine calling sometimes requires difficult decisions and the willingness to leave behind familiar comforts. The choice is now Elisha's whether he will truly leave everything behind or not.
It's important to note that Elisha's response in the subsequent verses (sacrificing his oxen, burning his plowing equipment, and feasting with the people) shows that he did indeed understand the gravity of the situation and fully committed to following Elijah.