1 kings 19:21 - He returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their meat with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and served him.
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What does "1 kings 19:21" mean?
This verse describes Elisha's dramatic and decisive response to being called as a prophet by Elijah. Let's break it down:
"He returned from following him...": This indicates Elisha briefly went back to his previous life after Elijah initially threw his mantle (a symbol of prophetic authority) upon him. It wasn't a rejection, but a desire to tie up loose ends.
"...and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them...": Elisha owned and worked with a team of oxen, signifying his role as a successful farmer. Killing them was a symbolic act. It meant he was destroying his means of making a living and demonstrating a complete commitment to the prophetic calling.
"...and boiled their meat with the instruments of the oxen...": The "instruments" are the wooden yokes and other farming tools. Burning these (as fuel for cooking the oxen) reinforces the idea of permanently abandoning his old life. He was using everything he had associated with his previous existence for this final, decisive act.
"...and gave to the people, and they ate.": This was a farewell feast. By sharing the meal with his community, Elisha was signaling his departure and essentially saying goodbye to his former life and obligations. It was also likely an act of generosity and a way of showing gratitude to the people he was leaving behind.
"Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and served him.": This is the final and crucial part. Elisha immediately embraced his new role as Elijah's apprentice and servant. The word "served" implies a long-term commitment to learning from and assisting Elijah in his prophetic ministry.
In summary, this verse illustrates:
Radical commitment: Elisha's actions demonstrate a profound and irreversible decision to follow God's call. He burned his bridges to his past, showing that he wouldn't look back.
Symbolic sacrifice: Killing the oxen and burning the farm equipment were symbolic gestures representing the complete abandonment of his former way of life.
Transition and discipleship: Elisha moved from being a farmer to becoming a prophet's servant, signifying a shift in his identity and purpose. He embraced a life of discipleship and obedience to Elijah, preparing to eventually take on the mantle of prophecy himself.
farewell and gratitude: the act of sharing the meat with the community showed Elisha's acknowledgement of his community and the life he was leaving behind.
This verse is often used as an example of the kind of dedication required to follow God's calling. It's a powerful image of leaving behind worldly pursuits to embrace a higher purpose.
1 kings 19:21 - He returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their meat with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and served him.
What does "1 kings 19:21" mean?
This verse describes Elisha's dramatic and decisive response to being called as a prophet by Elijah. Let's break it down:
"He returned from following him...": This indicates Elisha briefly went back to his previous life after Elijah initially threw his mantle (a symbol of prophetic authority) upon him. It wasn't a rejection, but a desire to tie up loose ends.
"...and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them...": Elisha owned and worked with a team of oxen, signifying his role as a successful farmer. Killing them was a symbolic act. It meant he was destroying his means of making a living and demonstrating a complete commitment to the prophetic calling.
"...and boiled their meat with the instruments of the oxen...": The "instruments" are the wooden yokes and other farming tools. Burning these (as fuel for cooking the oxen) reinforces the idea of permanently abandoning his old life. He was using everything he had associated with his previous existence for this final, decisive act.
"...and gave to the people, and they ate.": This was a farewell feast. By sharing the meal with his community, Elisha was signaling his departure and essentially saying goodbye to his former life and obligations. It was also likely an act of generosity and a way of showing gratitude to the people he was leaving behind.
"Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and served him.": This is the final and crucial part. Elisha immediately embraced his new role as Elijah's apprentice and servant. The word "served" implies a long-term commitment to learning from and assisting Elijah in his prophetic ministry.
In summary, this verse illustrates:
Radical commitment: Elisha's actions demonstrate a profound and irreversible decision to follow God's call. He burned his bridges to his past, showing that he wouldn't look back.
Symbolic sacrifice: Killing the oxen and burning the farm equipment were symbolic gestures representing the complete abandonment of his former way of life.
Transition and discipleship: Elisha moved from being a farmer to becoming a prophet's servant, signifying a shift in his identity and purpose. He embraced a life of discipleship and obedience to Elijah, preparing to eventually take on the mantle of prophecy himself.
farewell and gratitude: the act of sharing the meat with the community showed Elisha's acknowledgement of his community and the life he was leaving behind.
This verse is often used as an example of the kind of dedication required to follow God's calling. It's a powerful image of leaving behind worldly pursuits to embrace a higher purpose.