1Ki 19:19-21 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Kgs 19:19-21: 19:19-21 The anointing of Elisha is an epilogue to the Lord’s charge to Elijah. The two other anointings that God assigned to Elijah (19:15-16 ) were carried out by Elisha instead (2 Kgs 8:7-15 ; 9:1-10 ). 19:19 Twelve teams of oxen would indicate that Elisha came from a wealthy family. • Elisha understood that Elijah’s power from God would come upon him with the prophet’s cloak.

a19:19-21►

b19:15-16►

c2 Kgs 8:7-15►

d9:1-10►

e19:19►

f19:21►

gExod 24:13►

hNum 27:18-23►

iDeut 34:9►

jJosh 1:1-9►

k2 Kgs 4:12►

‏ 1 Kings 19:19-21

Summary for 1Kgs 19:19-21: 19:19-21 ^a The anointing of Elisha is an epilogue to the Lord’s charge to Elijah. The two other anointings that God assigned to Elijah (19:15-16 ^b) were carried out by Elisha instead (2 Kgs 8:7-15 ^c; 9:1-10 ^d). 19:19 ^e Twelve teams of oxen would indicate that Elisha came from a wealthy family.

• Elisha understood that Elijah’s power from God would come upon him with the prophet’s cloak.
19:21 ^f Elisha burned his plow and slaughtered his oxen to signal a complete break from the past in his present calling. From now on, he would serve the Lord. His meal with family and friends may have been a thanksgiving sacrifice to God capped by a communal meal in joyful celebration of God’s claim upon Elisha’s life.

• Elisha would first serve as Elijah’s assistant. Great leaders often begin as good learners. Joshua was Moses’ assistant (Exod 24:13 ^g) before becoming his successor (Num 27:18-23 ^h; Deut 34:9 ⁱ) and assuming command of the forces of Israel (Josh 1:1-9 ^j). Later, Elisha had an assistant named Gehazi (2 Kgs 4:12 ^k).