1Ki 19:21 | TNotes | STEP | 19:21 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 ) before becoming his successor (Num 27:18-23 ; Deut 34:9 ) and assuming command of the forces of Israel (Josh 1:1-9 ). Later, Elisha had an assistant named Gehazi (2 Kgs 4:12 ).

bExod 24:13►

cNum 27:18-23►

dDeut 34:9►

eJosh 1:1-9►

f2 Kgs 4:12►

‏ 1 Kings 19:21

19:21 ^a 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 ^b) before becoming his successor (Num 27:18-23 ^c; Deut 34:9 ^d) and assuming command of the forces of Israel (Josh 1:1-9 ^e). Later, Elisha had an assistant named Gehazi (2 Kgs 4:12 ^f).