How Did Elisha Respond to the Call to Follow Elijah, and What Did He Do Before Leaving His Family?
The call of Elisha to follow Elijah is one of the most meaningful moments in the Old Testament. This event illustrates commitment, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s calling. The story appears in First Book of Kings 19:19–21, where Elisha’s life changes dramatically when Elijah chooses him as his successor.
Elisha’s response to this call reveals a powerful example of wholehearted dedication to God’s work. His actions before leaving his family demonstrate both respect for his loved ones and his determination to fully commit to the prophetic mission ahead.
The Background of Elijah’s Call to Elisha
Before calling Elisha, Elijah had experienced a difficult time in his ministry. After the dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness due to threats from Jezebel. During this period, God instructed Elijah to anoint several individuals for future leadership roles.
Among these instructions, God commanded Elijah to appoint Elisha as the prophet who would eventually succeed him. This divine direction shows that Elisha’s calling was not random; it was part of God’s plan for guiding Israel.
Elisha’s Life Before the Call
When Elijah found Elisha, he was engaged in agricultural work. The Bible describes him as the son of Shaphat, a man likely from a prosperous farming family.
At the time of his calling:
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Elisha was plowing a field with twelve yoke of oxen.
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He was personally working with the twelfth pair of oxen.
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This detail suggests wealth and responsibility because owning many oxen indicated a large farming operation.
Elisha was living a stable and comfortable life, yet God called him to leave everything behind for a prophetic mission.
The Symbolic Act of Elijah
As Elijah passed by Elisha in the field, he performed a simple but powerful gesture.
Elijah:
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Threw his cloak (mantle) over Elisha.
In biblical culture, the cloak symbolized authority and prophetic calling. By placing his mantle on Elisha, Elijah was effectively inviting him to become his disciple and future successor.
No long speech or explanation was necessary. The gesture itself clearly communicated the call to prophetic ministry.
Elisha’s Immediate Response
Elisha understood the meaning of Elijah’s action immediately. Instead of hesitating or rejecting the invitation, he responded with readiness and respect.
His response included several important steps:
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He left the oxen immediately.
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He ran after Elijah.
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He asked permission to say goodbye to his parents.
Elisha said he wanted to kiss his father and mother goodbye before following Elijah. This request demonstrated his respect for family relationships while still showing his willingness to accept the call.
Elijah allowed him to return briefly, saying, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” This statement implied that the choice was Elisha’s and that he should follow only if he truly desired to accept the calling.
Elisha’s Farewell to His Family
Before leaving permanently, Elisha performed a remarkable act that symbolized his total commitment to the new life ahead.
He did not simply say goodbye. Instead, he made a decisive break from his former occupation.
Elisha:
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Returned to his oxen.
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Slaughtered the pair of oxen he had been using.
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Used the wooden plowing equipment as fuel to cook the meat.
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Prepared a meal and shared it with the people.
This farewell feast served several purposes:
1. A Public Declaration
By sacrificing the oxen and burning the plowing equipment, Elisha made a visible statement that he would not return to farming.
2. A Celebration of Transition
Sharing the meal with the community likely marked the moment as a joyful transition rather than a sorrowful departure.
3. A Symbol of Complete Commitment
Destroying his tools meant there was no turning back. Elisha was fully committed to following Elijah and serving God.
Elisha Begins His Ministry
After saying goodbye to his family and holding the farewell feast, Elisha officially joined Elijah.
The Bible states that he:
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Set out to follow Elijah
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Became his servant
Serving Elijah meant learning from him, observing his ministry, and preparing for the prophetic role he would later inherit.
This period of mentorship was crucial because Elijah would eventually pass his mantle and authority to Elisha.
Spiritual Lessons from Elisha’s Response
Elisha’s reaction to the call offers several important spiritual lessons that continue to inspire believers today.
1. Immediate Obedience
Elisha did not delay or argue when he recognized God’s call. His willingness to respond quickly demonstrates faith and trust.
2. Respect for Family
Although he accepted the call immediately, he still took time to respectfully say goodbye to his parents.
3. Total Commitment
By sacrificing the oxen and burning his farming equipment, Elisha removed the possibility of returning to his old life.
4. Willingness to Serve
Instead of seeking immediate leadership, Elisha began as Elijah’s servant, learning humility and preparation.
The Importance of This Moment in Biblical History
Elisha’s decision had lasting consequences for Israel’s spiritual history.
As Elijah’s successor, Elisha would later:
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Perform numerous miracles
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Guide kings and nations
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Continue God’s prophetic voice in Israel
His ministry became one of the most remarkable prophetic missions recorded in the Old Testament.
All of this began with a simple yet powerful moment in a field—when a farmer chose to leave everything behind to follow God’s call.
Conclusion
The story of Elisha’s response to Elijah’s call is a powerful example of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. When Elijah placed his mantle on him, Elisha immediately recognized the significance of the moment. He respectfully said farewell to his parents, sacrificed his oxen, burned his plowing equipment, and shared a final meal with his community.
These actions symbolized a decisive break from his former life and demonstrated his total commitment to serving God. From that moment forward, Elisha followed Elijah and began the journey that would eventually lead him to become one of Israel’s greatest prophets.
His response continues to inspire believers, reminding them that answering God’s call often requires courage, sacrifice, and complete dedication.