I Kings 19:21

We left Elijah at the entrance of Jezreel, still appearing publicly, and all the people's eyes upon him. In this chapter we have him again absconding, and driven into obscurity, at a time when he could ill be spared; but we are to look upon it as a punishment to Israel for the insincerity and inconstancy of their reformation. When people will not learn it is just with God to remove their teachers into corners. Now observe, I. How he was driven into banishment by the malice of Jezebel his sworn enemy (Kg1 19:1-3). II. How he was met, in his banishment, by the favour of God, his covenant-friend. 1. How God fed him (Kg1 19:4-8). 2. How he conversed with him, and manifested himself to him (Kg1 19:9, Kg1 19:11-13), heard his complaint (Kg1 19:10-14), directed him what to do (Kg1 19:15-17), and encouraged him (Kg1 19:18). III. How his hands were strengthened, at his return out of banishment, by the joining of Elisha with him (Kg1 19:19-21).

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).