1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from[R.V. from following] him Elisha clearly understood the permission which was given to him. He is allowed a short space for leave-taking, but the call is imperative, and he is to follow with all speed. Elijah goes his way, but leaves Elisha in no doubt whither he is going, and where he may be found.

and took a[R.V. the] yoke of oxen The language in the original is definite, and no doubt refers to the particular pair of oxen which Elisha had himself been using.

and boiled their flesh Thus he made a farewell feast to those with whom he had been working. Having a true conception of the great duty to which he was called, he would have them rejoice, and not sorrow, at his departure.

and gave unto the people i.e. The plowmen, and other helpers in the work which they had been doing. There is nothing to guide us in deciding whether the feast was made at the place where the call was received, or whether it was a meal given in the home to which Elisha went to bid adieu to his parents. It seems however more natural to understand it of the latter. At such a parting meal the parents of him who was going away were hardly likely to be absent.

Because the word rendered -slew" in this verse, is very frequently translated -sacrificed" some have thought that the ceremony here described was a religious one. But there is no mention of an altar, which would have been necessary, nor of the devotion of any part of the slain beasts as an offering. The guests were invited to a family feast, after the patriarchal fashion, and joined in the festivities attendant on such an occasion. The parents of Elisha were perhaps likeminded with himself and felt the grandeur of the office to which he was called. In that case the feeling of joyous thankfulness would be the most prevalent.

went after Elijah, and ministered unto him Josephus adds to the narrative, that -Elisha immediately began to prophesy." In the Scripture story he is not mentioned again till the departure of Elijah into heaven is close at hand (2 Kings 2:1). But we cannot doubt that he was the companion of Elijah from that day forward, and we are shewn something of the nature of the attendance and ministration here alluded to in 2 Kings 3:11, where we read of Elisha as he -which poured water on the hands of Elijah." The members of the prophetic school seem to have lived after the fashion of -Brethren of the common life," and the less prominent members did service of every kind for those who were at the head.