1 Kings 19:20,21

1 Kin. 19:20, 21. See Matthew 24:17; Matthew 24:18. The truth with respect to what is related in these verses probably was thus: - Elijah was directed by the Spirit of God to cast his mantle on Elisha; but Elijah had not the design of God in it fully made known to him, supposing it to be intended as a sign that Elisha should be a prophet after him, agreeable to what God had said to him at Mount Sinai. But God had a further meaning in it, which was intimated by His Spirit, which went with Elijah's mantle to Elisha - viz., that he should immediately forsake all and follow him, and devote himself to the work of the ministry in the business of a prophet. Elisha, supposing Elijah had this design of God made known to him, and had been directed to cast his mantle on him with this view, and finding at first a reluctance and desire of Elisha that he by his prayers would obtain leave of God that he should first kiss his father and mother; Elijah, surprised at this request, as is natural, supposing him thus ignorant, says, "Go back: for what have I done that should hinder it?" However, Elisha, who understood the mind of God, soon recovered from his reluctance and went no further back than to his oxen, and took them and the instruments and offered up all to God, signifying by this action his full consent to forsake all and make a sacrifice of all this world's possessions and concerns to the great and infinitely important designs of his ministry.

1 Kin. 22:19