1 Kings 19:16-21
Context19:16 You must anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to take your place as prophet. 19:17 Jehu will kill anyone who escapes Hazael’s sword, and Elisha will kill anyone who escapes Jehu’s sword. 19:18 I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him.” 1
19:19 Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen; he was near the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his robe over him. 19:20 He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, then I will follow you.” Elijah 2 said to him, “Go back! Indeed, what have I done to you?” 19:21 Elisha 3 went back and took his pair of oxen and slaughtered them. He cooked the meat over a fire that he made by burning the harness and yoke. 4 He gave the people meat and they ate. Then he got up and followed Elijah and became his assistant.
1 tn Heb “I have kept in Israel seven thousand, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and all the mouths that have not kissed him.”
2 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elijah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elijah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4 tn Heb “and with the equipment of the oxen he cooked them, the flesh.”