1 Kings 19:15-21

19:15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came and then head for the Desert of Damascus. Go and anoint Hazael king over Syria. 19:16 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.

[19:18]  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.”

[19:20]  ² tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elijah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[19:21]  ³ tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elijah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[19:21]  ⁴ tn Heb “and with the equipment of the oxen he cooked them, the flesh.”