And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”
Elijah shows no jealousy of his successor but rejoices to leave God's work in such capable hands. Elisha was called not in the schools of the prophets but at his plough, proving that honest work is no bar to heavenly calling, and idleness is no man's honour.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elijah's reply tests what is truly in Elisha's heart: his insistence that the call comes not from Elijah but from the Lord touching him, so Elisha alone answers to God for how he uses this office, not to the prophet who cast the mantle.
AI summary
what have I done to thee?--that is, Go, but keep in mind the solemn ceremony I have just performed on thee. It is not I, but God, who calls thee. Do not allow any earthly affection to detain you from obeying His call.