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?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha's request to "kiss his father and mother" wasn't about a prolonged goodbye, but a deeply ingrained cultural expression of honor and fulfillment. Elijah's sharp "What have I done to you?" isn't a dismissal but a challenge, signaling that this call to follow is absolute and requires a complete break from the past to embrace the new.
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?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elijah, feeling disheartened and hunted after his victory on Mount Carmel, is called by God to anoint a new king of Israel and a prophet to succeed him. While plowing, Elisha encounters Elijah, and the prophet dramatically casts his cloak over him, signifying a divine call to follow. Elisha's immediate, yet tender, request to say goodbye to his parents highlights the profound and life-altering nature of this divine summons.
Imagine being called to something so significant that it means leaving everything behind. That's the kind of radical call Elijah extended to Elisha.
When God calls, it's an invitation to a new allegiance that often requires a dramatic break from the past. Elisha's response, wanting to say a final goodbye, is understandable, but Elijah's reply highlights the all-consuming nature of following God. It's not about a delayed obedience; it's about recognizing that God's call demands immediate and complete surrender.
Immediate Obedience
Elijah's command, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" isn't harshness. It's a crucial test. If Elisha's heart was truly set on following, he would understand that the 'goodbyes' needed to be swift and final, trusting God to care for those he left behind. This isn't about disrespecting family, but about prioritizing God's kingdom above all earthly ties.
Elisha’s story is more than just a dramatic moment; it’s a blueprint for how we are to respond when God interrupts our ordinary lives with an extraordinary purpose.
This encounter reveals a powerful theological truth: God's call is not merely an invitation, but a transformative commissioning. Elisha was a farmer, tending his oxen. In a moment, he is called to be a prophet, Elijah's successor.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
The transition wasn't instantaneous in terms of ministry, but the decision was. Elisha chose to leave his livelihood and social standing to embark on a path of spiritual leadership. This highlights that God often calls us from where we are, using our current circumstances as the launchpad for His future plans. His call comes with a divine empowerment and a promise of presence, even if it means venturing into the unknown.
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Elisha's call occurs during a period of intense spiritual and political turmoil in Israel, making his decision to leave a comfortable, established life for the dangerous path of a prophet all the more profound.
c. 875-850 BC
Reign of Ahab and Jezebel
King Ahab married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, and Israel fell under the influence of Baal worship. This period was marked by intense religious and political conflict.
c. 870 BC
Elijah's Confrontation on Mount Carmel
Elijah publicly challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal, demonstrating the power of Yahweh. This event led to a purge of Baal prophets but intensified Jezebel's hatred for Elijah.
c. 870 BC
Elijah Flees to Mount Horeb
After the victory at Carmel, Elijah fled from Jezebel's wrath, fearing for his life. He traveled a great distance to the mountain of God (Horeb/Sinai).
c. 870 BC— this verse
Elisha is Called to Prophethood
As Elijah was returning from his encounter with God at Horeb, he encountered Elisha, a prosperous farmer, plowing his fields. Elijah cast his cloak over Elisha, signifying his call to be Elijah's successor.
c. 870 BC
Elisha Follows Elijah
Elisha's immediate, though hesitant, response to Elijah's call was to leave his livelihood and follow. This highlights the radical nature of discipleship called for in that era.
Just as Elisha paused to say farewell, Jesus also encountered someone who wanted to follow but needed to attend to family matters first, highlighting the cost of immediate discipleship.
Matthew 8:21This account parallels Elisha's situation, showing another instance where a potential follower asked for permission to bury his father, but Jesus pointed to a higher calling.
Ruth 1:16While Elisha's call was immediate and absolute, Ruth's pledge to Naomi reveals a different kind of devoted commitment, emphasizing loyalty and belonging in the face of separation.
1 Samuel 20:18Jonathan's situation with Saul and David echoes Elisha's initial hesitation, as he feels a strong connection and obligation to his family and king, even as a new allegiance is forming.
Elisha's request to "kiss his father and mother" wasn't about a prolonged goodbye, but a deeply ingrained cultural expression of honor and fulfillment. Elijah's sharp "What have I done to you?" isn't a dismissal but a challenge, signaling that this call to follow is absolute and requires a complete break from the past to embrace the new.
Elijah, feeling disheartened and hunted after his victory on Mount Carmel, is called by God to anoint a new king of Israel and a prophet to succeed him. While plowing, Elisha encounters Elijah, and the prophet dramatically casts his cloak over him, signifying a divine call to follow. Elisha's immediate, yet tender, request to say goodbye to his parents highlights the profound and life-altering nature of this divine summons.
Elijah, feeling disheartened and hunted after his victory on Mount Carmel, is called by God to anoint a new king of Israel and a prophet to succeed him. While plowing, Elisha encounters Elijah, and the prophet dramatically casts his cloak over him, signifying a divine call to follow. Elisha's immediate, yet tender, request to say goodbye to his parents highlights the profound and life-altering nature of this divine summons.
"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?”" — Elisha's request to "kiss his father and mother" wasn't about a prolonged goodbye, but a deeply ingrained cultural expression of honor and fulfillment. Elijah's sharp "What have I done to you?" isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026