The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 464

oouree anointed He.ze.el to be king over Syria, e.e Samuel he.d anointed Da.vid long before he ascended the throne of Israel, we a.re not informed. It is not necessary for the fulfilment of his instructions (ver. 15) to suppose that he did so; for prophets a.re said to do things which they predict. (See J er. i. 10; Ezek. xliii. 8; Rom. i.. 17.) The reason is that their predictions are sure to be accomplished; and upon the so.me principle a true faith in the promises of God is said to be the "substance" or subsistence of "things hoped for " (Heb. xi. 1). It is certain that Elisha made provision for the anointing of J ehu; Elisha also informed Hazael that he should be king over Syria (see 2 Kings viii. 13; ix. 1-3). The call of Elisha. wa.e by the hand of Elijah. I. THE CALL OF ELISHA WAS FROM Gon. 1. Elijah threw his mantle ove1' Elisha. (1) The prophet's mantle was the symbol of his office. It seems to have been the skin of an animal, or composed of some hairy material (see 2 Kings i. 8; Zech. xiii.. 6 ; Isa. xx. 2; Matt. iii. 4). In allusion to this, perhaps, the popes invest their cardinals with the palliwm-a cloak or pall made of wool (2) The mantle of Elijah thrown upon Elisha. was the sign that he was to "follow him," to be his servant first, and eventually to be his successor. The mantle, accordingly, came fully into the possession of Elisha when his ''master" was " taken from his head " (2 Kings ii. 3, 18). (3) The "spirit of Elijah" then " came upon Elisha." So essenHal to a prophet is the Spirit of God that prophets themselves are called "spirits." False prophets also are called "spirits,'' but for an opposite reason (see eh. xxii. 22, 23; 1 Cor. xiv. 32; 1 John iv.1, 2). 2. Elijah acted under Divine direction. (1) After he had asked for himself that he might die, God expressly commissioned him to anoint "Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-Meholah" to be "prophet in his room'' (ver. 16). The true minister is God's gift. (2) God knew the qualities of Elisha. The manner in which he received the call proved him to be a true man. God's order is, first" grace," then" apostleship " (see Rom. i. 6). Those persons deceive themselves who, being destitute of godliness, affect apostle- ship (see Psa. 1. 16). Nor can apostleship abide where graco is forfeited (Acts i. 25). (8) Elijah found Elisha, not in the schools of the prophets, but ploughing in the field. The spirit of prophecy will not be tied down to human institutions, however venerable and respectable. II. THE RESPONSE OF ELISHA WAS TO Gon, 1. He accO'f'dingly 1"enounced the world. (1) He had something to ea.orifice. The "twelve yoke of oxen" indicate prosperity. The glimpse we get of his home is sufficient to discover comfort nnd happiness. Everybody has something to give up for God. (2) At the call of God he gave up all. Instantly he "left the oxen and ran after Elijah." There should be no hesitation in entering upon the service of God. Elisha clid not go home to ask but to take leave of his parents. For the authority of God is above that of parents. His proposal to return to his home was not a pretext for delny, else he would have merited the censure of our Lord (see Luke v. 29 ; ix. 61, 62). The completeness of his renunciation of the world was expressed in his sacrificing the oxen together with the gear. Ministers, in particular, should be free from the entanglements of this life (see Matt. x. 9, 10; 1 Cor. ix. 14; 2 Tim. ii. 4). 2. He followed Elijah. (1) He had something to encounter. The life of n prophet was not without its privations and discomforts. And in following Elijah, whose life was threatened with an oath by Jezebel, he would expose himself to her malignity. The offence of the oross has not ceased. (2) He encountered all cheerfully. Elijah responded tc his request to let him kiss his father and mother before following him, saying, "Uo, return; for what have I done to thee?'' This answer wns intencle"l to throw upon Elisha the consideration of all that was involved in his call, so that his choice might be intelligent nnd free. He was not long in counting the cost. God had predisposed hie heart (see Psa. ex. 8). Soon we find him pouring water upon the hands of Elijah-lovingly serving the servant of his Lorcl (2 Kings iii. 11). Observe: 1. Elisha, though evidently a great man at Abel-Meholnh, couhl handle the plough. There is no diegrace in honest labour. It is even honourable. 2. While in pursuit of his business he was called of God. Business will not be honest if it prevent us from henrins God's voic~. 8. He retun1ed to kiss his fo.ther  474 THE FIRST BOOK OF RINGS. [rn. XIX, 1-21.