1 Kings 19:20

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

فَتَرَكَ الْبَقَرَ وَرَكَضَ وَرَاءَ إِيلِيَّا وَقَالَ: «دَعْنِي أُوَدِّعْ أَبِي وَأُمِّي وَأَتْبَعَكَ». فَقَالَ لَهُ: «ارْجِعْ، فَأَيُّ شَيْءٍ فَعَلْتُهُ لَكَ؟»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Elisha asks Elijah for permission to say goodbye to his family before following him. Elijah tells Elisha to go back, implying that Elisha has already made his choice to follow him.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game and a friend asks you to join their team. You want to go, but you also want to tell your parents first. That's what Elisha is doing here. He wants to follow Elijah, but he also wants to say goodbye to his family.

Historical Background

1 Kings was written by an unknown author around 560-540 BCE. The book details the reigns of Israel's kings and prophets, including Elijah and Elisha, and is set during a time of political and religious upheaval in the region.

Living It Out Today

This verse can teach us about the importance of making decisions and following through with commitments. For example, if you decide to join a new club or start a new hobby, it's important to follow through with your commitment.

Topics

• commitment
• decision-making
• obedience
• prophets
• following God
• family

Related Verses

• Genesis 22:3
• 1 Samuel 16:13
• Luke 9:61
• Matthew 8:22
• Acts 9:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Elisha want to kiss his parents?

Elisha wants to say goodbye to his family before following Elijah, showing respect and maintaining family ties.

What does Elijah's response mean?

Elijah's response suggests that Elisha has already committed to following him, so there's no need to hesitate.

What can we learn from Elisha's decision?

We can learn about the importance of commitment and following through with our decisions, even when it means leaving behind familiar things.

How does this relate to modern life?

In modern life, this verse can teach us about the importance of making decisions and sticking to them, much like Elisha did when he chose to follow Elijah.