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  • Does Anchor have a citation to support the idea it is a sign of wealth? How do we know we aren't dealing with a group of workers for hire (that own oxen)? – Jay Dec 11 '16 at 7:40












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  • Note: Question is edited to allow for the original meaning to be allagorical – Jay Oct 8 '14 at 8:06

A couple thoughts I had were:


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  • Agreed. Needs more backing and less personal speculation. Thanks for wishing to contribute! – Sir.Nathan Stassen Jun 26 '16 at 14:31

could it be that the oxen were insignificant only to the fact that it showed us that the very thing that we are bound buy has to be released in order for us to complete Gods divine will? What was holding him back? Wealth, work the constant idea that the oxen and the plow been stand in his way, there were 12 things that kept him from totally committing and the plow.Some times as men and women of God we are held back by the things that are so visible to the naked eye that we miss then true meaning of the word. We want so analyze break down the word for its most in-depth meaning that we miss the real meaning.

  • This answer is an edifying interpretation of the story. Thank-you. However, it is not the type of answer that is considered a good answer on this site and it is not the type of answer that the OP requested. The type of answer that is appropriate for this site would be an answer that explains the reason why Elisha would be plowing with such a large number of oxen in terms of the historical situation of the time. What does this action say about Elisha or the times? – Abu Munir Ibn Ibrahim Feb 12 '18 at 7:55
  • I appreciate you point of view, Ted; perhaps in analysing the tree, we miss the forest? But I also think that, in seeing the forest, also analysing the tree can give us a deeper understanding of the forest. As the original asker of the question, I'd like to think I'm in the latter category. The Q&A nature of this site is inherently and deliberately informational rather than relational, and I think we should strive to keep the information (questions and answers) as precise, concise, accurate, and truthful as we can. – cdjc Feb 12 '18 at 19:25

In reference to your excellent expository answer may I add that I also see the fact the Elisha is wealthy and plowing with the oxen shows that he does not think too highly of himself and is willing to join with his servants in plowing along with them. Such is our example in Yeshua willing to co labor among us who are his humble servants.

  • Interesting point. How can one glean that Elisha was wealth? Could it be that he was a hired hand? – Philip Apr 24 '19 at 4:39
  • Welcome to the site, Katcoo4217. If you have not yet taken the Site Tour (to learn how it works and what is looked for with Askers and Answerers), do go to it (bottom of page, l.h.s.) The point in your answer is interesting, but may have been better placed as a comment to user947 (or Mike Bull if that was the answer you meant). Sometimes answers begin to wander away from the question but leaving comments allows for a little leeway. – Anne Apr 25 '19 at 11:26

Can we look it from another angle? Plowing in biblical times was mainly done by bondservants.. Could Elisha have been a bond servant in stead of being wealthy as we all are set to imagine? Being someone who is from lowly background but being called into higher ministry of plowing the hard hearts of men instead of plowing the hard ground which he was do well experienced in?

  • Welcome to BHSE! Please make sure you take our Tour. (See below left) Thanks. – John Martin Apr 23 '19 at 19:01
  • I'm also curious as to how people reached the conclusion Elisha was rich. – Philip Apr 24 '19 at 4:41

My thoughts are that this man did everything with all his heart and clearly was a practical hands on person also he was a man of great faith as well being in tune with the Spirit of God, purpose and identity, 12 yoke yes a yoke is a team, we have to stick to the facts on the page, 12 yoke or teams, more practical for a very large areas if one can handle that many teams,finish the ends with smaller team (s) physically he may have reached the limit of practical sensibility with that many yoke, and yes he would have been fairly rich, which makes it even more precious to the Lord as Jesus said it’s harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom than a ships rope to go through the eye of a needle. He was ready for the next paradigm shift. (Peshitta Aramaic translation - G.Lamsa verson)

