Elisha took the pair of oxen with which he had been plowing, slew them, and boiled their flesh on a fire kindled with the plow and yoke, thus signifying that he would never need them again. He was turning his back on the past, and entering the service of God.

The older prophet was in need of a younger companion and helper. The two were henceforth as one in their work for the Lord. The association reminds us of that of Moses and Joshua, and of Paul and Silas. The two men had different personalities, and the younger, calmer man would be of great help to his older more impetuous associate.