1 Kings 19:16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi We learn from the account of Jehu's anointing (2 Kings 9:2) that Nimshi was Jehu's grandfather. He was -Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi." He was one of Ahab's captains, and heard the sentence which Elijah pronounced against Ahab for the murder of Naboth (2 Kings 9:25-26). When Jehoram had succeeded Ahab, Jehu was anointed and conspired against him, and slew not only Jehoram but also caused to be slain seventy sons of Ahab, and the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and all the worshippers of Baal. For the history of these doings see 2 Kings 10. It is clear that Jehu looked upon himself as God's ordained instrument, and considered his actions as -zeal for the Lord." We may therefore conclude that there had been made known to him something of the message which the Lord here gives to Elijah, and that inspired by it, he rose against the house of Ahab. For details of Jehu's history, see notes on 2 Kings 9:10.

of Abel-meholah See above on 1 Kings 4:12. These words are omitted by the LXX. For the history of Elisha see 2 Kings chapp. 2 8. At the time of his call Elisha was probably a young man. His father and mother were still alive, and he was living with them.

prophet in thy room These words would teach Elijah that he was not to expect the accomplishment of all God's purpose during his own lifetime, but only to prepare a representative to be ready when it was God's will to call him away. Till Elijah is about to be taken up into heaven (2 Kings 2) we read no more of Elisha than is told us in this chapter. He ministered unto Elijah and was ready to attend him on his last journey, and in those days of his ministration he doubtless received all the teaching which God had given to his master, and was made to see how the hand of God was ever working amidst His people.