Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha, choosing him as successor to follow and serve before taking the older prophet's place as God's spokesman. The mantle symbolized authority and the power of God resting on a prophet in Israel. Elisha accepted it humbly and showed commitment by burning his plows. Later, Elisha used the mantle to part the Jordan River, verifying his role as Elijah's successor. The distinctive mantle identified him to observers. Also see sermons and articles about Mantle.
1 Kings 19:19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.
Related Scriptures
1 Kings 19:16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.
