19:16 Jehu . . . anoint. Jehu was a military commander under both Ahab and his son, Joram (2 Kin. 9:5, 6). At the behest of Elisha, Jehu would launch a complete purge of the house of Ahab (2 Kin. 9:1–10:17).

Elisha the son of Shaphat. The name “Elisha” means “God is salvation” or “God saves” and is an apt characterization of Elisha’s mission. There are many parallels between the work of Elijah and that of Elisha. Both uphold the standards of the covenant of Sinai despite the opposition of kings (18:17–46; 21:19–22; 2 Kin. 3:13; 9:1–10).