1 Kings 19:19 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Elisha—was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, &c.— This was so far from being an argument of Elisha's poverty, that it was in reality a token of his wealth. For he who could keep twelve yoke of oxen at plough was, in this respect, no inconsiderable man; and yet, according to the manner of these early times, he looked after his own business himself; for nothing, as we have had occasion frequently to observe, was of greater esteem, not only among the Hebrews, but also among the ancient Greeks and Romans, than agriculture. The mantle was the proper habit of a prophet, and therefore Elijah's casting his upon Elisha was the ceremony here used for his inauguration; though, as it was customary for servants to carry their master's garments after them, others understand it only as a token that Elisha was to be his servant, to attend upon him, and to succeed in his office. However this be, it is probable, that when he cast his mantle upon him, he said something to him whereby he acquainted him with his design, though in so brief a history the particular words are not expressed. See Le Clerc.