So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
Ver. 19. Ploughing with twelve yoke.] He was therefore a man of great wealth, likely. Paterna rura bobus exercens suis.
And cast his mantle upon him.] In token that God, who had called him to be his successor, would clothe him with his Spirit, and so fit him for the office. This is apishly imitated by Popish monks taking upon them the clothes of their order, whatever it is, at their first entrance thereinto.