Definition: And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 19:21 together. It's a really intense and dramatic part of the story of Moses’ journey through the wilderness. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Story: Moses was lost in the desert and felt incredibly weak, desperate, and afraid. He started to experience visions and felt like he wasn’t meant to continue his journey. He realized he couldn't go on without guidance and a way to survive. What Happened Next: “And he returned back from him…” : This means Moses turned around and went back to the place where he had been before – the mountains of Lebanon. He was exhausted, spiritually drained, and needed a break. “And took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat.” : This is the most unsettling part. Moses killed the animals! He didn’t just leave them to die; he actively killed them, cooked them, and distributed them to the people. It was a horrific act. “And gave unto the people, and they did eat.” : The people were given these animals as food. What’s the Significance? This is a really powerful symbol. It represents a crucial turning point in Moses’ journey. It's essentially saying: "I need to change my approach. I need to find a way to be strong enough to continue." The Yoke of Oxen: The yoke of oxen symbolizes a difficult, challenging situation. Moses was struggling and needed a break from the pressure. Slaying the Animals: This represents a symbolic rejection of his old ways – perhaps he was being too focused on his own ambition or self-importance. He needed to let go of his ego and become humbled. Boiling the Flesh with Instruments: This signifies a purification process, a cleansing of his spirit. He needed to be cleansed from his own arrogance and desire for power. The Final Part – “And he arose, and went after Elijah…” : This is where it gets really significant. Moses realized that the true challenge wasn't just surviving in the desert; it was facing a powerful prophet named Elijah. He understood that to overcome this challenge, he needed to join forces with someone who could help him. So, he started walking towards Elijah, seeking guidance and partnership. In short: Moses is showing himself to be willing to change his ways, seek help, and embrace a new path forward. It's a moment of profound transformation and a crucial step in the story of Israel’s deliverance. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? For example: What does "the yoke of oxen" symbolize? Why is Elijah important in this context?