Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 19:21

"And he returned from following him, and took the 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." — 1 Kings 19:21 (ASV)

And he returned. —Like Matthew in Luke 9:27-29, Elisha, probably after sacrifice, makes a feast of farewell to his home, and of homage to his new master. The hasty preparation is made by the use of the wooden implements for fuel, as in the sacrifice at the threshing-floor of Araunah (2 Samuel 24:22). From then on, from a master he became a servant, ministering to Elijah, and willing to be known, even when he became himself the prophet of God, as he that poured water on the hands of Elijah (2 Kings 3:11).