2 Kings 2:23-25
“23 From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” 24 He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25 And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.”
2 Kings 2:23-25 Meaning
The verses in 2 Kings 2:23-25 recount the story of Elisha and the two bears. The passage describes how Elisha encountered a group of mocking youth who insulted him by calling him names. In response, Elisha called upon the Lord, and two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the young men. This event highlights the importance of respecting God’s servants and the seriousness of mocking or disrespecting His anointed ones.
2 Kings 2:23-25 Commentary and Explanation
In 2 Kings 2:23-25, we encounter a rather perplexing and thought-provoking passage that narrates an incident involving the prophet Elisha, a group of young boys, and two bears. This passage has sparked debates and discussions for centuries, and it offers us valuable insights into various aspects of biblical interpretation, ethics, and divine justice.
At first glance, the passage seems disturbing as it describes a group of young boys mocking Elisha for his baldness. Elisha then calls upon a curse in the name of the Lord, and two bears come out of the woods and maul forty-two of the boys. This may strike us as a severe punishment for a seemingly trivial offense, but a deeper analysis reveals several important aspects to consider.
Respect for Prophets: In the ancient Israelite culture, prophets held a significant position as God’s messengers. Disrespecting or mocking a prophet was a grave offense, as it undermined the authority and holiness of God’s chosen representatives. This respect for prophets is reflected in other passages such as 2 Chronicles 36:16 and Jeremiah 7:25-27.
Elisha’s Authority: Elisha’s authority to call upon God’s judgment reflects the authority that God bestowed upon His prophets. In this incident, Elisha’s curse was not a rash act but a divine response to an act of mockery against God’s messenger. This aligns with the principle of divine justice seen throughout the Bible (Proverbs 14:21, Psalm 94:23).
Contextual Significance: It is essential to understand the historical and cultural context of this incident. Elisha had just taken up the prophetic mantle from Elijah, and this event could have been a test of his legitimacy and authority. God’s intervention demonstrated Elisha’s divine endorsement.
Symbolic Meaning: Some scholars suggest that this incident has symbolic elements. Baldness in the Bible can represent humiliation or judgment (Isaiah 3:24), and Elisha’s curse symbolizes God’s judgment on those who reject His messengers.
Age of the Mockers: The use of the term “young boys” does not necessarily refer to very young children. In the context of the Bible, it often denotes young men or adolescents who were considered responsible for their actions. Their actions were not childlike teasing but a deliberate act of disrespect.
Lesson on Reverence: While the punishment may seem severe, this passage serves as a lesson about the importance of showing reverence for God’s chosen servants and authority figures in our lives. It highlights the seriousness of our words and actions, reminding us of the need for respect and humility.
Overall, 2 Kings 2:23-25 challenges us to grapple with questions of divine justice, authority, and respect for God’s messengers. While the incident may appear harsh, it underscores the gravity of disrespecting God’s appointed leaders and the consequences that can follow. It encourages us to approach biblical narratives with a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural context, seeking spiritual lessons that apply to our lives today.
Also Read: Zechariah 2:13 Meaning and Commentary
Context of 2 Kings 2:23-25
The account in 2 Kings 2:23-25 takes place after Elijah’s departure in a chariot of fire, as he is taken up to heaven. Elisha, his successor, then begins his ministry.
In this specific incident, Elisha is traveling from Jericho to Bethel and encounters a group of young men who come out of the city to mock him, calling him a “baldhead.”
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Kings 2:23-25
a) “Then he went up from there to Bethel.” – After leaving Jericho, Elisha continues his journey to Bethel, which was a significant religious center at the time.
b) “And as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, ‘Go up, you baldhead!’ ” – A group of young men comes out from the city and disrespectfully taunts Elisha, mocking his appearance and suggesting he should also ascend into heaven like Elijah.
c) “So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord.” – Elisha responds to the mockery by calling upon the Lord to curse those who insulted him.
d) “And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.” – As a consequence of their disrespect, God sends two bears to attack the young men, causing severe harm to forty-two of them.
Lessons from the 2 Kings 2:23-25
a) Respect for God’s servants: The incident teaches us the importance of showing respect and honor to God’s chosen servants. When we mock or disrespect those who represent God, we are ultimately mocking and disrespecting God Himself. It is essential to honor those whom God has anointed, whether they are pastors, prophets, or other spiritual leaders.
b) Reverence for the message: The passage reminds us of the seriousness of treating God’s message with reverence. The mockery of Elisha was not merely an insult to his physical appearance but a disregard for the message of God that he proclaimed. It serves as a reminder for us to listen attentively and with respect when God’s word is being proclaimed.
c) The consequences of disrespect: God takes disrespect towards His anointed servants seriously. While the punishment in this passage may seem severe, it highlights the consequences of mocking and disrespecting those whom God has called. It is a reminder that God’s justice will prevail, and dishonoring His anointed ones will not go unpunished.
Biblical Translations of 2 kings 2:23-25
2 Kings 2:23-25 King James Version (KJV)
23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. 25 And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!” 24 When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number. 25 And he went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25 New Living Translation (NLT)
23 Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, baldy!” they chanted. “Go away, baldy!” 24 Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them. 25 From there Elisha went to Mount Carmel and finally returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
23 Elisha went up from there to Bethel, and as he was going up the road, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, baldy! Go up, baldy!” 24 He turned around, looked at them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25 From there Elisha went to Mount Carmel and then returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
23 Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came out of the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. 25 Then he went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
Final Thoughts
The story of Elisha and the two bears serves as a stern reminder to treat God’s chosen servants with respect and honor, as well as to reverence the message they bring. Our words and actions should reflect the reverence we have for God and His appointed messengers.
May we learn from this account and strive to show respect, humility, and love towards God’s anointed ones, understanding the significance of the role they fulfill in our spiritual lives.