What is the symbolism of 42 boys being mauled by 2 bears when taunting Elisha?
Why did Elisha curse these boys for making fun of him? What was so bad about what the boys said that 42 should be mauled to death by bears? Why does the Bible specify 2 mother bears & why specifically 42 boys? Thanks!
2 Kings 2:23
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!
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Asked October 24 2013
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Pauline Linsicombe
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JD Abshire
As a result of divine endowement, Elisha had just healed the poison waters of Jericho. No doubt these boys had heard that Elisha had become Elijah's replacement and the manner in which Elijah departed the Earth. In disbelief and mockery they said "go up thou bald head". I believe these boys were simply echoing the prevalent opinion of their parents and Jericho. We do not want you here, why don't you "go up" as your master did? Consider that the inhabitants of Jericho were the proginy of Moab, one of Lot's sons, a result of his incestous relationship with his daughter which God cursed.
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