Sermonette: Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
II Kings 2:23-24
#1706s
Ted E. Bowling
Given 29-Apr-23; 17 minutes
description: Certain misguided Bible commentaries criticize the prophet Elisha for being a short-tempered man who allegedly called down a curse, 2 female bears mauling 42 youths, for making fun of him, taunting "Go up bald head" (II Kings 2:23-24). Upon examining the etymology of the term "youth," we learn that it could encompass a young man the age of Absalom, Isaac, or Solomon, likely in their middle 30's. Consequently, Elisha was not dealing with toddlers, but an immoral gang of young men, likely descendants of the northern tribes (I Kings 12:30) in which Jeroboam installed golden calves and idol worship at Dan and Bethel. These vile idol-worshiping young men were tempting God, demanding that Elisha disappear into the heavens as had Elijah, trying to keep the man of God from going to Bethel. It was Almighty God who wreaked havoc on this large gang of thugs likely having an intent to murder Elisha. Instead, God, responding to Elisha's distress signal, sent protective mother bears to maul these brazen, insolent thugs. The disrespect was meant for God. Scriptures do not say Elisha prayed for a bear; it was God's punishment, indicating that God does not tolerate disrespect for His laws. We live in a society where disrespect for God and His commandments are out of control, prompting a different response from His chosen saints (I Peter 2:15-17).