The term "mauled" refers to being wounded or injured by a rough or violent attack, often by an animal. In the context of the Bible, this term is used to describe instances where individuals are attacked and severely injured, typically by wild animals. The concept of being mauled serves as a vivid illustration of divine judgment, human vulnerability, and the consequences of disobedience or sin.

Biblical Instances:

1. 2 Kings 2:23-24: One of the most notable instances of mauling in the Bible occurs in the account of the prophet Elisha. As Elisha was traveling to Bethel, a group of youths mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha called down a curse in the name of the Lord. Consequently, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. This event underscores the seriousness of disrespecting God's prophets and serves as a warning against irreverence. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys."

2. 1 Kings 13:24: Another instance involves a man of God who disobeyed the Lord's command. After delivering a prophecy to King Jeroboam, he was instructed not to eat or drink in that place. However, he was deceived by an old prophet and ate. As a result, a lion met him on the road and killed him, leaving his body mauled. This incident highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential consequences of straying from His instructions.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Divine Judgment: The act of being mauled by animals in the Bible often symbolizes divine judgment. It serves as a physical manifestation of God's displeasure and a direct consequence of disobedience or disrespect towards His commands or His anointed servants.

· Human Vulnerability: These accounts also remind readers of human vulnerability and the dangers present in a fallen world. The unpredictability of wild animals serves as a metaphor for the chaos and peril that can arise from sin and rebellion against God.

· Respect for God's Anointed: The mauling of the youths in 2 Kings 2 emphasizes the need for respect towards God's chosen representatives. It illustrates the protection and authority granted to prophets and the severe repercussions of mocking or challenging their divine mission.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the instances of mauling in the Bible reinforce the concept of God's sovereignty and justice. They serve as a reminder that God is not to be mocked and that His commands are to be taken seriously. These narratives also reflect the broader biblical theme of retribution, where actions contrary to God's will result in dire consequences.

In summary, the biblical accounts of mauling serve as powerful reminders of the seriousness of sin, the importance of obedience, and the respect due to God's anointed. They illustrate the tangible consequences of defying divine authority and underscore the protective power of God over His faithful servants.(imp. & p. p.) of Maul.

The Blood-Shedding
... No, nothing of the sort; strange to tell, he asks, "Can you inform me with what
sword I was wounded, and by what Russian I have been thus grievously mauled? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the blood-shedding.htm

A Practical Discourse on Some Principles of Hymn-Singing
... of the best ecclesiastical and sacred hymn-melodies, and nothing but these, instead
of having but a modicum of these, for the most part mauled and illset ...
/.../a practical discourse on some.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... In that tearful battle it has gone hard with us; our armor has been battered, our
comfort has been grievously wounded, and our courage badly mauled. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mauled (3 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Maul. Multi-Version Concordance Mauled (3 Occurrences). ... The lion
had not eaten the body, nor mauled the donkey. (WEB NIV). ...
/m/mauled.htm - 7k

Lion (92 Occurrences)
... Therefore Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has mauled him and slain him,
according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to him." (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/l/lion.htm - 46k

Youths (28 Occurrences)
... in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled
forty-two of those youths. (WEB NIV). Job 29:8 Seen me ...
/y/youths.htm - 14k

Woods (37 Occurrences)
... the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled
forty-two of those youths. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). 2 Kings 19:23 ...
/w/woods.htm - 18k

Forty-two (15 Occurrences)
... name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled
forty-two of those youths. (WEB BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). 2 Kings ...
/f/forty-two.htm - 10k

Defied (20 Occurrences)
... Therefore Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has mauled him and slain him,
according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to him." (See NIV). ...
/d/defied.htm - 13k

Disobeyed (11 Occurrences)
... Therefore Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has mauled him and slain him,
according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to him." (See NAS RSV). ...
/d/disobeyed.htm - 10k

Mauling (1 Occurrence)

/m/mauling.htm - 6k

Maul (3 Occurrences)

/m/maul.htm - 8k

Boys (15 Occurrences)
... them in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled
forty-two of those youths. (See RSV). 2 Kings 4:1 Now ...
/b/boys.htm - 10k

Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about gangs? | GotQuestions.org

What is compatibilism? | GotQuestions.org

Mauled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus