Topical Bible: Scorning and Mocking: Children at Bethel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The incident involving the children at Bethel is a significant biblical narrative that highlights themes of disrespect, divine authority, and the consequences of mocking God's appointed servants. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 2:23-25 and involves the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as a prophet in Israel.

Biblical Account

The account begins with Elisha traveling from Jericho to Bethel. As he approached Bethel, a group of youths came out of the city and began to mock him. The Berean Standard Bible records their taunts: "Get out of here, baldy! Get out of here, baldy!" (2 Kings 2:23). This mocking was not merely a jest about Elisha's physical appearance but a profound act of disrespect towards a prophet of God.

Cultural and Historical Context

Bethel, at this time, was a center of idolatrous worship, having been established as such by Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The city was known for its deviation from the worship of Yahweh, and the behavior of the youths can be seen as reflective of the spiritual state of the community. Their scornful behavior towards Elisha, a representative of God's authority, underscores the broader cultural rejection of divine truth and order.

Divine Judgment

In response to the mockery, Elisha turned around, looked at them, and pronounced a curse in the name of the LORD. The BSB states, "Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths" (2 Kings 2:24). This severe judgment serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views the mocking of His messengers. It underscores the principle that disrespect towards God's appointed leaders is ultimately an affront to God Himself.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this narrative illustrates the holiness and authority of God, as well as the respect due to those He appoints. The incident at Bethel serves as a warning against the dangers of scorning and mocking divine authority. It reflects the biblical principle that God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7) and that there are consequences for those who choose to do so.

Lessons for Believers

For believers, the account of the children at Bethel is a call to honor and respect God's representatives and to recognize the seriousness of mocking or scorning what is sacred. It encourages a posture of reverence towards God and His word, reminding the faithful of the importance of upholding the dignity of those who serve in His name. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the broader spiritual battle between truth and rebellion, calling believers to stand firm in their faith and respect for divine authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:23
And he went up from there to Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said to him, Go up, you bald head; go up, you bald head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The merchant who sets out for foreign lands "leaves his possessions to his
children"for fear of lions and Asiatics.". ** Thutmosis III. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm