Verses often taken out of context or misused: 2 Kings 2:23–24
2 Kings 2:23–24 [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. (ESV)
I have heard multiple atheists use this verse to argue the idea that the God of the Bible is “petty” and not “good”. That He would kill kids for making fun of a man’s bald head. And when I first read this, I also was very confused about what was going on. I tackled this a year ago to lightly gain my own understanding of it. But I have been looking forward to studying it more to be able to confidently talk to those who pull this out as an attack on my God.
The scene of this passage is Elisha traveling from Jericho to Bethel having just recently become the successor of Elijah. When you start to break this down, it is fascinating. The KJV calls them children and the ESV boys. The Hebrew word can mean children, lads, youths but is primarily translated as “young men” in relation to age or immaturity. When we see that there was a mob of these young men (at least 42 of them) we start to understand that this is highly unlikely little children mobbing up like this, with the direct intent to mock a prophet of God. (Just picture at least 42 young people crowded together at your local mall, they would fill a whole hallway). We know that this was most likely malicious from knowing the culture of the time and the history of the city of Bethel. But also, we know it was malicious by what they were saying. “Go up” appears to be a mock to Elisha to go away just like Elijah just did recently ascending to heaven. The insult of “Baldhead” culturally was often used in the idea of contempt because lepers had to shave their heads.
Interestingly, an atheist who argues this passage will hold a moral standard towards God as some type of “child-murdering monster” (but they are often staunch supporters of abortion). This passage does not say that the young men were murdered but opponents often take it that way. I am sure maul/tore by a bear made its point though, with likely lifelong scars/damage. Even if they did die, this would not be God murdering these young men. It is a divine act of judgement according to the law. To mock a prophet of God is to mock God. Even so, God does not murder. He is the giver of life; He is also the only one who can justly take it when He wills. That we even live at all, is the mercy of God.
Romans 3:23 [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (ESV)
Do not take lightly attempting to mock God.
Galatians 6:7 [7] Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (ESV)
It is a challenging personal thought to take a hard look at our life and see if we are mocking God in any area.
Romans 14:10b–12 For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; [11] for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” [12] So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (ESV)
