2 Kings 2:23

And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

And he went up {H5927} from thence unto Bethel {H1008}: and as he was going up {H5927} by the way {H1870}, there came forth {H3318} little {H6996} children {H5288} out of the city {H5892}, and mocked {H7046} him, and said {H559} unto him, Go up {H5927}, thou bald head {H7142}; go up {H5927}, thou bald head {H7142}.

Elisha left to go up to Beit-El. As he was on his way up the road, some boys came out of the town and began making fun of him. "Go on up, baldy! Go on up, baldy!"

From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, โ€œGo up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!โ€

And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young lads out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhead.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic ascension of Elijah into heaven and the transfer of his prophetic mantle to Elisha. Elisha, now the leading prophet in Israel, was traveling from Jericho to Bethel. Bethel was a historically significant place, associated with Jacob's vision (Genesis 28:19), but by this time, it had become a notorious center for idolatry and calf worship established by King Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:29). The behavior of the "little children" reflects the spiritual decline and irreverence prevalent in the city, where respect for God's prophets was clearly lacking.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disrespect for Divine Authority: The primary theme is the profound disrespect shown towards Elisha, a newly established prophet of God. Their mocking words were not merely personal insults but a direct challenge to the divine authority he carried, especially so soon after God had publicly affirmed him by taking Elijah.
  • Testing of a New Prophet: This incident serves as an immediate test of Elisha's prophetic anointing and the Lord's backing. It sets the stage for God's swift vindication of His servant's authority.
  • Spiritual Condition of the Community: The youths' behavior, particularly their brazenness, points to the general spiritual decay and irreverence within Bethel, a city deeply entrenched in idolatry. Such public mockery of a prophet suggests a community that had turned away from the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "little children" is ne'arim qetannim (ื ืขืจื™ื ืงื˜ื ื™ื). While "little children" might suggest toddlers, the term ne'arim often refers to youths or young men, old enough to be morally accountable for their actions. For instance, Joseph was called a na'ar at seventeen (Genesis 37:2). Their repeated taunt, "Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head," was likely a sarcastic reference to Elijah's recent ascension into heaven. They were essentially mocking Elisha's prophetic claim and perhaps challenging him to "go up" and disappear like Elijah, implying he was not a true prophet or that his God was powerless.

Practical Application

While the severe judgment that follows this verse (2 Kings 2:24) is specific to its historical context and God's dealings with Israel, the underlying principles remain relevant. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • Respect for God's Anointed: It underscores the seriousness of disrespecting God's chosen servants or His Word. Mocking those who represent God can be seen as mocking God Himself.
  • Consequences of Irreverence: It highlights that irreverence and open defiance towards sacred things or divine authority can have significant consequences.
  • Parental and Community Responsibility: The behavior of these youths implicitly points to the importance of raising children in reverence for God and spiritual matters. A community's spiritual health often reflects in the attitudes of its younger generation.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16 (10 votes)

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Job 19:18 (4 votes)

    Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.

  • Job 30:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ But now [they that are] younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

  • Psalms 31:18 (3 votes)

    Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

  • Hebrews 11:36 (2 votes)

    And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

  • Genesis 21:9 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

  • Amos 7:13 (2 votes)

    But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.