| 2 KINGS |
| Explanatory Footnotes |
 |
| 2:12 An Obscure Compliment Elisha's last words to Elijah were obviously a compliment, but what did they mean? Most likely they referred to Elijah's power, indicating he was worth more to the nation of Israel than a company of chariots and horsemen. Interestingly, a king of Israel said these exact words to Elisha himself as he lay dying (13:14). 2:23 Background on the Bears At first reading, the brief account in these three verses is very troubling. A prophet calling on bears to maul children? But, in this instance, historical background and a precise translation help cast the event in a different light. Bethel was a hotbed of Baal worship, and its residents were engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the true prophets of God. When the youths called out, "Go on up, you baldhead!" they were likely referring to what had just happened to the prophet Elijah - they were calling for Elijah to vanish into the sky, or in other words, to die. Furthermore, the word translated youths usually refers to young people in their late teens. In actuality, a large gang of teenagers was threatening a prophet's life. Elisha cursed them, but there is no indication he actually called for a bear attack. 4:8 Elisha's Miracles Elisha had asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2:9), and the Bible pointedly records about twice as many miracles performed by Elisha. Many of these miracles, especially those in chapter 4, have great similarities to the miracles Jesus himself would later perform; they show God caring for the needs of ordinary people. Although Elisha was very famous in his own time, his name appears only once outside the book of Kings (Luke 4:27). In contrast, Elijah is often mentioned, and John the Baptist is frequently compared to him. |