Definition and Context:
The term "baldhead" appears in the Bible in the context of a narrative involving the prophet Elisha. It is used as a term of mockery and disrespect by a group of youths. The term itself refers to a person who is bald, but in the biblical context, it carries a deeper significance related to respect for God's anointed prophets and the consequences of irreverence.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to "baldhead" is found in 2 Kings 2:23-24. The passage describes an incident shortly after Elisha succeeds Elijah as a prophet. As Elisha travels to Bethel, a group of youths comes out of the city and mocks him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23). This taunt is not merely about Elisha's physical appearance but is an expression of contempt for his prophetic authority.

Significance:
In the ancient Near Eastern culture, baldness could be seen as a sign of shame or humiliation, often associated with mourning or disease. However, the mockery directed at Elisha is more about challenging his role as a prophet. The phrase "Go up" likely alludes to Elijah's recent ascension to heaven, suggesting that the youths are questioning Elisha's legitimacy and power as Elijah's successor.

Divine Response:
Elisha's response to the mockery is significant. He turns around, looks at the youths, and calls down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Subsequently, two bears come out of the woods and maul forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). This severe consequence underscores the seriousness of disrespecting God's chosen representatives. It serves as a divine vindication of Elisha's prophetic authority and a warning against irreverence.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the incident highlights the importance of respecting God's messengers. Prophets in the Old Testament were not only conveyors of God's word but also symbols of His presence and authority among His people. Disrespect towards them was tantamount to disrespect towards God Himself. The narrative reinforces the principle that God defends His servants and that there are consequences for those who scorn His appointed leaders.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The event takes place during a time when Israel was divided and often strayed from the worship of Yahweh. Prophets like Elisha played a crucial role in calling the people back to faithfulness. The mockery by the youths can be seen as indicative of the spiritual state of the nation, where reverence for God and His prophets was waning.

Lessons for Today:
The account of Elisha and the mocking youths serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who are called to spiritual leadership. It also illustrates the broader biblical theme of God's protection over His servants and the seriousness with which He regards the treatment of His representatives.1. (n.) A person whose head is bald.

2. (n.) A white-headed variety of pigeon.

7142. qereach -- bald
... 7141, 7142. qereach. 7143 . bald. Transliteration: qereach Phonetic Spelling:
(kay-ray'-akh) Short Definition: baldhead. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7142.htm - 6k

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... reality devoid of life! Is not Zeus the Baldhead worshipped in Argos; and
another Zeus, the avenger, in Cyprus? Do not the Argives ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... The children that mocked Elisha by calling out Baldhead, are devoured by wild beasts,
as those who in childish folly scoff at Christ crucified on Calvary are ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Baldhead (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Baldhead (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 2:23 He went up from
there to Bethel. ... Go up, you baldhead!" (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/baldhead.htm - 6k

Bald (12 Occurrences)
... to him, "Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!" (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV
DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord ...
/b/bald.htm - 11k

Lads (20 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/l/lads.htm - 12k

Beth-el (65 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/b/beth-el.htm - 27k

Youths (28 Occurrences)
... As he was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him,
and said to him, "Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!" (WEB YLT NIV). ...
/y/youths.htm - 14k

Jeered (2 Occurrences)
... As he was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him,
and said to him, "Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!" (See RSV NIV). ...
/j/jeered.htm - 7k

Bald-head (1 Occurrence)
Bald-head. Baldhead, Bald-head. Baldness . Multi-Version Concordance Bald-head
(1 Occurrence). ... (WBS YLT). Baldhead, Bald-head. Baldness . Reference Bible
/b/bald-head.htm - 6k

Baldy (1 Occurrence)
... As he was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him,
and said to him, "Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!" (WEB). ...
/b/baldy.htm - 6k

Mocked (40 Occurrences)
... him, and said to him, "Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!" (WEB KJV
JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that ...
/m/mocked.htm - 18k

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

Baldhead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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