Topical Bible: Wicked Children: Punishment of, For: Mocking of a Prophet

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In the biblical narrative, the punishment of wicked children, particularly for their disrespect and mockery of God's appointed prophets, is a theme that underscores the seriousness with which God regards the honor due to His messengers. This is vividly illustrated in the account of Elisha and the youths of Bethel.

Biblical Account: 2 Kings 2:23-24

The incident involving the prophet Elisha serves as a primary example of divine retribution against disrespectful behavior towards a prophet. As Elisha was traveling from Jericho to Bethel, a group of youths came out of the city and mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23). This taunt was not merely a jest about Elisha's appearance but a profound disrespect towards his prophetic office and, by extension, towards God Himself.

In response to their mockery, Elisha turned around, looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Subsequently, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). This severe punishment highlights the gravity of their offense and serves as a divine vindication of Elisha's prophetic authority.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this account emphasizes the sanctity of God's chosen representatives and the expectation of reverence towards them. The punishment meted out to the youths is a stark reminder of the consequences of irreverence and the importance of respecting those who speak on behalf of God. It reflects the biblical principle that God will not tolerate contempt for His word or His messengers.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The narrative also serves as a moral lesson on the importance of instilling respect for spiritual authority in children. It underscores the responsibility of parents and communities to teach the younger generation the value of honoring those who are called to serve God. The severe nature of the punishment serves as a deterrent against flippant or disrespectful attitudes towards spiritual leaders.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, respect for elders and authority figures was a foundational societal value. The mockery of Elisha by the youths of Bethel can be seen as a breach of this cultural norm, further exacerbating the seriousness of their offense. The incident reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of rebellion and disrespect within the covenant community.

Conclusion

The account of Elisha and the mocking youths serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence for God's messengers. It illustrates the biblical principle that God defends His prophets and upholds the honor of His name against those who would scorn it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:23,24
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 Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... of the retributions for vengeance on the wicked. ... proud, lawless, lascivious, abusers
of children and beasts ... And after their punishment shall have come from the ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm

Acts ii. 14
... the hearts of the fathers to the children. ... of Jerusalem; [137] that intolerable
punishment: of which I ... will miserably destroy those wicked husbandmen" (Matthew ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v acts ii 14.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... blood be on us, and on our children!""all behold ... The wicked receive their recompense
in the earth.(1169) They ... His punishment is to be far greater than that ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... His blood be on us, and on our children!""all behold ... The wicked receive their recompense
in the earth. ... His punishment is to be far greater than that of those ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

God's People Delivered.
... lord of the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In the sin and
punishment of those ... end of heaven to the other." Little children are borne by ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Wo unto the wicked, it shall ... be men or children, the greater sin, the greater punishment;
'For there ... what shall we little children do?[10]"A. Either go on in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

God's People Delivered
... lord of the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In the sin and
punishment of those ... end of heaven to the other." Little children are borne by ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Shameful Sufferer
... shame of everlasting contempt to which wicked men awake ... have some called kings on
earth, children of Nimrod ... There are other forms of capital punishment in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the shameful sufferer.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... to the town, the country was so wicked and the ... thereof, he told his wife and children
that he had ... might somewhat seem to soften their severe punishment, as the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... as I am appointed to take the punishment of their ... has never been sin, nor yet a wicked
opinion of God. ... against God, and against His chosen children, that where ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm