The Old Testament was written for our learning (Romans 15:4). What a curriculum the Old Testament can be for those of us on this side of the cross. Such a valuable lesson comes to us from 2 Kings. Let’s set the backdrop before we approach.
Elijah the prophet had been translated into Heaven by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Elisha’s request of a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was granted. Elisha crossed back over the Jordan River, heading toward Jericho. The sons of the prophets met Elisha and requested a search for Elijah’s body, which after three days was not found (2 Kings 2:16-18). Elisha purified the waters of Jericho and headed for Bethel, where he met some young men. Those 42 young men began to mock Elisha, saying, “…Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head” (2 Kings 2:23b).
The Hebrew word used here is a generic term that can encompass anyone from an infant to a mature man—the context being the deciding factor. This term was used of Joseph when he was 30-years-old (Genesis 41:12). This term was used of Joshua when he was 45 (Exodus 33:11). Thus, given the context, these young men were certainly not innocent little boys.
Now given the location of this event, Bethel, it is not surprising that a prophet of God would meet with insult. Bethel was one of the two cities where Jeroboam had set up a golden calf (1 Kings 12:32). It is no surprise, then, that God’s Word, God’s prophet and God’s authority would come under scrutiny there. Note what they said, “Go up, thou bald head…” Baldness was a sign of mourning for ancient Israel (Isaiah 22:12; Jeremiah 7:29; 16:6), so they may have been poking fun at Elisha for mourning Elijah’s exit. Also, ancient Israel was not to shave one’s head as the nations around them did (Deuteronomy 14:1).
It may also simply be that Elisha was bald, and they were making fun of him for that. We may not know exactly why they used this derision, but it certainly was in fact a way to undermine a prophet of God. Of course, God had the last word as always, and the Bible declares that Elisha, “…turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them” (2 Kings 2:24).
With that backdrop, let’s notice 3 lessons of great importance. Firstly, there is the lesson of powerful sovereignty! This was not just an insult against Elisha, but against God! When God’s faithful people are insulted and distressed, it is as though God Himself is being insulted. Jesus affirmed that Saul’s persecution of the church was a persecution of Jesus Himself (Acts 9:4-5). When the people rejected Samuel, they were rejecting God Almighty (1 Samuel 8:7). God takes persecution of His faithful people very personally!
Secondly, there is the lesson of parental responsibility! Obviously raising these children in an idolatrous place affected them negatively! Especially in a wicked environment, parents must be even more diligent to counteract evil influences! While we cannot remove our children from the world (Romans 12:1-2), we must work extra hours to make sure they are trained properly (Deuteronomy 6:7ff; Ephesians 6:1-4; Proverbs 22:6).
Thirdly, there is the lesson of personal accountability! There is a time when a young person does not have personal accountability before God yet. However, there comes a time when young people become accountable! The text makes it abundantly clear that these young men were accountable. Not their parents, not their religious leaders (serving Baal), not the government (Ahaziah), not Elisha and not their neighbors! There comes a time when young people must “man up” and assume accountability for themselves. Don’t make excuses, such as, “I had a bad home life,” “I was not taught properly,” “I have had a streak of bad luck,” “People have mistreated me” or “The church’s hypocrites made me behave like this.” Young people, listen carefully: You alone determine your outcome in this life!
The textbook of the Old Testament is filled with lessons to encourage our walk with God. Even young people must heed the authority of a Sovereign God! The words of the wise man sum it up well, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
