Why did God "kill" 42 lads merely for saying Elisha was bald?

"Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number" (2 Kings 2:23-24)

Why would God allow two bears to "kill" 42 young lads simply for saying Elisha was bald?

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Please carefully consider the text you quoted. It doesnt say God killed them. But at a period under the law,the command was,
Leviticus 19:32 You shall rise up before the hoary head and honor the face of the old man and [reverently] fear your God. I am the Lord.
The lads were not infants nor toddlers
23 He went up from Jericho to Bethel. On the way, [a]young [maturing and accountable] boys came out of the city and mocked him and said to him, Go up [in a whirlwind], you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!

Elisha lived under the law (when hardness of heart was provided for) hence he, like other OT saints, replied with a curse which took effect immediately. The lads knew better and had violated the law. Hence Elisha used his authority.

In the NT, hardness of heart has no place (hence Stephen still sought forgiveness for his killers)

He is a vampire
www.nairaland.com/2338294/must-read-why-how-became

OLAADEGBU:
Why did God kill 42 lads merely for saying Elisha was bald?

"Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number" (2 Kings 2:23-24)

Why would God allow two bears to kill 42 young lads simply for saying Elisha was bald?

God didn't kill them, Elisha did.

Don't judge the character of God by all the actions of His prophets.

1Cor 14v32 says; ...the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Meaning God gives His prophets some autonomy in the use of His authority. Meaning it is not everything a prophet does with his God-given authority that reflects the character of God in that situation.

When God gives you power and the authority to use His name with results, what you do will have results; even so that doesn't mean that what you did reflects the character of God. No it reflects the character of the prophet.

That's why there is a difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. You can have the gifts without the fruit. Gifts are given, fruits are grown. Not every prophet who had the gifts of the Spirit walked in it in proportionate measure of the fruit of the Spirit.

God told Moses to speak to the rock so water will come out. Moses in anger hit the rock with his staff (the symbol of his authority) and the water still gushed out. (Numbers 20v8-11)

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God. God was very displeased with Moses. (Numbers 20v12)

Elijah also called down fire at will on anyone who opposed him in the name of God. Yet when the disciples of Jesus asked Him to do the same; He rebuked them sharply and in no uncertain terms. (2Kings 1v9-12; Luke 9v54-55)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God; the communication of the character of God. He is the brigthness of God's glory and the express image of His person.

If you want to really know God; look at Him through the life and character of Christ; not just through the lens of everything His prophets did in His name.

The biblical patriachs, prophets, kings and saints did their best; within the limitations of the Adamic nature and of the old covenant. But only Christ embodies the true nature and character of God in man.

Have this context in mind when you read the scriptures.

God bless.

ayoku777:


God didn't kill them, Elisha did.

Don't judge the character of God by all the actions of His prophets.

1Cor 14v32 says; ...the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Meaning God gives His prophets some autonomy in the use of His authority. Meaning it is not everything a prophet does with his God-given authority that reflects the character of God in that situation.

When God gives you power and the authority to use His name with results, what you do will have results; even so that doesn't mean that what you did reflects the character of God. No it reflects the character of the prophet.

That's why there is a difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. You can have the gifts without the fruit. Gifts are given, fruits are grown. Not every prophet who had the gifts of the Spirit walked in it in proportionate measure of the fruit of the Spirit.

God told Moses to speak to the rock so water will come out. Moses in anger hit the rock with his staff (the symbol of his authority) and the water still gushed out. (Numbers 20v8-11)

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God. God was very displeased with Moses. (Numbers 20v12)

Elijah also called down fire at will on anyone who opposed him in the name of God. Yet when the disciples of Jesus asked Him to do the same; He rebuked them sharply and in no uncertain terms. (2Kings 1v9-12; Luke 9v54-55)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God; the communication of the character of God. He is the brigthness of God's glory and the express image of His person.

If you want to really know God; look at Him through the life and character of Christ; not just through the lens of everything His prophets did in His name.

The biblical patriachs, prophets, kings and saints did their best; within the limitations of the Adamic nature and of the old covenant. But only Christ embodies the true nature and character of God in man.

Have this context in mind when you read the scriptures.

God bless.

I'm Goshen360 and I co-sign this message!

ayoku777:


God didn't kill them, Elisha did.

Don't judge the character of God by all the actions of His prophets.

1Cor 14v32 says; ...the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Meaning God gives His prophets some autonomy in the use of His authority. Meaning it is not everything a prophet does with his God-given authority that reflects the character of God in that situation.

When God gives you power and the authority to use His name with results, what you do will have results; even so that doesn't mean that what you did reflects the character of God. No it reflects the character of the prophet.

That's why there is a difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. You can have the gifts without the fruit. Gifts are given, fruits are grown. Not every prophet who had the gifts of the Spirit walked in it in proportionate measure of the fruit of the Spirit.

God told Moses to speak to the rock so water will come out. Moses in anger hit the rock with his staff (the symbol of his authority) and the water still gushed out. (Numbers 20v8-11)

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God. God was very displeased with Moses. (Numbers 20v12)

Elijah also called down fire at will on anyone who opposed him in the name of God. Yet when the disciples of Jesus asked Him to do the same; He rebuked them sharply and in no uncertain terms. (2Kings 1v9-12; Luke 9v54-55)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God; the communication of the character of God. He is the brigthness of God's glory and the express image of His person.

If you want to really know God; look at Him through the life and character of Christ; not just through the lens of everything His prophets did in His name.

The biblical patriachs, prophets, kings and saints did their best; within the limitations of the Adamic nature and of the old covenant. But only Christ embodies the true nature and character of God in man.

Have this context in mind when you read the scriptures.

God bless.

NICE! I Thank God this piece you posted there.

plappville:


NICE! I Thank God this piece you posted there.

I don catch you today.... So you don come out of hiding right?

Bien sûr, vous et la famille se portent bien dans le Seigneur

Goshen360:


I don catch you today.... So you don come out of hiding right?

Bien sûr, vous et la famille se portent bien dans le Seigneur

Éh oui mon frère, ça fait longtemps. La famille se porte tres bien merci, et toi? Je viens juste de t’ envoyé un message dans ta boite mail.

Salut au nom de Seigneur.

ayoku777:


God didn't kill them, Elisha did.

Don't judge the character of God by all the actions of His prophets.

1Cor 14v32 says; ...the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Meaning God gives His prophets some autonomy in the use of His authority. Meaning it is not everything a prophet does with his God-given authority that reflects the character of God in that situation.

When God gives you power and the authority to use His name with results, what you do will have results; even so that doesn't mean that what you did reflects the character of God. No it reflects the character of the prophet.

That's why there is a difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. You can have the gifts without the fruit. Gifts are given, fruits are grown. Not every prophet who had the gifts of the Spirit walked in it in proportionate measure of the fruit of the Spirit.

God told Moses to speak to the rock so water will come out. Moses in anger hit the rock with his staff (the symbol of his authority) and the water still gushed out. (Numbers 20v8-11)

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God. God was very displeased with Moses. (Numbers 20v12)

Elijah also called down fire at will on anyone who opposed him in the name of God. Yet when the disciples of Jesus asked Him to do the same; He rebuked them sharply and in no uncertain terms. (2Kings 1v9-12; Luke 9v54-55)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God; the communication of the character of God. He is the brigthness of God's glory and the express image of His person.

If you want to really know God; look at Him through the life and character of Christ; not just through the lens of everything His prophets did in His name.

The biblical patriachs, prophets, kings and saints did their best; within the limitations of the Adamic nature and of the old covenant. But only Christ embodies the true nature and character of God in man.

Have this context in mind when you read the scriptures.

God bless.

God didnt,Elisha did .on whose authority and power?

Scholar8200:
Please carefully consider the text you quoted. It doesnt say God killed them. But at a period under the law,the command was,
Leviticus 19:32 You shall rise up before the hoary head and honor the face of the old man and [reverently] fear your God. I am the Lord.
The lads were not infants nor toddlers
23 He went up from Jericho to Bethel. On the way, [a]young [maturing and accountable] boys came out of the city and mocked him and said to him, Go up [in a whirlwind], you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!

Elisha lived under the law (when hardness of heart was provided for) hence he, like other OT saints, replied with a curse which took effect immediately. The lads knew better and had violated the law. Hence Elisha used his authority.

In the NT, hardness of heart has no place (hence Stephen still sought forgiveness for his killers)

This is why your answer doesn't work:

Punishment for violating the law in the OT was by stoning to death. Here is an example of a rude wayward child.

Deut 21

18 If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him,19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town.20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”21 Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death.You must purge the evilfrom among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

Assumimg these boys violated the law, then they should have died by stoning. But this wasn't anything in connection to the law. Elisha with the support and assistance from God ordered bears to tear those lads because they (Elisha and God) chose to.

Second reason is because the lads weren't Jews, and the law could not have had effect on them. Rom 3:19 says the Law speaks to those under it. And Rom 4:16 says where there's no law, there is no sin. Hence, the lads were innocent in that aspect as they were not under the Jewish law. If we are to base on what the law says, then God and Elisha killed innocent kids.

ayoku777:


God didn't kill them, Elisha did.

Don't judge the character of God by all the actions of His prophets.

1Cor 14v32 says; ...the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Meaning God gives His prophets some autonomy in the use of His authority. Meaning it is not everything a prophet does with his God-given authority that reflects the character of God in that situation.

When God gives you power and the authority to use His name with results, what you do will have results; even so that doesn't mean that what you did reflects the character of God. No it reflects the character of the prophet.

That's why there is a difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. You can have the gifts without the fruit. Gifts are given, fruits are grown. Not every prophet who had the gifts of the Spirit walked in it in proportionate measure of the fruit of the Spirit.

God told Moses to speak to the rock so water will come out. Moses in anger hit the rock with his staff (the symbol of his authority) and the water still gushed out. (Numbers 20v8-11)

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God. God was very displeased with Moses. (Numbers 20v12)

Elijah also called down fire at will on anyone who opposed him in the name of God. Yet when the disciples of Jesus asked Him to do the same; He rebuked them sharply and in no uncertain terms. (2Kings 1v9-12; Luke 9v54-55)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God; the communication of the character of God. He is the brigthness of God's glory and the express image of His person.

If you want to really know God; look at Him through the life and character of Christ; not just through the lens of everything His prophets did in His name.

The biblical patriachs, prophets, kings and saints did their best; within the limitations of the Adamic nature and of the old covenant. But only Christ embodies the true nature and character of God in man.

Have this context in mind when you read the scriptures.

God bless.

Your point can be summarized like this:

Meaning a prophet can use the authority God gave Him in a wrong attitude and it will still have results. Yet that doesn't reflect the character of God

There are, also, instances where God refused to answer His prophets' prayers because they were not in line with His will:

Elijah prayed that he might die. God had much more work for Elijah to do so it was not in God's will for Elijah to die at that time. In the end Elijah didn't die but was caught up into heaven by a whirlwind. 1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2: 11

Jonah prayed that God would take his life as it was better to die than to live. God did not answer his prayer probably in line with Eccl 3, "for there is a time to die and we must wait for God's timing not ours." Also, Jonah had yet to accomplish the work God sent him to do. Jonah 4:3.

King Zedekiah prayed for help in defeating Nebuchadnezzar. God's answered that He would not help because of the many sins of Israel. Jeremiah 21:2

The disciples James and John with their mother requested the highest rank in the kingdom Jesus was to establish. Jesus' answer was that this position was not His to give. But, they first were to be servants of one another before greatness would be given them. Mark 10:34-45.

Jesus prayed, "May this cup be taken from me." He also prayed, "Your will be done." It was the Father's will that Jesus drink the cup of suffering for the sins of the world. Matthew 26:36-46; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9; 12:2,3; 13:12,13.

Paul prayed that his "thorn in the flesh" be removed. Paul's thorn was not removed, so that Christ would be glorified, not himself, and to keep him from becoming proud. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So there were instances where God refused to carry out the request of His prophets, and that was, imperatively, because there were negative, which shows that God has the final say over a request. The same should have been done in the case with Elisha's. But God supported him, and killed 42 lads because they called Elisha baldhead (which was even the fact)

Pr0ton:


Your point can be summarized like this:



There are, also, instances where God refused to answer His prophets' prayers because they were not in line with His will:

Elijah prayed that he might die. God had much more work for Elijah to do so it was not in God's will for Elijah to die at that time. In the end Elijah didn't die but was caught up into heaven by a whirlwind. 1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2: 11

Jonah prayed that God would take his life as it was better to die than to live. God did not answer his prayer probably in line with Eccl 3, "for there is a time to die and we must wait for God's timing not ours." Also, Jonah had yet to accomplish the work God sent him to do. Jonah 4:3.

King Zedekiah prayed for help in defeating Nebuchadnezzar. God's answered that He would not help because of the many sins of Israel. Jeremiah 21:2

The disciples James and John with their mother requested the highest rank in the kingdom Jesus was to establish. Jesus' answer was that this position was not His to give. But, they first were to be servants of one another before greatness would be given them. Mark 10:34-45.

Jesus prayed, "May this cup be taken from me." He also prayed, "Your will be done." It was the Father's will that Jesus drink the cup of suffering for the sins of the world. Matthew 26:36-46; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9; 12:2,3; 13:12,13.

Paul prayed that his "thorn in the flesh" be removed. Paul's thorn was not removed, so that Christ would be glorified, not himself, and to keep him from becoming proud. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So there were instances where God refused to carry out the request of His prophets, and that was, imperatively, because there were negative, which shows that God has the final say over a request. The same should have been done in the case with Elisha's. But God supported him, and killed 42 lads because they called Elisha baldhead (which was even the fact)

All the examples you gave here are for when people prayed to God and God declined. This is different from when people use the authority or gift God gave them in a way contrary to God's character.

There is a difference between a scenario of you coming to me and saying, Ayo, give me a gun I want to kill my boss. And I will tell you no I won't give you.

And another scenario where I give you a gun for your protection and you use it at your liberty to kill your boss.

Elisha did not pray to God to curse the children; Elisha cursed them in the name of the Lord. And it was done. One of the perks of authority is a level of autonomy.

When God makes you something or gives you something, He doesn't always impose His will on you over your choice of how you use what He made you or gave you. He gives you autonomy in the use of that gift or authority. And depending on your own spiritual maturity in the fruit of the Spirit, you can use or abuse the gift or authority.

God made David King and gave him the throne; but was it God that made David sleep with Beersheba and kill Uriah her husband?

No, that was all David, abusing his God-given authority as a king. God even rebuked David for that.

It was God that gave Solomon wisdom and made him rich above all the kings of the earth. But was it God that made him have 700 wives and 300 concubines?

No, that wasn't God; that was all Solomon, abusing the riches.

This principle is true for all forms of God-given authority. Spiritual or supernatural authority, positional or leadership authority and financial or material authority.

God does not always impose His own will on His servants on how they use the authority He gives them. That's why those servants can sometimes misuse or abuse the gifts by using it in a wrong attitude or character that doesn't reflect that of God.

To say that everything a servant of God does with his God-given authority is done by God or reflects the character of God, is a very ignorant statement and a very presumptive conclusion.

That opinion presumes that what God gives you can only be used how God wants you to use it and for what He wants you to use it. And that God-given gifts and authority cannot be misused or abused. That is so untrue scripturally.

To know the Father, look at the Son -Jesus Christ the Word of God; the communication of the character of the Father. He is the true reflection of the nature of God. That's why He said,

John 14v9 -...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;

God bless.

Pr0ton:


This is why your answer doesn't work:

Punishment for violating the law in the OT was by stoning to death. Here is an example of a rude wayward child.

Deut 21

18 If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him,19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town.20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”21 Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death.You must purge the evilfrom among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

Assumimg these boys violated the law, then they should have died by stoning. But this wasn't anything in connection to the law. Elisha with the support and assistance from God ordered bears to tear those lads because they (Elisha and God) chose to.

Second reason is because the lads weren't Jews, and the law could not have had effect on them. Rom 3:19 says the Law speaks to those under it. And Rom 4:16 says where there's no law, there is no sin. Hence, the lads were innocent in that aspect as they were not under the Jewish law. If we are to base on what the law says, then God and Elisha killed innocent kids.

The incident recorded took place between Jericho and Bethel (Jericho was one of the first place conquered by Joshua while Bethel was part of the lands given to Abraham hence the command to Jacob,"go up to Bethel" hence those lads were of the tribe of Israel. Stoning was the means but if that was not done, the wages of sin, death, will come some other way. Absalom was another rebellious kid who died not by stoning(he was too charismatic to have been stoned by those whose heart he stole) , but the deserved retribution of his actions caught up with him.

Pr0ton:


There are, also, instances where God refused to answer His prophets' prayers because they were not in line with His will:

Elijah prayed that he might die. God had much more work for Elijah to do so it was not in God's will for Elijah to die at that time. In the end Elijah didn't die but was caught up into heaven by a whirlwind. 1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2: 11

Jonah prayed that God would take his life as it was better to die than to live. God did not answer his prayer probably in line with Eccl 3, "for there is a time to die and we must wait for God's timing not ours." Also, Jonah had yet to accomplish the work God sent him to do. Jonah 4:3.

There is a world of difference between supplication and commanding with authority. The former is directed to God, the latter is directed to creatures.

King Zedekiah prayed for help in defeating Nebuchadnezzar. God's answered that He would not help because of the many sins of Israel. Jeremiah 21:2

This was a king; supplication was involved.

The disciples James and John with their mother requested the highest rank in the kingdom Jesus was to establish. Jesus' answer was that this position was not His to give. But, they first were to be servants of one another before greatness would be given them. Mark 10:34-45.

Another supplication/requesting from the Lord; not a command based on authority.

Jesus prayed, "May this cup be taken from me." He also prayed, "Your will be done." It was the Father's will that Jesus drink the cup of suffering for the sins of the world. Matthew 26:36-46; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9; 12:2,3; 13:12,13.

Another supplication to God. He commanded the demons to come out, the waves to be still and it thus happened-that was authority!

Paul prayed that his "thorn in the flesh" be removed. Paul's thorn was not removed, so that Christ would be glorified, not himself, and to keep him from becoming proud. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Also supplication. The handkerchiefs from the body of the same Paul drove out unclean spirits; the devils acknowledged,"Jesus I know, Paul I know" They recognised his authority through Christ such that even aprons from him terrorised them (the devils).

So there were instances where God refused to carry out the request of His prophets, and that was, imperatively, because there were negative, which shows that God has the final say over a request.

Those, like you have rightly noted were requests not command by authority.

The same should have been done in the case with Elisha's. But God supported him, and killed 42 lads because they called Elisha baldhead (which was even the fact)

Elisha did not plead with God to kill them; he cursed them by his authority as a prophet. When Moses, disobeying God's express command, struck the Rock instead of speaking to it, water still came out but he was judged for misused authority.

Nice thread and happy to read some of the older handles again. May God have mercy on us all.

OLAADEGBU:
Why did God kill 42 lads merely for saying Elisha was bald?

"Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number" (2 Kings 2:23-24)

Why would God allow two bears to kill 42 young lads simply for saying Elisha was bald?

... because he (god) has poor judgement just like most men that lived 2000 years ago.

Your main question should be: How did just two bears kill 42 (!) young boys? Were they all crippled?

The authors of the Bible are the masters of all liars!

theAtheist101:


... because he (god) has poor judgement just like most men that lived 2000 years ago.

Your main question should be: How did just two bears kill 42 (!) young boys? Where they all crippled?

The authors of the Bible are the masters of all liars!

That is it o, i have once asked this question. Nobody is even first minding the plausibility of that fairy-tale..

Deductive intuition shows the two bears can only pounce on two boys at a given time or four at most. . what were the other 40boys doing when the bears first pounced on the first two boys? They formed a line and waited for their turn

theAtheist101:


... because he (god) has poor judgement just like most men that lived 2000 years ago.

Your main question should be: How did just two bears kill 42 (!) young boys? Where they all crippled?

The authors of the Bible are the masters of all liars!

Elisha did not primarily call for bears;he cursed them! That's where the issue is. Why would Balak go all out to get Balaam to curse Israel b4 confronting them in battle, in spite of the fact that they were inexperienced, liberated slaves? The curse was to bring them to a point of chronic vulnerability. The same thing here.

johnydon22:

That is it o, i have once asked this question. Nobody is even first minding the plausibility of that fairy-tale..

Deductive intuition shows the two bears can only pounce on two boy at a given time or four at most. . what were the other 40boys doing when the bears first pounced on the first two boys? They formed a line and waited for their turn

Lol!!!!!

Scholar8200:
Elisha did not primarily call for bears;he cursed them! That's where the issue is. Why would Balak go all out to get Balaam to curse Israel b4 confronting them in battle, in spite of the fact that they were inexperienced, liberated slaves? The curse was to bring them to a point of chronic vulnerability. The same thing here.

So the curse made them stand in line while two bears came out from the bush and mauled them one after the other.?

Scholar8200:
Elisha did not primarily call for bears;he cursed them! That's where the issue is. Why would Balak go all out to get Balaam to curse Israel b4 confronting them in battle, in spite of the fact that they were inexperienced, liberated slaves? The curse was to bring them to a point of chronic vulnerability. The same thing here.

What did the curse inflict? Be careful not add your own thoughts to the Bible! Then how vulnerable were the children that they watched how just two bears killed 1, then 2, 3,..., 41 of them. The boys are even in a better position to kill the bears with either stones or sticks, since they had an edge in numbers.

johnydon22:


So the curse made them stand in line while two bears came out from the bush and mauled them one after the other.?

Not necessarily stand in line? Female animals have a seemingly stronger version of ferocity; the uproar and confusion caused should also be considered. Also note that the lads were more than 42, others managed to escape. Besides, the bears did not go after them as a result of hunger, they were mainly to kill. Moreover, if you consider the fact that a curse operates like letting loose the hordes of hell against a person(s), you will realise that this was not an act carried out in the zoo, but a wild, petrifying commotion that leaves vulnerable people at a disadvantage.

Scholar8200:
Not necessarily stand in line? Female animals have a seemingly stronger version of ferocity; the uproar and confusion caused should also be considered. Also note that the lads were more than 42, others managed to escape. Besides, the bears did not go after them as a result of hunger, they were mainly to kill. Moreover, if you consider the fact that a curse operates like letting loose the hordes of hell against a person(s), you will realise that this was not an act carried out in the zoo, but a wild, petrifying commotion that leaves vulnerable people at a disadvantage.

So you are meaning to tell me that you actually believe 2 bears can kill 42 boys. . .

theAtheist101:


What did the curse inflict? Be careful not add your own thoughts to the Bible! Then how vulnerable were the children that they watched how just two bears killed 1, then 2, 3,..., 41 of them. The boys are even in a better position to kill the bears with either stones or sticks, since they had an edge in numbers.

If the highlighted be true then it further explains why some of them died: they thought they could fight back. They were more than 42. A wild commotion is known to immobilise some weak ones who are run over by their fellows trying to flee.

johnydon22:


So you are meaning to tell me that you actually believe 2 bears can kill 42 boys. . .

Yes.If you consider the scenario very well. The way you used the phrase,"standing in line" suggests that you visualize the situation as a sober, orderly queue of offenders,each patiently waiting for his turn! Have you heard of fear that petrifies its victims?(And this was worse in a commotion.) Remember, a curse exposes its victim to demonic operations chief of which is fear.

Scholar8200:
If the highlighted be true then it further explains why some of them died: they thought they could fight back. They were more than 42. A wild commotion is known to immobilise some weak ones who are run over by their fellows trying to flee.

They thought, so you say. No need to argue without proof. I am coming back with a mathematical analysis of the two possible outcomes.

Scholar8200:
If the highlighted be true then it further explains why some of them died: they thought they could fight back. They were more than 42. A wild commotion is known to immobilise some weak ones who are run over by their fellows trying to flee.

First the story in 2 Kings 2:23-25 never stipulated the number of kids allegedly calling Elisha baldy. . . Am sure we all know you actually are the one assuming a higher number so as to throw in the commotion saga.

2.) Their is no way 2 bears can maul 42 boys even if there was a commotion unless of course the bears possessed the speed of light making them able to kill faster than normal.

Scholar8200:
Yes.If you consider the scenario very well. The way you used the phrase,"standing in line" suggests that you visualize the situation as a sober, orderly queue of offenders,each patiently waiting for his turn! Have you heard of fear that petrifies its victims?(And this was worse in a commotion.) Remember, a curse exposes its victim to demonic operations chief of which is fear.

I used the language standing in line to show the blatant implausibility of the story.. their is no way 42kids will stand and watch bears take them up to the count of 42.

@bolded. . . really and 42boys were petrified somehow, am sure you forgot to add parasympathetic reflex, that can induce an escape in dire danger without the individual being fully aware of how he managed to escape.

Even the speed of light is not a enough to give two bears ability to kill 42 kids in a strike. .

johnydon22:


First the story in 2 Kings 2:23-25 never stipulated the number of kids allegedly calling Elisha baldy. . . Am sure we all know you actually are the one assuming a higher number so as to throw in the commotion saga.

2.) Their is no way 2 bears can maul 42 boys even if there was a commotion unless of course the bears possessed the speed of light making them able to kill faster than normal.

Let me quote the op
When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number This shows 42 of a larger number.

Scholar8200:
Let me quote the op
When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up f[b]orty-two lads of their number[/b] This shows 42 of a larger number.

42 of them in this case could mean 42/43, 42/44, 45,46,47 and so on. . . we are not provided with that information on how many they were maybe to give room to assumptions like you are employing now.

It is clear with deductive intuition that even if there was a commotion, 2 bears cannot maul 42boys in a strike. . .not even 5 or 8 but 42?? WTF

johnydon22:


I used the language standing in line to show the blatant implausibility of the story.. their is no way 42kids will stand and watch bears take them up to the count of 42.

@bolded. . . really and 42boys were petrified somehow, am sure you forgot to add parasympathetic reflex, that can induce an escape in dire danger without the individual being fully aware of how he managed to escape.

Even the speed of light is not a enough to give two bears ability to kill 42 kids in a strike. .

Consider the unusual state of creatures when they are under preternatural influences just like the bears that were actually stirred by the same forces after the curse was declared:
1. Acts 19:14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
This is one man (under preternatural influence) against 7 full grown men.

2. Luke 8:33
Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.