2 Kings 2 Footnotes

2:5 The “sons of the prophets” were not literal sons but metaphorical ones, that is, disciples.

2:12 The “chariots and horsemen” refer to the divine army that had come for Elijah and that would also be Israel’s defense. Later, the Prophet Elisha was so strongly committed to God’s purposes that Joash the king used the same expression at Elisha’s death (13:14). Elisha “tore” his clothes, which was a common expression of grief upon the death of a loved one.

2:23 The Hebrew phrase for “small boys” refers to adolescents from twelve to thirty years old (see 1Sm 20:35; 1Kg 3:7; 11:17). It is unlikely that these youths were younger than twelve years old. Many readers and commentators are uncomfortable with the idea that God would hold children accountable for their actions with such severe judgment. But many of God’s judgments upon Israel also affected children as well as their parents. Keep in mind that Bethel was the center of Jeroboam’s idolatrous worship. Disrespect for God’s prophet is disrespect for the Lord. A strong message was sent to the city and parents.

2:24 “Cursed” in Hebrew means “to call for divine judgment” from the Lord. Elisha did not use vulgar language or invoke a magical spell. The number “forty-two” implies there were more who escaped the bears. With such a large number, there is reason to believe there could have been some threat to Elisha. The Hebrew word for “mauled” means “to tear to pieces.” It is likely that some, if not all, died, but the word allows for some ambiguity.