To understand this very strange encounter, there are a couple of the words that we need to get a clear picture of.
The first is the word translated "youths" (NIV). The way we use this word in modern English indicates a kid. That is not the Hebrew word. In fact, this is the same word used in Genesis 41:46 describing Joseph and he is 30 years old at the time. So to try and understand these verses, we need to understand that we are reading about a gang of men, probably middle years rather than old. It is a large gang ... 42 of them are mauled and that seems to read as if that was not all of them.
The second word is the one translated "jeered" (NIV). This word is also translated "mocked" in the Old Testament. It is prideful derision. This is not an incidence of middle-school boys being stupid and name-calling. It is much more serious than that. Their words reek with rebellion. Their words echo blasphemy.
In the book of Habakkuk, God describes the Babylonians with these words ...
"that ruthless and impetuous people ... they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor ... they fly like a vulture swooping to devour ... they all come bent on violence ... they deride kings and scoff (our same word!) at rulers ... guilty men whose own strength is their god." (from Habakkuk 1: 6 - 11) These "youths" coming out against Elisha were not just teasing!
That helps me get a better sense of what is going on in these verses. And derision against Jehovah God will not go on forever. God stops this instance ... dramatically!
There is an interesting passage in Leviticus 26. The chapter is all about rewards for obedience and punishments for disobedience. Then tucked away in verses 21 - 22 ... "If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve. I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted." It proved very literal for these men!
Lessons for us? My attitude toward God MATTERS! There is no room in my heart for any seeds of disrespect or dishonor toward God. Now, take it further. My attitude toward God's people MATTERS! There is no room in my heart for any disrespect or dishonor toward God's people. That piece is harder, isn't it? What about those with whom you disagree? What about them? What about those you just don't like? What about them?
Close your reflection time today with 1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone:
Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
This leads me into prayer ... for forgiveness ... for wisdom ... for God's eyes and Spirit to direct my relationships with His people ... in all their variety of form and style ... in all their variety of opinion and thought! Join me?
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