Steven Carr

<a href="http://www.journalofbiblicalstudies.org/Issue1/Short_Study/beware_the_angry_prophet.htm" target="_blank">http://www.journalofbiblicalstudies.org/Issue1/Short_Study/beware_the_angry_prophet.htm</a>

is an interesting article on 2 Kings 2:23-25

Jayhawker Soule

Thanks. It is an interesting article.

kookiejar

I think it is interesting that they put the killing of the children squarely on Elisha's shoulders when it was his god that sent the bears.

cloudyphiz

very nice article steven, thanks for posting.

... if only KT were around to read it

-gary

Vinnie

Another article on that with differing ideas:

<a href="http://www.christian-thinktank.com/qmeanelisha.html" target="_blank">http://www.christian-thinktank.com/qmeanelisha.html</a>

madmax2976

Yes, different ideas indeed. Glen Miller answers all such biblical difficulties in much the same way as he does here.

He attempts to paint a picture of the victims in as poor a light as he can, usually based on very scant or even non-existent evidence. Then he proceeds on to show how the victims either "deserved" it or how it was the "best" action that could have been taken. He uses the same reasoning regarding the numerous acts of genocide described in the bible.

In other words, no matter what deed his deity committed, or condoned, Glen Miller would find a way to justify the action. If someone has such a presumption of innocence regarding the biblical deity, then it would be folly to argue with them concerning the questionable acts of that deity. They've already presumed what the conclusion must be - God is justified no matter what.

King Arthur

So, in other words, no one really seems to know exactly how to interpret these verses.

I still don't see a problem with a bunch of rowdies pickin' on 'ol Elijah. Makes more sense in the text to me than Elijah first doing a good miracle and then sending bears against a bunch of helpless kids.

Take 'yer pick. 6 'o one, half dozen 'o the other.

Cretinist

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Boro Nut

Helpless kids? A typical response based on only knowing half the story. It wouldn't hurt to do a bit more research before spouting off. Those same kids had plagued the neighbourhood for ages. Mrs Jamal was too scared to leave her house after they pushed her down and broke her zimmer twig. And there were numerous cases of them twocking donkeys and burning them out after goading the police into a high-speed chase. Consequently donkey insurance has gone through the roof, and hard working citizens just can't afford to ride the animal they want. They were always causing trouble, shotting stones and whatnot. And what did you get if you went out to remonstrate with them? A mouthful of abuse that's what, and threats that they would put your curtains through if you didn't mind your own business. Everybody is living in fear, although I admit that it is a stupid name for a village.

Where were their parents when they should have been in school anyway I'd like to know? Down the pub probably pissing the Giro away no doubt. Calling Elijah an old tosser was simply the last straw. They got everything they deserved, the little bastards.


Boro Nut

[ June 21, 2002: Message edited by: Boro Nut ]</p>