One day, Elisha, a prophet of God, was walking up a path to the city of Bethel. Elisha loved God and did as God told him. As he walked, he thought of all the good things God had done.
But suddenly some cheeky boys came running out of the city. They stood before Elisha and laughed loudly. “Go away, you bald head! Go away!” they shouted mockingly. They made fun of Elisha and showed no respect.
Elisa stopped and looked at the boys seriously. He knew that they weren’t just mocking him—they were mocking God. That was not good! So Elisha spoke to them in God’s name.
Suddenly, two big bears came out of the forest! The cubs were frightened and ran away, but the bears ran after them. The boys realized that it was wrong to laugh at the prophet of God!
After that, Elisa moved on. God protected him, because Elisha did what pleased God.
Questions to think about
Why wasn’t it good for the boys to mock Elisha?
How can we treat other people with respect?
Message of history
God wants us to be kind and respectful to one another—especially to those who serve Him.
Bible passage
The story of Elisha and the bears is found in 2 Kings 2:23-25:
“And he went up from there to Bethel. And as he was going up the road, little boys came out of the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Come up, bald head.” Come up, bald head! Then he turned and looked at her, and cursed her in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the forest and tore 42 of the children to pieces. And he went from there to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.”
