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Given how this seems to be a favourite of the anti-Bible brigade, I decided to look at some commentaries. The following ones, in particular, seem interesting, not least because it delves into the Hebrew words used in the passage and how translations (particularly the KJV) might have got the message wrong:
http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/elishaBear.htm
http://www.stlukesrec.org/sermons99/18trin99.html
The key message being that the KJV wrongly translated the Hebrew word(s) for "young lad" into "little children". Elsewhere in the Bible, the same word is used to refer to Rehoboam when he ascended the throne of Israel - at the age of 41!
LH
Originally posted by lucifershammerThe age of the mockers doesn't matter. It is still unjust to condemn someone to death for a verbal taunt. The punishment doesn't fit the crime.
Given how this seems to be a favourite of the anti-Bible brigade, I decided to look at some commentaries. The following ones, in particular, seem interesting, not least because it delves into the Hebrew words used in the passage and how translations (particularly the KJV) might have got the message wrong:
http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/el ...[text shortened]... ord is used to refer to Rehoboam when he ascended the throne of Israel - at the age of 41!
LH
Originally posted by lucifershammerBoy there's sure a lot of "mistranslations" in the Bible; how can you have any confidence in any of it? Please find me ANY translation of the Bible that suggests that these weren't, at most, young teenagers: every version I can find uses the word "lads" or "youths" or "boys" - usually preceded by either "young" or "small" or "little". Those kids learnt a lesson not to call a guy "baldy", huh; maybe God has a bit of the hair loss himself and is a bit touchy!
Given how this seems to be a favourite of the anti-Bible brigade, I decided to look at some commentaries. The following ones, in particular, seem interesting, not least because it delves into the Hebrew words used in the passage and how translations (particularly the KJV) might have got the message wrong:
http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/el ...[text shortened]... ord is used to refer to Rehoboam when he ascended the throne of Israel - at the age of 41!
LH
Originally posted by lucifershammerthis is from the JPS
Given how this seems to be a favourite of the anti-Bible brigade, I decided to look at some commentaries. The following ones, in particular, seem interesting, not least because it delves into the Hebrew words used in the passage and how translations (particularly the KJV) might have got the message wrong:
http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/el ...[text shortened]... ord is used to refer to Rehoboam when he ascended the throne of Israel - at the age of 41!
LH
23
And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him: 'Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhead.'
24
And he looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of HaShem. And there came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tore forty and two children of them.
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Originally posted by frogstomp-Why she-bears and not just bears ?
this is from the JPS
23
And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him: 'Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhea ...[text shortened]... bears out of the wood, and tore forty and two children of them.
Maybe this aspect points us in the direction of a correct interpretation.
Originally posted by ivanhoeEverybody knows the gals are a lot meaner, esp. when they just woke up after "hibernating". I interpret it to mean that OT Monster God has an awful temper and I wouldn't want my 4 year old grandson around him. How do you interpret it, Ivanhoe?
-Why she-bears and not just bears ?
Maybe this aspect points us in the direction of a correct interpretation.
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Originally posted by kirksey957You stated more than once you are not on the debating forums to debate seriously but merely to amuse yourself and your friends.
It could be that God has wolfpack tendencies.
This way it is impossible to debate anything at all in a serious way.
Have fun with your friends.
I'll howl because debate is more or less impossible this way ..... and look how you and your friends will respond.
Hóóóóóóóóóóóóóówl ..........
Originally posted by ivanhoeWhat about that passage did you want to debate in a serious way?
You stated more than once you are not on the debating forums to debate seriously but merely to amuse yourself and your friends.
This way it is impossible to debate anything at all in a serious way.
Have fun with your friends.
I'll howl because debate is more or less impossible this way ..... and look how you and your friends will respond.
Hóóóóóóóóóóóóóówl ..........
What I said may seem callous to you , but I can assure you that God's wolfpack tendencies are nothing to be cavelier about. I simply said that perhaps God has some wolfpack tendencies. Why are you focusing on me instead of #1 who has clearly articulated this more vehemently than me?
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Originally posted by kirksey957I do not read all of No1's posts anymore.
What about that passage did you want to debate in a serious way?
What I said may seem callous to you , but I can assure you that God's wolfpack tendencies are nothing to be cavelier about. I simply said that perhaps God has some ...[text shortened]... ad of #1 who has clearly articulated this more vehemently than me?