Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears ( 2023)

2023
Volume 32, Number 4

The prophet Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel poses a problem for some Bible readers. Elisha's curse and the subsequent she-bear attack seem excessive to critics. How could a prophet of God act with such cruel vengeance against mere children? Ted Bowling examines what the text of II Kings 2:23-24 actually relates versus what people assume it says.

Ready Answer
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
by Ted E. Bowling

The prophet Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel poses a problem for some Bible readers. Elisha's curse and the subsequent she-bear attack seem excessive to critics. How could a prophet of God act with such cruel vengeance against mere children? Ted Bowling examines what the text of II Kings 2:23-24 actually relates versus what people assume it says.

Ready Answer
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
by Ted E. Bowling

The prophet Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel poses a problem for some Bible readers. Elisha's curse and the subsequent she-bear attack seem excessive to critics. How could a prophet of God act with such cruel vengeance against mere children? Ted Bowling examines what the text of II Kings 2:23-24 actually relates versus what people assume it says.

Prophecy Watch
The Lamb of Revelation (Part One)
by David C. Grabbe

Nothing is as cute and innocent as a little lamb. When people think of Christ as a lamb, these attributes bleed over into their conception of the Son of God. Yet, in Revelation, we see a far different Lamb of God, one of wrath and judgment. David Grabbe focuses on an overlooked aspect of the lamb as a biblical symbol: as playing a significant role in redemption.

Prophecy Watch
The Lamb of Revelation (Part One)
by David C. Grabbe

Nothing is as cute and innocent as a little lamb. When people think of Christ as a lamb, these attributes bleed over into their conception of the Son of God. Yet, in Revelation, we see a far different Lamb of God, one of wrath and judgment. David Grabbe focuses on an overlooked aspect of the lamb as a biblical symbol: as playing a significant role in redemption.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Two):
Interpretations
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Traditionally, the modern church of God has taught that the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 are types of seven successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this a valid belief? Does the Bible support such an interpretation? Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how the church-eras interpretation compares to three other readings of these enigmatic letters.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Two):
Interpretations
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Traditionally, the modern church of God has taught that the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 are types of seven successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this a valid belief? Does the Bible support such an interpretation? Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how the church-eras interpretation compares to three other readings of these enigmatic letters.