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attention.^143 For although the exceeding danger from bears, especially when irritated,
is frequently referred to in Scripture,^144 and the large number (forty-two) slain, not
eaten, by the two she-bears, indicates how many youths had combined to go forth for
the purpose of mocking Elisha, yet so extensive a calamity from such a cause was so
unusual and must have spread such wide mourning as to draw universal attention to
the ministry of Elisha.
We can scarcely suppose that Elisha tarried in Bethel. In pursuance of his object
publicly to declare himself the successor of Elijah, he passed on to Mount Carmel,
where Elijah had been during the latter part of his ministry, and thence returned to
Samaria to be in readiness for his work.
(^)