Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Kings 2:19-25

"And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, we pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is bad, and the land miscarrieth. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast salt therein, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or miscarrying. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spake. And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young lads out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhead. And he looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Jehovah. And there came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two lads of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria." — 2 Kings 2:19-25 (ASV)

Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for its inhabitants, endeavoring to sweeten bitter spirits and make barren souls fruitful by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha.

It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and cities, sometimes have a new appearance through the preaching of the gospel; wickedness and evil have been changed into fruitfulness in the works of righteousness, which are, through Christ, to the praise and glory of God.

Here is a curse on the youths of Bethel, enough to destroy them; it was not a curse without cause, for it was Elisha, as God's prophet, whom they abused. They told him, “Go up,” alluding to Elijah's ascension into heaven. The prophet acted by Divine impulse. If the Holy Spirit had not directed Elisha's solemn curse, God's providence would not have followed it with judgment.

The Lord must be glorified as a righteous God who hates sin and will call it to account. Let young people be afraid of speaking wicked words, for God notices what they say. Let them not mock anyone for defects in mind or body; especially, it is at their peril if they scoff at anyone for doing good. Let parents who desire comfort in their children train them up well and do their utmost early to drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts.

And what will be the anguish of those parents, at the Day of Judgment, who witness the everlasting condemnation of their children, caused by their own bad example, carelessness, or wicked teaching!