The anger of Elisha, a prominent prophet in the Old Testament, is a significant aspect of his ministry and character. Elisha, the successor of Elijah, is known for his miracles and his role as a prophet during the reigns of several kings of Israel. His anger is notably recorded in the context of his prophetic ministry, reflecting his zeal for God's holiness and justice.

Incident with the Mocking Youths

One of the most well-known instances of Elisha's anger is found in 2 Kings 2:23-25. After Elijah's ascension into heaven, Elisha traveled to Bethel. As he was on his way, a group of youths came out of the city and mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23). This taunt was not merely an insult to Elisha's physical appearance but a challenge to his prophetic authority and a mockery of Elijah's ascension.

Elisha's response was swift and severe. He turned around, looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Consequently, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). This incident underscores the seriousness with which God regards the respect due to His prophets and the authority they carry.

Elisha's Anger at Jehoram

Another instance of Elisha's anger is recorded in 2 Kings 3. When the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom sought Elisha's counsel in their campaign against Moab, Elisha expressed his disdain for King Jehoram of Israel. He said, "What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother" (2 Kings 3:13). Elisha's anger was rooted in Jehoram's continuation of the idolatrous practices of his parents, Ahab and Jezebel.

Despite his anger, Elisha agreed to seek the LORD's guidance because of the presence of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, whom he respected. This incident highlights Elisha's commitment to God's righteousness and his unwillingness to compromise with those who persist in idolatry.

Elisha's Zeal for God's Honor

Elisha's anger is not portrayed as a personal vendetta but as a reflection of his zeal for God's honor and the purity of Israel's worship. His actions serve as a reminder of the seriousness of mocking God's messengers and the importance of upholding God's standards. Elisha's anger, therefore, is an expression of divine justice and a call to repentance for those who stray from God's ways.

Throughout his ministry, Elisha demonstrated a profound commitment to God's truth, often confronting sin and idolatry with boldness. His anger, as recorded in these biblical accounts, serves as a testament to his role as a prophet who upheld the holiness and authority of God in a time of widespread apostasy in Israel.