In this destruction of the wicked children there is more evidently implied than is here related. If we look into the book of the Chronicles, and compare what is there said with what, from this book of the Kings, we learn of the present despised and low estate of the church, we shall discover that to such a degree of contempt was the Lord's cause now held by Israel, that the scoffing at God's servants was in common practice. Here the Lord was pleased to show his abhorrence by this awful judgment on the children. It is not said that they were killed, but torn. Perhaps, however, in many instances, if not in all, death might follow. 2 Chronicles 36:16.
Related Commentaries of 2 Kings 2:23
2 Kings 2:23-25
23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: 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 bald head; go up, thou bald head.
24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
25 And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.