MPV Commentary

Elisha Heals the Waters.

20. Elisha instructed them to bring him a fresh container and fill it with salt. This action was symbolic of his accompanying word from the Lord, which would heal the spring. However, even if salt had such purifying properties, it would not be enough to cleanse an entire spring in a single day or for all time.

23-24. As news of Elisha's miracle spread, young men from the city emerged, mocking him and his master's translation. They sarcastically urged Elisha to follow in Elijah's footsteps, implying that he was foolish to think he could succeed where his predecessor had failed. The term "bald head" was a derogatory expression used in the East to belittle someone, even if they had a full head of hair. God intervened with a severe judgment to vindicate Elisha as His newly appointed prophet.