Friends, as I was re-reading the story of Elijah's departure to heaven I was given a clue. The book of 2 Kings, chapter 2, describes the journey made by Elijah and Elisha that last day they spent together. It is interesting that the sons of the prophets, both in Beth-el and Jericho, knew Elijah was going to be leaving that day, as did Elisha. After Elijah departed in the whirlwind Elisha went back to Beth-el, where he was mocked by the little children who came out of the city.

 

   23And 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. 24And 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.

 

    Apparently they were mocking him because he was bald headed, but they also taunted him to "go up". I wondered immediately if there was a connection between the bald head and the symbol of the US, the bald eagle. Elisha then cursed the children in the name of the Lord and then two bears came running out of the woods and tore up 42 children. Do the bears have a symbolic reference to Russia, perhaps as in a two-pronged attack coming upon Israel, possibly represented by the children of Beth-el, who mocked the US? Why the specific number of 42? Does this relate to the 42 months of tribulation to follow?

    These events happened AFTER Elijah departed, representing the rapture of the Bride, and before the 42 months. These are some thoughts I am throwing out which may encourage some of you to delve a little deeper into what I believe are some big clues. I do not have all the answers, but I know some of you numbers guys might find something worthwhile in this.