Q&A: Why did God allow bears to kill 42 children for mocking Elisha? (2 Kings 2:23-24)

Winger says the Hebrew does not support "young children" — the text describes young thugs or young men, not small children. This is a common anti-Bible talking point that reads the passage in the worst possible light without examining the original language. The group was mocking Elisha, the prophet of God, and God allowed the bears to kill them in response. Winger says he has examined the Hebrew carefully and rejects the characterization of innocent children being killed.