Definition: Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master’s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king’s sons, [being] seventy persons, [were] with the great men of the city, which brought them up.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important passage from the Book of 2 Kings and it speaks about a very serious situation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where King Josiah is sending his sons to Jezreel (a city near Jerusalem) to bring him specific gifts and information. However, something unexpected happens – the sons of the king’s great men (leaders) arrive at the city. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then he wrote a letter the second time…” - This suggests there was an initial message sent before, but this is a follow-up, perhaps with more urgency or information. “…saying, If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master’s sons, and come to me by to morrow this time.” - This is the core of the message. “If you are mine” – it's a way of saying “I want you to obey me.” The verse then tells them what to do: "Take the heads of the men your master’s sons." This is a very specific and disturbing instruction. “…now the king’s sons, [being] seventy persons, [were] with the great men of the city, which brought them up.” – This clarifies who these “great men” are. They're leaders – officials – in the city. The fact that there were seventy of them suggests a significant group. It also tells us they were present with the King’s sons. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is about a serious transgression . The king is sending his sons to investigate something troubling. The fact that these sons are with the leaders suggests there's a problem that needs to be addressed and potentially, it’s connected to a larger crisis – perhaps involving idolatry or breaking God’s laws. The instruction to take the heads of the men’s sons is a clear indication that they’ve been found guilty of something significant. What does this tell us about Josiah? It suggests that Josiah is facing a challenge and needs to be proactive in dealing with it. It's a moment of heightened concern, and he’s sending his sons out to investigate the matter. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period this verse comes from? Discuss potential interpretations of what it might mean?