Definition: And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Kings 1:5. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a king named Jehoshefiah who was being pursued by the Assyrian army. The Assyrians were a powerful, vast empire that ruled over many nations at the time. They were incredibly destructive and wanted to completely destroy Israel. What happened next? The Assyrian messengers (soldiers) came to Jehoshefiah’s palace and asked him why he was turning back. He responded with this: “And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?” Let's unpack it: “The messengers turned back…” This is key. It means that they – the Assyrian soldiers – were looking for something or someone. They were observing and investigating. “…he said unto them…” This indicates a direct, personal conversation between Jehoshefiah and the Assyrians. “Why are ye now turned back?” This is the core of the verse. It’s a question expressing confusion and perhaps a bit of surprise. The Assyrian soldiers were puzzled why the king was reversing course. What does it mean? The meaning behind this verse is layered, but here's what we can generally understand: They were watching: The Assyrians weren’t just looking for something; they were observing Jehoshefiah and his people. Jehoshefiah was confused: He wasn't sure why the soldiers were asking this question. It felt like a bit of an odd interruption. It suggests a potential threat: The verse hints that there might be something troubling or dangerous happening that is causing Jehoshefiah to reconsider his path. It’s a moment of uncertainty and perhaps a slight apprehension. In essence, this verse is a snapshot of a difficult situation – a king facing an unknown challenge. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from 2 Kings 1? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in terms of the larger context of the Bible?