Definition: And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that [were] there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned [them] upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 23:16. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage about a king’s actions and the consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Josiah was King: We know this because of a prophecy that came before the event. He Found a Burial Site: Josiah, who was recently king, discovered a large burial site in the mountains. It was filled with bones – human bones. He Ordered Destruction: He then ordered the bones to be taken out and burned on an altar. This was done deliberately as a sign of repentance and atonement for a serious offense committed by his ancestors. What's Happening - A Symbolic Explanation: The verse is symbolic, but it speaks about Josiah’s actions being a very significant turning point in the history of Israel. Here’s what it means: “As Josiah turned himself…” : This suggests this wasn't just a random act; it was a deliberate and serious decision made by him. “…he spied the sepulchres…” : He saw the burial sites, which were places where people had been buried. “…and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres…” : He actively removed the remains from these graves. "...and burned [them] upon the altar..." : This is the crucial part. He burned them – literally, he set them on fire. This was a symbolic act of cleansing and atonement. It meant acknowledging the wrongdoing of his family and seeking forgiveness. "...and polluted it, according to the word of the man of God…” : The burning wasn't just a physical act; it also had a spiritual significance. It was done as a sign that Josiah was taking responsibility for his ancestors’ sins and was trying to cleanse the land. The Overall Message: This verse is a warning about the importance of repentance, accountability, and seeking forgiveness. It highlights that even when a king makes mistakes or acts wrongly, there's a need to acknowledge those actions and make amends through atonement (burning the evidence of wrongdoing). Important Note: It’s important to remember this passage is part of a larger context within the Old Testament. The story involves a previous king who committed terrible sins that led to Josiah’s actions. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect of the verse? For example: What does "sepulchres" mean? Why was this burning symbolic?