Definition: And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 2:7. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the story! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a very dramatic and unsettling part of the Book of Judges. It describes a group of men, likely prophets, being sent to investigate something very strange. What’s Happening: “And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went…” : We know this group is comprised of people who were previously trusted by God and tasked with leading his people. They were known for their duty and perhaps even a bit of rebellion against God's will. “…and stood to view afar off:” : They were standing very far away, looking out over a vast area – likely the Jordan River valley. It suggests a significant distance and a sense of observation. “And they two stood by Jordan.” : This is the crucial part. There are two men who stand specifically by the Jordan River. The Significance & Possible Interpretations: This is where it gets intriguing. Traditionally, this verse has been interpreted in several ways: A Warning: Many believe this was a warning to the people of Israel to be careful and watchful – perhaps about a future threat or danger coming from the area around the Jordan River. A Symbolic Representation: Some scholars think it’s symbolic. The two men might represent two figures who were observing something significant, possibly a hidden event or a secret. The Jordan itself could symbolize a flowing river of truth or destiny. Why is it important? It's a crucial moment in the story because it sets the stage for the events that follow – specifically, the story of the prophet Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab and Jezebel. This verse highlights the tension between the people’s trust in God and the potential for something darker or more mysterious to be happening. In short: This verse tells us of a group of prophets being sent to look at something important, specifically near the Jordan River, and that two men were standing by it as a marker or observation point. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a particular interpretation of this verse in more detail?