Definition: And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly famous verse from the Book of Kings! It's a really rich and layered message. Here’s what it essentially means in plain language: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about King Josiah and his people. In ancient times, Josiah was trying to repent and rebuild his kingdom after a terrible tragedy – he had angered God with a wicked act. What happened next? God sent a vision to the prophet Elijah. Elijah told Josiah that they were lost, directionless, and facing a difficult path. He said, "Which way shall we go up?" Then, Josiah responds: “The way through the wilderness of Edom.” Let’s unpack what that means: “The Wilderness of Edom” : This is a really important place – it was a barren, desolate area in the east of Israel. It was considered a bad and unpromising place. “Through…” : This signifies a journey or path. “…the way…” : This means that they need to find a new direction, a new path, a new way forward. The Overall Meaning – A Message of Hope & Turning Back: The verse is essentially saying: "We need to change our course. We need to seek a better path, even if it’s difficult and involves some hardship." It's a call for repentance, a recognition that things aren't right, and a willingness to go beyond what was previously done. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that God doesn’t just reward those who follow perfectly; He also provides guidance when we stray from the righteous path. It suggests that even in difficult times, there's always an opportunity for renewal and a new direction to take. In short, it’s about acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and taking a new path towards righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like its historical significance)?