Definition: And the men of his city, [even] the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, [and] as it [was] written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 21:11. It's a really important and complex passage about a woman named Jezebel and her impact on King David. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: This verse describes how Jezebel, a powerful woman who had been banished from her homeland, used manipulative tactics to try and undermine King David. Essentially, she was trying to control him and his kingdom. Let's unpack the details: “And the men of his city…” : This refers to the leaders and influential people in King David’s city – probably a prominent position of power and influence. “…even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city.” : This highlights that Jezebel wasn't just talking to everyone; she was targeting those with authority and status within the city. "...did as Jezebel had sent unto them, [and] as it [was] written in the letters which she had sent unto them.” This is the core of the message. It’s saying that Jezebel specifically instructed these people to do something. And this instruction was recorded in a letter that she wrote before she left. What did Jezebel send? The key part here is that Jezebel sent letters to these leaders, essentially instructions for them to act in a certain way – likely to undermine David and his rule. These letters contained specific demands and warnings. What does it mean in context? This verse paints a picture of a deeply troubled situation: Jealousy and Manipulation: Jezebel was driven by jealousy and a desire for power. She used her influence to try and control David, possibly because she felt threatened by his growing popularity or ambition. Disruption of Order: Her actions were designed to disrupt the established order of the city and King David’s kingdom. She aimed to weaken him and make him vulnerable. Important Note: This verse is a bit tricky because it uses phrases like "as it was written" – meaning that this instruction was part of a larger pattern or strategy Jezebel had planned. It suggests a cycle of manipulation and resistance. In short, this verse describes Jezebel’s efforts to undermine David's authority through manipulative letters, aiming to destabilize his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this story might be interpreted in a broader context (like the story of the Bible)?