Definition: Then he said, What title [is] that that I see? And the men of the city told him, [It is] the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after King Josiah has been executed by his own people. He’s been accused of breaking God’s laws – particularly regarding worship. The men of the city, led by a man named “Silas,” are worried and report that the body of this king – who was from Judah (a region in Israel) – is buried in a sepulcher (a burial container). They tell Josiah that the king died doing something wicked against an altar dedicated to God. What it Means - A Layered Explanation: “Then he said, What title [is] that that I see?” This is a bit tricky. It's not about him naming something. He’s acknowledging that he has witnessed something shocking and confusing. Think of it like this: he’s saying, "I don't understand what I’m seeing." “And the men of the city told him, [It is] the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah…” This explains what he saw. The king was buried in a tomb – a place for burial. But this tomb belonged to a man who was from Judah. “…and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.” This is the core of the message. The men are telling him that he defiled an altar dedicated to God. Specifically, they say he did something wrong on the altar at Bethel – a place built for worship. Overall Significance: This verse paints a picture of profound sin and disrespect. It suggests: A Serious Offense: Josiah's actions were seen as a grave transgression against God. Disrespect for Sacred Places: The act of desecrating the altar was considered a major violation of religious law. A Warning: It’s a warning to those in power – to be careful not to upset God and his people. Important Note: This passage is a bit mysterious, and there's some debate among scholars about its exact meaning. It suggests a period of significant moral decline within Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context (when was this event happening)?