Definition: And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the Book of 2 Kings. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is Watching: The verse begins with God observing something happening in Jericho – a city that was growing strong and prosperous. They Return to Him: A group of people, likely led by the king of Jericho, return to God, seeking his blessing or guidance. He Says "Did I not say..." This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t just saying “No.” He's saying, “I told you to go away.” What It Means – A Deeper Look: This verse speaks about a warning from God. It’s like he’s telling them that they were warned before, and now they’re going back to him again. Here are some possible interpretations: A Previous Warning: God has given them a warning in the past – perhaps about a dangerous situation or a mistake they’ve made. He's reminding them of this warning. They Were Ignoring Him: The king and his people were likely not listening to God’s instructions, and their actions are now causing trouble. A Reminder of Consequences: God is reminding them that their disobedience will have consequences. He's acknowledging that they've strayed from the path he has set for them. The Significance & Context: This verse is part of a larger story about God’s judgment and purification of his people. It’s often interpreted as a prelude to the devastating destruction of Jericho and its inhabitants – a significant event in the Old Testament. In short, it's a reminder that God isn't just concerned with their happiness, but also with their obedience and actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse relates to other stories or events in the Bible?