Definition: And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and [there was] a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets [were] sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 4:38. It's a really strange and unsettling passage in the Bible, and it speaks to a significant crisis happening in Israel during King Jezreel’s reign. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Story: A Drought is Happening: The verse immediately tells us there’s a severe drought plaguing the land. This is a major problem for the people, and it's causing hardship. The Sons of the Prophets Are Sitting Before Him: This is the key part. Elisha, a prophet, is speaking to King Jezreel (who was the king at this point). He’s telling him that the sons of the prophets – those who serve the king – are gathered before him, looking frustrated and displeased. “Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets”: This is where it gets bizarre. Elisha instructs his servant to do something incredibly strange: “Set on the great pot…” – He’s giving a specific task – he needs to pour a large amount of pottage (a type of stew) into a large pot. “…and seethe pottage”: This is the crucial part. “Seethe” means to boil or simmer, but it's used here in a very symbolic way. The verse suggests that the pottage is becoming bitter and unpleasant – perhaps due to despair, anger, or even something darker. It’s like the stew is turning sour. What Does It Mean? This passage is generally interpreted as a sign of spiritual imbalance and impending disaster. Here's a possible interpretation: Discontent & Disillusionment: The drought symbolizes a deeper problem – perhaps a lack of faith, a broken relationship with God, or a general sense of disappointment in the king’s rule. The sons of the prophets are feeling neglected and unheard. A Catalyst for Rebellion: Elisha's action is a warning. It suggests that if these people don't find some way to address their grievances and feel hope again, it could lead to rebellion and chaos. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in biblical history. There have been various interpretations over the centuries! It’s often seen as a symbolic representation of a larger, potentially catastrophic situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss potential interpretations of this passage within the context of biblical history? Compare it to other stories or events in the Bible?