Definition: Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a pretty important passage in the Bible, and it speaks about a time when Jewish people were rebuilding their city in Jerusalem after a period of rebellion. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: A Rebellion: Back in ancient times, there was a group of Jews who refused to follow God's laws and returned to a life of lawlessness and rebellion against the King. They were essentially fighting against what they believed was right. They Come Up: These rebellious Jews started returning to Jerusalem, and this time, they were a large group. Building Something…Badly: They began building a new city – a “rebels’ city” – in the center of Jerusalem. This city was designed to be a place of oppression and hardship for everyone. Walls and Foundations: They built enormous walls around this city, essentially creating a fortress-like environment. And they also started constructing foundations (the base) for these walls. Putting it All Together – What's the Message? This verse is telling us that these rebuilt Jewish people were deliberately trying to create a place of misery and control. They weren’t just rebuilding; they were building a city designed to oppress others, and this was a sign of their continued defiance against God. Key Takeaway: It's a warning about the dangers of refusing to follow God's laws and returning to a life of rebellion. It’s a reminder that resisting God can lead to terrible consequences. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what it might mean in terms of spiritual lessons?