And as they sat at the table may be rendered “While they were eating the meal together.” Contemporary English Version says “During the meal.”

The word of the LORD came to [someone] is a common Old Testament expression, meaning that God had inspired someone to speak his words to people.

The prophet who had brought him back refers to the older prophet who had brought the younger man from Judah back to his house.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .