4:1 sons of the prophets. See note 1 Kin. 20:35.

my two children to be his slaves. The Mosaic law allows taking children as bond servants (or slaves) for a limited period of time (Ex. 21:2, 7; Lev. 25:39–46; Deut. 15:12–18). Unfortunately, this provision was often abused (Neh. 5:5–8; Jer. 34:8–22; Amos 2:6; 8:6).