# killed them, they would start to seek him

When some of them died, others would "start to seek" God.

# to seek him

to ask him what they needed to do so he would protect them (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])

# would return

"would repent" or "would be truly sorry for their sins"

# look earnestly

"look urgently" or "look as best they could"