2 Chronicles 34:27

KJV

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because thine heart {H3824} was tender {H7401}, and thou didst humble {H3665} thyself before {H6440} God {H430}, when thou heardest {H8085} his words {H1697} against this place {H4725}, and against the inhabitants {H3427} thereof, and humbledst {H3665} thyself before {H6440} me, and didst rend {H7167} thy clothes {H899}, and weep {H1058} before {H6440} me; I have even heard {H8085} thee also, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants - you humbled yourself before me, tore your clothes and cried before me - I have also heard you,' says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

because thy heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and hast humbled thyself before me, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 34:27 records the Lord's compassionate and affirming response to King Josiah's profound humility and genuine repentance. Upon hearing the words of the newly discovered Book of the Law, Josiah's heart was deeply moved, leading him to tear his clothes and weep in sincere contrition over the nation's sin and the impending divine judgment. This verse highlights God's unwavering attentiveness and mercy toward an individual who humbly acknowledges His word and submits to His authority, even amidst the dire consequences pronounced upon a rebellious people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the dramatic discovery of the "Book of the Law" during the Temple repair ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). Upon hearing its contents, which detailed the covenant stipulations and the severe curses for disobedience, Josiah's reaction was immediate and visceral: he tore his clothes ([2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")) as a sign of profound grief and repentance. He then sent a delegation, including the high priest Hilkiah, to inquire of the Lord through the prophetess Huldah ([2 Chronicles 34:20-22](/2_chronicles/34-20 "2 Chronicles 34:20-22 - Josiah Seeks the Lord")). Verse 27 is God’s direct, personal message to Josiah, delivered through Huldah, acknowledging and affirming the king's sincere response before reiterating the national judgment in the subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 34:23-28](/2_chronicles/34-23 "2 Chronicles 34:23-28 - Huldah's Prophecy to Josiah")). This divine affirmation serves as a crucial turning point, validating Josiah's reforms and setting the stage for the covenant renewal described in [2 Chronicles 34:29-33](/2_chronicles/34-29 "2 Chronicles 34:29-33 - Josiah's Covenant Renewal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah ascended the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight ([2 Chronicles 34:1](/2_chronicles/34-1 "2 Chronicles 34:1 - Josiah's Early Reign")), inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and moral decay due to the long reigns of his wicked predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. The discovery of the Book of the Law (widely believed to be a significant portion of Deuteronomy) occurred around the eighteenth year of his reign, during a period of extensive Temple purification and restoration. The text of the Law, particularly its pronouncements of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), would have been a shocking revelation to a people largely ignorant of God's covenant demands. Josiah's act of rending his clothes and weeping was a deeply ingrained cultural expression of extreme distress, grief, and repentance in the ancient Near East, signifying a broken spirit and a complete surrender to the severity of the situation. This public display underscored the authenticity and depth of his personal contrition in the face of God's revealed truth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Authentic Repentance and Humility**. Josiah's "tender heart" and repeated acts of humbling himself, rending clothes, and weeping are presented as the antithesis of the hardened hearts characteristic of Judah's apostasy. This genuine contrition stands in stark contrast to mere outward religious observance, emphasizing that God values an inward posture of submission and sorrow over sin, as seen in [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Responsiveness to Sincerity**. God's declaration, "I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD," assures Josiah that his repentance has been fully acknowledged and accepted. This demonstrates God's character as one who is attentive and merciful to those who genuinely turn to Him, consistently responding to a humble plea, as promised in passages like [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God Dwells with the Contrite"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Personal Grace Amidst Corporate Judgment**. While the judgment against Jerusalem and its inhabitants is affirmed due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience, God grants Josiah a personal reprieve, promising that he would be gathered to his fathers in peace and not see the disaster ([2 Chronicles 34:28](/2_chronicles/34-28 "2 Chronicles 34:28 - God's Promise to Josiah")). This demonstrates that individual faithfulness and repentance can bring personal protection and peace, even when a nation faces the consequences of its corporate sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tender (Hebrew, _rakh'_):** The Hebrew word רַךְ (*rakh*) literally means "soft," "tender," "gentle," or "yielding." When applied to the heart, as it is here, it signifies a heart that is pliable, sensitive, and receptive to God's word and Spirit, rather than being hardened, stiff-necked, or resistant. This quality allowed Josiah to be deeply affected by the Law's message of judgment, enabling a genuine response of repentance. It contrasts sharply with the spiritual callousness that often characterizes those who reject divine truth.
* **Humble thyself (Hebrew, _kana'_)**: The Hebrew verb כָּנַע (*kana'*) means "to bow down," "to be subdued," "to be brought low," or "to be submissive." Its repeated use ("didst humble thyself before God" and "humbledst thyself before me") emphasizes the profound and voluntary nature of Josiah's submission. This was not a forced or superficial act but a deep, internal acknowledgment of his own unworthiness and God's sovereign authority and righteous judgment. It speaks to a posture of abasement and self-abasement before the Almighty.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_)**: The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (*shama'*) means "to hear," "to listen," "to obey," or "to understand." In this context, when God declares, "I have even heard [thee] also," it signifies more than just auditory perception. It implies divine attentiveness, acknowledgment, and a favorable response. God not only perceived Josiah's outward expressions of grief but also understood and accepted the sincerity of his inward repentance, demonstrating His active engagement with those who turn to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thine heart was tender,"**: This clause identifies the foundational internal disposition that characterized Josiah's response. His heart was not hardened by sin or pride but was receptive and sensitive to God's word, making him capable of genuine spiritual understanding and emotional distress. This tender heart was the prerequisite for his subsequent actions.
* **"and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof,"**: This part describes Josiah's initial act of humility, directly linking it to his hearing of God's severe pronouncements against Judah and Jerusalem. His humbling was a direct, immediate, and appropriate response to the terrifying reality of divine judgment revealed in the Law. It signifies a profound reverence for God's word and a recognition of its authority and truth.
* **"and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me;"**: This clause reiterates Josiah's humility, now explicitly stating it was "before me" (the Lord), and details the outward manifestations of his inward contrition. Rending clothes was a conventional sign of extreme grief, despair, or repentance, while weeping further underscored the depth of his sorrow and brokenness over the sin of his people and the impending judgment. These were not performative acts but genuine expressions of a deeply moved soul.
* **"I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD."**: This is God's direct, affirming declaration. The phrase "I have even heard [thee] also" emphasizes that God has taken full notice of Josiah's sincere repentance. It is a divine assurance that his actions have been accepted and that his plea for mercy, though not explicitly stated in the text, has been acknowledged. This statement serves as the divine validation of Josiah's humble response, promising a personal reprieve despite the broader national judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** of the phrase "didst humble thyself" (or variations of "humbledst thyself") powerfully underscores the central theme of Josiah's contrition and submission, emphasizing its depth and sincerity. This repeated action highlights the voluntary and profound nature of his spiritual posture. **Symbolism** is evident in the acts of "rending thy clothes" and "weeping," which are universally recognized ancient Near Eastern gestures of profound grief, distress, and repentance. These physical actions serve as outward manifestations of an inward, spiritual brokenness and sorrow over sin. The entire verse functions as a form of **Direct Discourse**, as it is presented as the very words of the Lord spoken through the prophetess Huldah. This direct address lends immense authority and weight to the divine affirmation, making God's response immediate and personal to Josiah. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** drawn between Josiah's "tender heart" and the hardened, idolatrous hearts of the majority of the people of Judah, which is the very reason for the impending judgment. This contrast highlights Josiah's unique spiritual sensitivity and righteousness in a corrupt generation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's character as one who is merciful, attentive, and responsive to genuine humility and repentance. It teaches that while God is just and will bring judgment upon sin, His ear is always open to the contrite heart. Josiah's personal reprieve amidst national judgment underscores the principle of individual accountability and God's willingness to extend grace to those who turn to Him, even when corporate consequences are inevitable. This divine responsiveness is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating that God delights in mercy and seeks genuine relationship over mere ritual. It affirms that true repentance, marked by a tender heart and humble submission to God's word, is the pathway to divine favor and peace.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God Dwells with the Contrite")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humility Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's response to God's word in 2 Chronicles 34:27 provides a timeless blueprint for our own spiritual lives. It challenges us to cultivate a "tender heart" that remains sensitive and receptive to the Holy Spirit's promptings and the truths of Scripture, rather than allowing our hearts to become hardened by the cares of the world or the deceitfulness of sin. When God's Word exposes our shortcomings, reveals His will, or pronounces judgment on sin, our most appropriate and blessed response is not defensiveness or indifference, but humble submission, genuine sorrow, and a turning away from our own ways. Josiah's tears and rending of clothes were not just outward displays but reflections of a deep, internal brokenness before God. This passage reminds us that God does not merely observe our external actions but discerns the sincerity of our hearts. He is faithful to hear and respond to those who genuinely humble themselves before Him, offering grace, forgiveness, and peace even in the face of daunting circumstances. Our humility is not a weakness but the very posture through which God's strength and mercy can flow into our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might your heart be hardened or resistant to God's word?**
* **What does genuine humility look like in your daily walk with God, beyond outward expressions?**
* **How does knowing that God "hears" a tender and humble heart encourage you in prayer and repentance?**
* **Are there specific "words against this place" (your community, nation) that God is speaking today, and how are you responding?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for a heart to be "tender" in biblical terms?**

Answer: In biblical terms, a "tender" heart (Hebrew: *rakh*) signifies a heart that is soft, pliable, and sensitive to God's word and His Spirit. It is the opposite of a "hardened" or "stiff-necked" heart, which is resistant, rebellious, and unresponsive to divine truth. Josiah's tender heart allowed him to be deeply convicted by the Book of the Law, leading to genuine repentance and submission. This spiritual sensitivity is highly valued by God, as it enables individuals to hear, understand, and obey His will, as seen in [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is Near the Brokenhearted").

**What was the "Book of the Law" that Josiah heard, and why was its discovery so impactful?**

Answer: The "Book of the Law" discovered during the Temple repairs ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")) is widely identified by scholars as a portion, if not the entirety, of the book of Deuteronomy. Its discovery was profoundly impactful because its contents, particularly the covenant curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), revealed the extent of Judah's apostasy and the severe judgment that was due. The people, including the king, had largely forgotten or ignored God's covenant requirements. Hearing these words brought a shocking realization of their national sin and the imminent divine wrath, prompting Josiah's immediate and desperate repentance.

**How could God grant Josiah personal peace while still affirming judgment on Judah?**

Answer: God's response to Josiah demonstrates a crucial biblical principle: while corporate sin often leads to corporate judgment, God also deals with individuals based on their personal response to Him. Josiah's profound humility and genuine repentance set him apart from the general spiritual condition of Judah. Because he personally humbled himself and sought God's face, God extended a personal promise of peace, ensuring that Josiah would be "gathered to his fathers in peace" and would not live to see the full extent of the disaster that would befall Jerusalem ([2 Chronicles 34:28](/2_chronicles/34-28 "2 Chronicles 34:28 - God's Promise to Josiah")). This illustrates God's justice in judging national sin, combined with His mercy and grace towards the repentant individual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Josiah's tender heart, profound humility, and the divine response to his repentance in 2 Chronicles 34:27 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Josiah, a righteous king, humbled himself before God's word, recognizing the just wrath due to sin, and through his intercession and personal righteousness, he secured a measure of peace for himself and a delay of judgment for Judah. This foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of a "tender heart" and perfect humility, declaring Himself "gentle and humble in heart" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle and Humble Heart")). Unlike Josiah, who merely delayed judgment, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and ultimate act of humility on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")), fully bore the wrath of God for the sins of humanity. He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Atonement")). God "heard" Christ's perfect sacrifice and accepted it as the atonement for sin, securing not just a delay, but eternal peace and reconciliation for all who humble themselves and believe in Him ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Christ")). Thus, Josiah's experience points us to the Lamb of God, whose ultimate act of humility and perfect obedience fully satisfies God's righteous demands, offering true and lasting peace to every tender and contrite heart that trusts in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 32:26

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Jeremiah 36:23

And it came to pass, [that] when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast [it] into the fire that [was] on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that [was] on the hearth.

Jeremiah 36:24

Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, [neither] the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.

2 Kings 22:18

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [As touching] the words which thou hast heard;