2 Kings 22:19

KJV

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because thine heart {H3824} was tender {H7401}, and thou hast humbled {H3665} thyself before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, when thou heardest {H8085} what I spake {H1696} against this place {H4725}, and against the inhabitants {H3427} thereof, that they should become a desolation {H8047} and a curse {H7045}, and hast rent {H7167} thy clothes {H899}, and wept {H1058} before {H6440} me; I also have heard {H8085} thee, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before ADONAI when you heard what I said against this place and its inhabitants - that they would become an object of astonishment and cursing - and have torn 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 the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because 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 Jehovah, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 22:19 records the LORD's profound and compassionate response to King Josiah's deep humility and genuine repentance. Upon hearing the newly rediscovered Book of the Law and realizing the severe judgment pronounced against Judah, Josiah displayed overwhelming grief and contrition, tearing his clothes and weeping before God. This verse powerfully reveals God's character as one who discerns and responds to a truly broken and tender heart, offering a personal reprieve to Josiah even as the broader national judgment remains decreed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the dramatic discovery of [the Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple during its repairs. When the book was read before Josiah, its pronouncements of judgment for covenant disobedience struck him with overwhelming conviction, leading him to [tear his clothes](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law") as a profound sign of grief and repentance. In response to his distress, Josiah dispatched a delegation to inquire of the LORD through the prophetess Huldah. Huldah confirmed the severe judgment destined for Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion, stating, "Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read" ([2 Kings 22:16-17](/2_kings/22-16-17 "2 Kings 22:16-17 - Huldah's Prophecy of Judgment")). Verse 19, therefore, is God's direct, personal message to Josiah, delivered through Huldah, acknowledging his unique response and granting a distinct mercy that delays the judgment during his lifetime.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant religious reform. He ascended the throne at a young age, inheriting a kingdom deeply entrenched in idolatry and syncretism, a lamentable legacy of his predecessors Manasseh and Amon. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law (widely believed to be a portion of Deuteronomy) was a watershed moment, starkly revealing the extent of Judah's deviation from the Mosaic covenant and its severe consequences. In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite culture, tearing one's clothes was a public and visceral expression of extreme grief, despair, or profound shock, often accompanied by weeping. This act was not mere ritual but a genuine outpouring of deep emotional and spiritual distress. Josiah's actions were a sincere manifestation of a contrite spirit, standing in stark contrast to the hardened hearts of many within Judah who had ignored God's commands for generations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights **Genuine Repentance**, emphasizing that God looks beyond outward show to the heart's true condition, as seen in Josiah's "tender heart" and self-humbling. Second, it illustrates **God's Responsiveness to Humility**, demonstrating divine compassion and willingness to show mercy to individuals who genuinely seek Him, even when corporate judgment is unavoidable. Third, it affirms the **Transformative Power of God's Word**, as the hearing of the Law directly convicted Josiah and initiated his profound repentance and subsequent reforms. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD," emphasizes **Divine Hearing and Acknowledgment**, assuring Josiah that his cries were not in vain and that God is attentive to the lamentations of a contrite spirit, a theme beautifully echoed in [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, this word refers to the innermost part of a person, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. In this context, Josiah's "tender heart" signifies his internal receptivity and sensitivity to God's word and conviction, contrasting sharply with the hardened hearts of his predecessors and the majority of Judah's population. It implies an openness to divine truth and a capacity to be deeply moved by it.
* **Humbled (Hebrew, _kânaʻ'_):** From H3665, this primitive root means "to bend the knee," "to subdue oneself," or "to be brought low." When applied to Josiah, it denotes a voluntary act of self-abasement before God, acknowledging His sovereignty, holiness, and one's own sinfulness and unworthiness. It implies a surrender of pride and a submission to God's will and judgment, which is the antithesis of the rebellion that characterized much of Judah's history.
* **Wept (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** From H1058, this primitive root means "to weep" or "to bemoan." In the context of Josiah's response, it describes a profound, outward expression of intense grief, remorse, and spiritual anguish. This weeping, performed "before me" (God), signifies that his outward displays were not for human show but were genuine manifestations of an internal conviction and a broken spirit in God's presence, acknowledging the gravity of sin and impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thine heart was tender":** This initial clause identifies the foundational internal disposition that pleased the LORD. Josiah's heart was not hardened, indifferent, or rebellious, but rather receptive and sensitive to God's word and the weighty implications of the covenant. This internal state was the essential root from which all his subsequent actions flowed.
* **"and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD":** This expands upon the tender heart, describing Josiah's active, volitional response. He did not merely feel sorrow but actively abased himself, acknowledging God's supreme authority and his own humble position before the divine. This profound humility was directed specifically "before the LORD," indicating a God-ward orientation of his repentance, not a mere human display.
* **"when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof":** This specifies the direct catalyst for Josiah's reaction: the authoritative word of God, as revealed in the rediscovered Law. It powerfully highlights the transformative power of divine revelation to expose sin and judgment, and Josiah's willingness to truly hear, internalize, and be convicted by this message. The judgment was pronounced against "this place" (referring to Jerusalem and Judah) and "the inhabitants thereof," underscoring the corporate nature of the impending doom.
* **"that they should become a desolation and a curse":** This clause details the specific, severe nature of the judgment Josiah heard and was so deeply moved by. "Desolation" implies utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment, while "curse" signifies divine disfavor, the withdrawal of blessing, and the devastating consequences of covenant breach. This pronouncement underscored the gravity of Judah's persistent sin and the certainty of God's righteous judgment.
* **"and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me":** These are the outward, visible, and culturally recognized manifestations of Josiah's internal tenderness and profound humility. Tearing clothes and weeping "before me" (God) are powerful acts of lament and contrition, demonstrating the depth of his grief and repentance in direct response to God's word. They signify a complete spiritual breakdown and surrender to the truth of God's righteous judgment.
* **"I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD":** This concluding declaration is God's direct, affirmative, and personal response to Josiah. Despite the severity of the national judgment, God personally acknowledges and responds to Josiah's individual repentance. The phrase "saith the LORD" lends divine authority, certainty, and solemnity to this promise, assuring Josiah that his humble cries were not in vain and that his personal plea for mercy was indeed heard and honored.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Cause and Effect** is central to the verse's structure, as Josiah's tender heart, humility, and outward expressions of grief (the cause) directly lead to God's personal hearing and the postponement of judgment for him (the effect). The description of Jerusalem and its inhabitants becoming a "desolation and a curse" utilizes powerful **Imagery** and borders on **Hyperbole** to emphasize the severity and totality of the impending judgment, painting a vivid picture of divine wrath. **Symbolism** is powerfully present in the act of "renting clothes and weeping," which are universally understood as outward signs of profound internal anguish, remorse, and repentance, signifying a broken spirit. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD" employs **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory perception (hearing) to God. This device makes God's responsiveness relatable and assures the human recipient that God genuinely engages with His people's cries. This combination of devices effectively communicates the gravity of the situation and the profound impact of genuine repentance on divine action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to justice alongside His profound responsiveness to genuine repentance and humility. It underscores that while corporate sin may lead to corporate judgment, God maintains a personal relationship with individuals and responds to their contrite hearts. Josiah's experience serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, offering a personal reprieve even in the face of broader societal consequences. This divine characteristic highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to act both corporately and individually, demonstrating that His mercy is always available to those who truly turn to Him, acknowledging their sin and humbling themselves before His holy presence.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Will Humble Themselves")
* [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")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's story in 2 Kings 22:19 stands as a timeless beacon, calling believers across generations to cultivate a heart that is tender and profoundly receptive to God's word. In an age where spiritual hardening can easily occur through constant exposure to sin, indifference, or the distractions of the world, Josiah's immediate and visceral response to divine truth serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of allowing Scripture to penetrate our deepest being. His humility, expressed through outward signs of sorrow and internal contrition, teaches us that true repentance is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of sin but a heartfelt turning away from it, accompanied by a genuine desire to align with God's perfect will. This verse encourages us to embrace humility as a direct pathway to God's ear, reminding us that even when facing difficult circumstances or the inevitable consequences of sin, God's personal mercy and grace are extended to those who approach Him with a broken and contrite spirit. Our engagement with God's word should always lead to honest self-examination and a willing posture of humility before the LORD, trusting that He hears and responds to the sincere cries of His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How sensitive is your heart to the conviction of God's Word in your life today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to humble yourself more deeply before Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "tender heart" that is consistently receptive to divine truth and correction?**
* **How does Josiah's experience encourage you about God's willingness to hear and respond to your personal prayers and acts of repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for a heart to be "tender" in a biblical sense?**

Answer: In the biblical context, a "tender heart" (Hebrew: `lêbâb` with the adjective `râkak`) signifies a heart that is soft, sensitive, and pliable, particularly to God's word and conviction. It is the spiritual opposite of a "hardened heart," which is resistant, stubborn, and unresponsive to divine truth or correction. Josiah's tender heart allowed him to be deeply affected by the rediscovered Book of the Law, leading to genuine repentance and humility, rather than indifference or defiance. This receptivity is crucial for spiritual growth, obedience, and maintaining a right relationship with God.

**Did Josiah's repentance avert the judgment on Judah?**

Answer: While Josiah's personal repentance did not avert the ultimate judgment prophesied against Judah, it did postpone it during his lifetime. The prophetess Huldah confirmed that the judgment would indeed come upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, stating, "Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read" ([2 Kings 22:16-17](/2_kings/22-16-17 "2 Kings 22:16-17 - Huldah's Prophecy of Judgment")). However, because of Josiah's tender heart and profound humility, God promised him, "Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring on this place" ([2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - God's Promise to Josiah")). This demonstrates God's mercy and individual responsiveness, even in the context of corporate judgment that ultimately came upon the nation after Josiah's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 22:19, with its emphasis on Josiah's tender heart and profound humility leading to God's hearing and mercy, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of humility and obedience found in Jesus Christ. Josiah's self-abasement before God's word points to the [Son of God, who, though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation"). Jesus' entire life was one of perfect obedience and humility, culminating in His willing submission to the Father's will even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where Josiah's humility brought a temporary reprieve from judgment, Christ's perfect humility and sacrifice bring eternal salvation and a permanent hearing before God for all who believe. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose [tender heart](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands") and perfect obedience absorbed the full curse and desolation that humanity deserved, for [He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Through His finished work, we, like Josiah, can approach God with a contrite spirit, knowing that our cries are not only heard but answered through the [intercession of our great High Priest](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), who perfectly fulfilled the law and bore its judgment on our behalf.

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

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

1 Kings 21:29

Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

Exodus 10:3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

1 Samuel 24:5

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.