2 Kings 22:19
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.
2 Kings 22:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 2 Kings 22:19 signifies the importance of having a tender heart and humbling oneself before the Lord. In this context, the verse refers to King Josiah, who upon hearing the words of the Lord, tore his clothes in repentance, wept before God, and acknowledged his own sinfulness and that of his people. By demonstrating sincere humility and remorse, Josiah showed his willingness to listen to God's word and respond accordingly. The verse emphasizes the significance of genuine repentance and contrition, as well as the power of recognition and submission to God’s will. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, compassion, and sensitivity towards the divine teachings, and the consequences of disobedience. God acknowledges and appreciates Josiah's response, showing that a tender heart and true repentance are pleasing in His sight.
Theological Overview
This verse from 2 Kings 22:19 highlights the importance of having a tender heart and humbling oneself before the Lord. In the theological interpretation of this verse, we see that King Josiah's response to hearing the judgment spoken against his people and their land was one of true repentance and sorrow. His actions of ripping his clothes and weeping before the Lord demonstrate a genuine humility and contrition for the sins of his people. This verse reminds us of the power of repentance and the compassion of the Lord towards those who turn to Him with a humble heart. The word study of 'tender' in this context conveys the idea of sensitivity and softness towards God's will, while 'humbled' reflects a posture of deep humility and submission. As we reflect on this verse, may it challenge us to examine our own hearts and strive to cultivate a spirit of tenderness and humility before the Lord in all circumstances.
2 Kings 22:19 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you,’ says Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
And thy heart hath been moved to fear, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, hearing the words against this place, and the inhabitants thereof, to wit, that they should become a wonder and a curse: and thou hast rent thy garments, and wept before me; I also have heard thee; saith the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But because thine heart did melt, and thou hast humbled thy selfe before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants of the same, to wit, that it should be destroyed and accursed, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me, I haue also heard it, saith the Lord.