And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
When the king heard the words from the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
King Josiah was so deeply moved and grieved by hearing God's law that he tore his clothes as a sign of mourning and repentance.
📚 Historical Context
King Josiah was ruling Judah around 640-609 BC when the Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy or related texts, was discovered in the temple during renovations ordered by the king. Upon hearing its words, which revealed how the nation had abandoned God's commandments, Josiah tore his clothes as a traditional sign of deep mourning and repentance. This event sparked a major religious revival, leading to reforms that sought to eliminate idolatry and restore faithful worship in Judah.
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