2 Kings 22:11 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

When the king heard the words from the book of the law, he tore his clothes.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

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

This happened when King Josiah of Judah heard the book of the law (likely Deuteronomy) that had been discovered in the temple during renovation work around 621 BC. The kingdom had strayed far from God's commands for generations, and when Josiah heard what God required versus how his people were actually living, he was overwhelmed with grief. Tearing one's clothes was a common ancient Middle Eastern expression of deep sorrow, mourning, or repentance.

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2 Chronicles 34:27

Because your heart was soft and responsive, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words of judgment against this place and its people, and you humbled yourself before me, tearing your clothes and weeping before me—I have heard you, says the LORD.

Jeremiah 36:24

But they were not afraid, and they didn't tear their clothes in grief or repentance—not the king or any of his officials who heard all these words.

1 Kings 21:27

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes and put on rough sackcloth against his skin. He fasted and lay down in sackcloth, and walked around quietly and humbly.

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