2 Kings 22:19

19 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.

2 Kings 22:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 22:19

Because thine heart was tender
Soft like wax, and susceptible of impressions; or was "moved", or "trembled", as the Targum; for God has respect to such as are of contrite hearts, and tremble at his word, ( Isaiah 66:2 ) ,

and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord;
external humiliation, such as in Ahab, was regarded by the Lord, much more internal and cordial humiliation is regarded by him, see ( 1 Kings 21:29 ) ,

when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the
inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse;
as in ( Leviticus 26:1 ) ( Deuteronomy 28:1 )

and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me;
as expressive of the inward contrition, sorrow, and grief of his heart:

I also have heard thee, saith the Lord:
his cries and prayers.

2 Kings 22:19 In-Context

17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it shall not be quenched.
18 But unto the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Jehovah, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: As touching the words which thou hast heard,
19 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.
20 Therefore, behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.