2 Kings 22:19

19 Because your heart was soft, and you made yourself low before me, when you had word of what I said against this place and its people, that they would become a waste and a curse, and you gave signs of grief, weeping before me: truly, I have given ear to you, says the Lord.

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 given me up, burning offerings to other gods and moving me to wrath by all the work of their hands; so my wrath will be on fire against this place, and will not be put out.
18 But to the king of Judah who sent you to get directions from the Lord, say, This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, has said: As to the words which have come to your ears,
19 Because your heart was soft, and you made yourself low before me, when you had word of what I said against this place and its people, that they would become a waste and a curse, and you gave signs of grief, weeping before me: truly, I have given ear to you, says the Lord.
20 For this cause I will let you go to your fathers and be put in your last resting-place in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will send on this place. So they took this news back to the king.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.