2 Kings 22:19

19 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard 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 forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched.' " '

18 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, 'Thus says the Lord God of Israel: "Concerning the words which you have heard--

19 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the Lord.

20 Surely, therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place." ' " So they brought back word to the king.