2 Kings 22:11

Modern

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes

Traditional

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

Literal

And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his garments.

Latin

…et audisset rex verba libri legis Domini, scidit vestimenta sua.

Hebrew

English

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes

Like Hezekiah before him (2 Kings 19:1), Josiah tore his clothes in deep sorrow for his own spiritual state and that of the people of Judah.
have not obeyed the words of this book: The part Shaphan read to Josiah reminded him of God's claim on his people, the need to stay faithful to the covenant, and the consequences for unfaithfulness (see Deuteronomy 28). Realizing that Judah had not followed the law, Josiah rightly feared the Lord's great anger.

Theme notes and profiles

2 Chronicles 34:19
When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes
Joel 2:13
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
Jonah 3:6–7
When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
Jeremiah 36:24
Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.
2 Kings 22:19
…because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.
Joshua 7:6
Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.