2 Kings Chapter 19 · Verse 1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙
heard
H8085
כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
4 of 12
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
וַיִּקְרַ֖ע
it that he rent
H7167
וַיִּקְרַ֖ע
it that he rent
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
5 of 12
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּתְכַּ֣ס
and covered
H3680
וַיִּתְכַּ֣ס
and covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
בַּשָּׂ֔ק
himself with sackcloth
H8242
בַּשָּׂ֔ק
himself with sackcloth
Strong's:
H8242
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and went
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
1 Kings 21:27And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.2 Kings 18:37Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.Genesis 37:34And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 19 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (God Delivers Jerusalem) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.