2 Kings 19:1

Authorized King James Version

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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.)
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ And it came to pass when king H4428
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ And it came to pass when king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 3 of 12
a king
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)
בְּגָדָ֑יו his clothes H899
בְּגָדָ֑יו his clothes
Strong's: H899
Word #: 7 of 12
a covering, i.e., clothing
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)
בֵּ֥ית into the house H1004
בֵּ֥ית into the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 11 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of 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.

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

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