2 Kings 19:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hearing the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah tears his clothes, dons sackcloth, and goes up to the temple.
What Does 2 Kings 19:1 Mean?
The chapter opens where the last one ended: the field commander of Assyria has hurled taunts at Jerusalem and against the living God. When the report reaches King Hezekiah, he does not call a council of war or send for tribute. He tears his garments, wraps himself in sackcloth, and walks into the house of the LORD.
Sackcloth and torn robes were the dress of grief and repentance, the body confessing what words could not. Yet notice the direction Hezekiah moves: not deeper into the palace, but up to the temple. When the news is too heavy to carry, the king carries it to God. Here is the first instinct of faith under siege, to bring the unbearable straight into the presence of the One who hears.
2 Kings 19:1 in the Original Language
saq (שַׂק), 'sackcloth' -- coarse cloth worn against the skin as a sign of mourning and humble petition.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 19:1
What does 2 Kings 19:1 mean?
Hearing the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah tears his clothes, dons sackcloth, and goes up to the temple.